Mamma Kandeh

Mama Kandeh (born 12 July 1965) is a Gambian politician and leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC). Kandeh served as member of parliament of Jimana constituency from 2007 to 2012 and as member of the Pan-African Parliament from the Gambia. He expulsion from the APRC in 2013 and founded the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) political party in 2016. Since then he has contested the 2016 and 2021 Gambian presidential elections.

Early life and education Mama Kandeh was born on 12 July 1965 in Sare Birom village Jimara district. He attended Crab Island School in Banjul for his early education before enrolling at the Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI).

Political career Kandeh entered national politics as a member of the APRC. Kandeh entered national politics as a member of the APRC. Kandeh was elected to the National Assembly in the 2007 Gambian parliamentary election. He defeated Adama Barrow the United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate and current president of the Gambia.

Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC)

Following his expulsion from the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) in April 2013. Kandeh founded the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) in May 2016. At the party's first press conference after its registration, Kandeh described the GDC as a party committed to democracy, equality, social justice, respect for human rights, and inclusive national development.

2021 Presidential election Mama Kandeh was again the presidential candidate of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) in the 2021 Gambian presidential election. That marked his second consecutive bid for the presidency after contesting in 2016. His campaign was backed by the GDC and supported by a faction of the former ruling APRC .He was endorsed by ex-President and former rival Yahya Jammeh. The election was held on 4 December 2021. According to the official results announced by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). Kandeh received 105,902 votes (12.32%). He finished third again behind incumbent Adama Barrow and Ousainou Darboe. Although his vote share declined from 17.07% in 2016 to 12.32% in 2021. He increased his total number of votes from 89,768 to 105,902.

Following the announcement of the election results. Mama Kandeh joined opposition candidates Ousainou Darboe and Essa Mbye Faal in rejecting the preliminary results announced by the IEC. The three candidates cited concerns over delays in the announcement of results. And they that alleged their party agents reported irregularities.