Get Guardian on GoogleGambian opposition leader Talib Ahmed Bensouda has entered the country’s presidential race despite allegations against him from his time as mayor. Bensouda submitted his candidacy documents on Saturday, November 7, while dismissing a government report alleging financial misappropriation and abuse of office.
The opposition leader described the report as a politically motivated attempt to derail his presidential ambition.
Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the former mayor of Kanifing Municipality and leader of the UNITE party, filed his expression of interest form at the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) offices in Kanifing, while submitting his voter’s card, educational certificates, national identity card, tax clearance, proof of resignation from his mayoral post, and asset declaration alongside the mandatory D1 million nomination deposit.
Bensouda’s move was met with celebrations from supporters of the UNITE-led coalition who have backed his advocacy for term limits and his track record of supporting local services during his eight-year tenure as Mayor of Kanifing Municipality.
His nomination came just days after the ruling government published a White Paper on the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, which recommended action taken against him over his alleged involvement in financial mismanagement, including reckless spending and abuse of office. The report, released a day before the nomination period, fueled accusations of political interference from the government.
Bensouda’s party accused President Adama Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP) of witch-hunting its candidate in a bid to weaken and eventually block his candidature ahead of the election next month, while also claiming that the allegations levelled against him have not been proven by the court of law.
The Unite coalition leader said his candidacy is not affected by the report on the White Paper released by the government and believes he is qualified to contest for the post after submitting his documents. Bensouda added that he is confident that the electoral body will act in accordance with the law.
“My candidacy is not attacked at all by the government white paper. I am in no way disqualified, and am sure the IEC would do the right thing”
He went on to defend his tenure as Mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council while refuting the report on misconduct, as he described the submission of the inquiry as an indication of structural deficiency in local government administration which requires legislative reforms.
As the presidential election draws close, Section 62(3)(c) of the electoral law disqualifies any candidate found guilty of any form of misconduct by a commission of inquiry. Political analysts in Gambia have noted that the Paper could be used as a basis to disqualify Bensouda.
However, the IEC has assured it will do due diligence and examine the endorsements on Bensouda’s nomination before announcing its verdict in the days ahead.
Meanwhile, President Barrow ambition for a third term in office has been met with strong aversion by the Gambian populace. Epileptic power supply since June, rising cost of living, and insecurity have triggered protests and demands for Barrow’s resignation and have also formed talking points in opposition parties’ campaigns.
Bensouda is one of several opposition candidates, including veteran opposition leader Ousainou Darboe of the United Democratic Party (UDP), who are seeking to end President Adama Barrow term.
Talib Ahmed Bensouda’s candidacy is still subject to the IEC’s final approval, but the former Mayor’s defiant filing for the presidency proves the former Mayor is confident of being vindicated in the build-up to the election next month.
