(JollofNews) – The electoral commission of the Gambia Wednesday accepted the nomination of Adama Barrow as the main challenger of President Yahya Jammeh in next month’s elections.
Mr Barrow, 51, is heading a coalition of opposition parties including the Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), the National Reconciliation Party (NRP), the Gambia Moral Congress (GMC), the National Convention Party (NCP), the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) the Gambia Party for Democracy and Progress (GPDP).
A female independent candidate Dr Isatou Touray has also joined the coalition.
Wearing a white traditional haftan and a Gambian flag scarf, Mr Barrow was accompanied to the electoral commission’s office by his colleagues in the opposition and thousands of jubilant supporters who chanted traditional victory songs.
As part of the nomination process, Mr Barrow made a declaration of his assets and showed proof to the commission that he has got the backing of 5000 registered voters. He also paid a deposit of D500,000 and proof of his income tax clearance in compliance with the electoral law.
Accepting his nomination papers, Alieu Momar Njie, chairman of the electoral commission, assured him that the elections would be free and fair and would also reflect the wish of the electorate.
The Gambia with a population of less than two million, will hold presidential election on 1st December with 886, 578 Gambians expected to vote, according official figures from the electoral commission.
The country is being ruled by president Yahya Jammeh since July 1994 who is seeking a fifth term in office.
