In its recently released 2024 executive draft, the Gambian government has amended a clause from the 2020 draft that required presidential candidates to present a mental health certificate and an undergraduate degree with five years of work experience.
Defending the changes, the government stated that most democratic nations no longer demand a university degree as a prerequisite for running for office.
“The underlying principle is the democratic belief that any eligible voter should also have the right to run for office, irrespective of their formal education. This ensures inclusivity and prevents the lack of education from being a barrier to political participation,” the government explained.The government also clarified that mental health provisions serve as safeguards to disqualify individuals who are legally or functionally incapacitated, without overextending into personal freedoms with comprehensive assessments.
On shifting the responsibility for receiving presidential candidates’ asset declarations from the Anti-Corruption Commission to the Independent Boundary and Electoral Commission (IBEC), the government emphasized that this move aims to streamline the process. It allows for better coordination and centralization, simplifying the nomination process and reducing delays. IBEC will now handle asset declarations to ensure compliance with the law, while the Anti-Corruption Commission continues to focus on corruption and integrity issues.
According to the government, assigning this role to IBEC enhances the efficiency of the electoral process by leveraging the expertise of the body directly responsible for overseeing elections.
