Gambia’s Yahya Jammeh Rejects Election Results

Gambia’s Yahya Jammeh Rejects Election Results


Gambian incumbent president Yahya Jammeh has rejected election results a week after conceding defeat to Adama Barrow.

In an announcement on state television, Jammeh cited “abnormalities” in the election held earlier this month and called for fresh elections.

“After a thorough investigation, I have decided to reject the outcome of the recent election,” Jammeh said.

“I lament serious and unacceptable abnormalities which have reportedly transpired during the electoral process,” he added.

Jammeh, who took power in a coup in 1994, was defeated by Adama Barrow, who won more than 43% of the vote.

Barrow accused the incumbent of damaging democracy by refusing to accept the result. His transition team said the president-elect was safe.

The results were revised by the country’s electoral commission on 5 December, when it emerged that the ballots for one area were added incorrectly, swelling Barrow’s vote.

The error, which also added votes to the other candidates, “has not changed the status quo” of the result, the commission said.

It however narrowed Barrow’s margin of victory from 9% to 4%.

According to Jammeh fresh elections s should be held to determine the genuine winner.

“I recommend fresh and transparent elections which will be officiated by a God-fearing and independent electoral commission.”

 

 

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