National Assembly Approves D1 Million Nomination Fee

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National Assembly Approves D1 Million Nomination Fee
National Assembly Approves D1 Million Nomination Fee

Africa-Press – Gambia. The National Assembly has approved significant increases in nomination fees for candidates vying for various public offices, including a drastic hike in the presidential nomination fee. The changes were approved on Tuesday during the consideration stage of the Elections Bill.

Under the new amendments, the nomination fee for presidential candidates has been raised from D10,000 to D1 million, with 33 members voting in favor and 3 voting against the proposal.

Similarly, the nomination deposit for mayoral and chairperson candidates has been increased to D100,000, while that for National Assembly candidates has risen from D5,000 to D150,000.

The fee for councillor candidates has also been increased, from D3,000 to D10,000, a measure that saw a narrower margin of approval, with 18 members voting in favor and 15 against.

The Elections Bill, tabled by Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dawda A. Jallow, seeks to repeal the existing Elections Act, Cap. 3:01 and introduce a new Elections Act that aligns with international best practices. The bill aims to uphold the principles of free and fair elections in The Gambia.

According to the government, the proposed law is designed to reflect the evolving needs and aspirations of the electorate in a democratic society. It emphasizes inclusive political participation by all eligible citizens through voting.

In addition to the changes in nomination fees, the bill also outlines detailed procedures for the publication and analysis of final election results. It mandates the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to provide a clear and structured presentation of results following elections or referendums.

The Elections Bill remains under review at the consideration stage in the National Assembly.

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