The Independent Electoral Commission has accepted the nomination of 6 candidates to contest the 2021 presidential elections, disqualifying 15. In a statement read before journalists on Saturday evening, the chairman of the electoral commission, Alieu Mamour Njai, said 5 people have cancelled their nominations.

The 6 candidates are Ousainou Darboe of United Democratic Party, Mama Kandeh of Gambia Democratic Congress, Halifa Sallah of Peoples’ Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism, president Adama Barrow of National Peoples’ Party, independent candidate Essa Mbaye Faal and Abdoulie Ebrima Jammeh of National Unity Party.

Gambians head to polls on December 4, in what is expected to be a closely contested elections. The country’s president Barrow is nominated for his second term bid, facing his former party leader Ousainou Darboe and Mama Kandeh of Gambia Democratic Congress as his main challengers.

Twenty-five candidates have filed for nominations, all of which were rejected by the electoral authorities.

The disqualified candidates are Joseph Henry Joof, Marie Sock, Alhagie Mamadi Kurang, Ebrima Tabora Manneh, Momodou Bah, Lamin Satu Bojang, Mai Ahmed Fatty, Mamadou K.S Camara, Dr Ismaila Ceesay, Sheikh Tijan Hydara, Alieu Sowe, Sheikh Matarr Nyang, Papa Faal, Yusupha A. Dumbuya and Bankole Yao Jojo Ahadzie.