(JollofNews) – Mamma Kandeh, leader of the opposition Gambia Democratic Congress party (GDC) has been nominated to partake in next month’s presidential election in the Gambia.
Mr Kandeh, 51, accompanied by senior officials of his party, handed in his nomination papers at the headquarters of the country’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Monday.
The Gambia will hold presidential election on 1st December, with legislative and local polls to follow in April 2017 and April 2018.
The small West African nation of less than two million people has been ruled by President Yahya Jammeh since 1994, when the then 29-year-old seized power in a bloodless coup.
Mr Jammeh who is eyeing a fifth term was re-elected in 2011 with 72 per cent of the votes.
After going through Mr Kandeh’s paperwork including his declaration of assets and prove of income tax payment, Alieu Momar Njie, chairmaGambia of the electoral commission, assured him that the elections would be free and fair and would also reflect the wish of the electorate.
Mr Kandeh, who used to be a ruling APRC National Assembly Member for Jimara constituency, has expressed optimism of winning the election.
He called on Gambians to respect the laws of the country and also preserve the country’s image as a loving and peaceful nation.
He added: “I therefore call for an election free violence because GDC is commitment to comply with the country’s electoral laws.
Born on 12 July 1965, Mr Kandeh attended Crab Island School in Banjul and Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI) in Jeshwang KMC.
