By: Modou Touray

Dr. Isatou Touray, a holder of a PhD in Development Studies from the University of Sussex in England, is set to make history in The Gambia’s December 5 presidential election as the first woman to have her name and photograph featured on a presidential ballot paper. Her candidacy was approved by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Thursday.

Dr. Touray’s political journey dates back to 2016, when she was serving as Executive Director of the Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (GAMCOTRAP). At the time, she had presidential ambitions but later stepped aside to support Adama Barrow, who emerged as the opposition coalition’s flagbearer.

Following the election that brought an end to former President Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year rule, Dr. Touray was appointed Minister of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment. She was later transferred to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare during a cabinet reshuffle.

She subsequently rose to the position of Vice President, serving as a key member of President Barrow’s administration and maintaining her support for his leadership.

In 2021, Dr. Touray actively campaigned for Barrow’s re-election. However, following his victory for a second term, she was replayed from the vice presidency and returned to her activism, continuing her advocacy against harmful traditional practices affecting women and children.

During her political comeback, she openly criticised President Barrow’s leadership, describing him as incompetent and arguing that the country deserved better leadership.

Doubts were put to rest last week when Dr. Touray arrived at the Election House accompanied by supporters to submit her nomination documents to the IEC.

She was among the first presidential aspirants to present her nomination papers, signalling her determination to contest the December 5 election.

With the IEC’s approval of her candidacy, Dr. Touray is now poised to break a significant political barrier in The Gambia, marking a historic milestone for women’s participation in the country’s presidential elections.