Pap Leader Says He Is Ready To Contest December Polls

The People’s Alliance Party (PAP) presidential aspirant Ebrima Tobora Manneh says he is better prepared to contest the 5 December 2026 presidential election after learning hard lessons from his failed nomination in 2021.

Manneh presented his nomination credentials to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) yesterday.

He said his previous rejection was because his party was not registered at the time, forcing him to contest as an independent candidate.

“The previous experience had strengthened my understanding of the nomination process. I am confident that this helped me to understand and fulfil the necessary requirements.”

“We have gone through this process. This is not the first time. That is why we came better prepared. We have done the right thing, and we have faith in the system.”

Manneh said his politics is driven by love for The Gambia and a desire to see it become one of Africa’s leading nations.

Having lived in the United States for 13 years and travelled to Canada and other countries, he said The Gambia remains where he wants to see meaningful development.

“I have nine children. I was born here. My children were all born and raised in this country. The Gambia means more to me than anywhere in the world.”

He criticised the government’s record, arguing The Gambia is falling behind other African nations in healthcare, education, employment and security, and questioned why the country has struggled to achieve significant economic progress.

Comparing The Gambia to Singapore and Rwanda, he said the country has the potential for remarkable development if properly managed.

On the economy, he called for empowerment of indigenous Gambian businesses and greater local participation. Citing South Korea’s Samsung and LG, he argued government must create an environment for local businesses to grow into major players.

“The Gambia’s economy should be dominated by Gambians, with greater opportunities for local entrepreneurs to build businesses, create wealth and generate employment.”

He said strengthening local ownership would help create millionaires and billionaires and reduce dependence on foreign economic interests.