Gambian President Adama Barrow officially submitted his candidacy documents to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Tuesday ahead of the presidential election scheduled for December 5.
The decision reignites controversy over a third term, as the head of state had previously assured that his second term in office would be his last.
Aged 61, the leader arrived at the IEC headquarters accompanied by his two wives and was welcomed by thousands of supporters of the National People's Party (NPP), dressed in gray and gathered to show their support.
Adama Barrow came to power in December 2016 after defeating Yahya Jammeh, who had ruled The Gambia for more than two decades. He was subsequently re-elected in 2021, winning the election against his former political ally Ousainu Darboe, candidate of the United Democratic Party (UDP).
Before IEC Chairman Joseph Colley, the head of state completed the necessary formalities to register his candidacy. The application includes proof of Gambian citizenship, a tax clearance certificate, and a declaration of assets. Candidates must also pay a deposit of one million dalasis and submit at least 5,000 supporting signatures.
At the end of the procedure, Joseph Colley informed the incumbent president that the various stakeholders in the election had signed a political peace pact.
Speaking to the press, Adama Barrow defended his record, stating that his ten years in office had helped preserve peace and achieve significant progress in infrastructure development. He also pledged to continue his "Yiriwa” program, which means "growth” in Mandinka.
The program notably includes improving access to electricity in the most remote communities and developing the agricultural sector. For the incumbent president, peace and stability remain the essential foundations of national prosperity.
However, the issue of presidential term limits remains at the center of the debate. While expressing support for this principle, Adama Barrow justified his new candidacy by citing requests from his supporters, arguing that he could not ignore their desire to see his program continue. He also cited the German example to defend the idea that effective governance does not necessarily depend on limiting the number of terms in office.
Nevertheless, the leader pledged to amend the Constitution to introduce presidential term limits if he wins the December 5 election. This promise comes as his decision to seek a third term revives debate over his previous political commitments.
To defend his candidacy, Adama Barrow highlights his experience as head of state and the continuity of his government's policies. He believes his record gives him an advantage over opponents who, according to him, have less experience in governing.
His main rival remains Ousainu Darboe, his former political mentor, who submitted his candidacy to the IEC on Monday, accompanied by numerous UDP activists and members of allied political parties.
In total, 1.1 million Gambians are registered to vote in this election, which takes place amid political debate over term limits and the future of governance in the country.