The underdogs who want to be Gambia president

By Omar Wally

The Gambia's presidential election, due to be held in a few weeks, has attracted a diverse cast of candidates. Three of them have especially captured public attention.

Former teacher Mamadi Camara, 63, has plans to fix The Gambia's economy but he's also driven by a quest to clear his name after he was accused of stealing 1,000 bags of rice some 20 years ago and was suspended without pay for a year.

Bankole Yao Jojo Ahadzie, known by his nickname Banky, wants to be the country's first Rastafarian leader. 

The 43-year-old engineer promises to serve only one five-year term,. He also says he wants to create jobs for the youth, offer free education and improve sports management, as well as legalise marijuana.

Property entrepreneur Marie Sock, whose age is unknown, is the only female aspirant in the 4 December election. 

She has however attracted controversy, her critics say her dress code and hair style are inappropriate for a presidential candidate.

Others disapproved of her candidacy because she was not married forcing her to get a partner. 

The presidential race is however seen as a competition between the incumbent President Adama Barrow and long-time opposition leader Ousainou Darboe, Mama Kandeh, who came third in the 2016 presidential election, and Halifa Sallah, another long-time opposition leader.

This article originally appeared on BBC News.

Photo: Mamadi Camara, by Omar Wally