“On November 7, the IEC Must Do Only TWO Things…” — Former Magistrate Mbaye on Talib’s Nomination

What exactly must the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) do when Talib Ahmed Bensouda presents his presidential nomination papers on November 7? Former Magistrate Mbaye breaks down the IEC's legal obligations, arguing that the Commission must focus on just TWO things during the nomination process. Amid the controversy surrounding the government's White Paper on the Local Government Commission of Inquiry and UNITE's challenge to its findings, questions remain about Talib's constitutional eligibility and the IEC's powers. Can the IEC reject his nomination based on the commission's findings? What does the law require, and what happens if his nomination is challenged? In this excerpt from Bitilo's special legal panel, Magistrate Mbaye explains his interpretation of the law and the IEC's responsibilities ahead of November 7. Watch, share your thoughts and join the conversation. #Bitilo #TalibBensouda #IEC #MagistrateMbaye #UNITE #GambiaElections2026 #GambiaPolitics