Gambian president makes U-turn, rejects election results

Gambian leader Yahya Jammeh has rejected the result of the presidential election held earlier this month, a week after admitting defeat.

He said he now recommends fresh and transparent elections which will be officiated by a God-fearing and independent electoral commission

Speaking on state TV, Mr Jammeh cited “abnormalities” in the vote and called for fresh elections.
Mr Jammeh, who came to power in a coup in 1994, suffered a shock defeat to Adama Barrow, who won more than 45% of the vote.

The US “strongly condemned” Mr Jammeh’s statement.

“This action is a reprehensible and unacceptable breach of faith with the people of The Gambia and an egregious attempt to undermine a credible election process and remain in power illegitimately,” said state department spokesman Mark Toner.

Mr Barrow, a property developer, is due to take office in late January. Mai Ahmad Fatty, the head of his transition team, told Reuters they were “consulting on what to do”, adding: “As far as we are concerned, the people have voted. We will maintain peace and stability and not let anyone provoke us into violence.”

The Gambia is the smallest country on mainland Africa, with a population of fewer than two million.

Mr Jammeh said that he now rejected the results of the election “in totality”.
“After a thorough investigation, I have decided to reject the outcome of the recent election,” Mr Jammeh said.

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

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



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  1. A typical African. They never want to leave power. After 22 years in power and he is still reluctant to accept defeat! Africans have greed embedded in their DNA. Look at David Cameron of UK who voluntarily stepped down after just a year into his 2nd term in office. Same goes for Italian prime minister who just resigned. What of New Zealand PM? The list goes on, in advanced countries governed by real human beings. Not these pretended humans of Africa who have no idea what governance or democracy means.

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    1. I am glad you are current as you know what is going on in the world. For those countries you mentioned, one thing is very common with them and that's vibrant laws and human rights. There is respect in the Western world and I am grateful to the Almighty God for giving me the privilege to experience what is it to have compassion and to live in the Western world. Truly, there is endemic problems in Africa. Until we change our mentality and transform our lands for better, the Western world will never respect us. But I am highly optimistic that the president will leave. It now depends on him, whether he wants to leave peacefully or in pieces. The choice is his.

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