In
a shock move, the President of Gambia, Yahya Jammeh who earlier in the
month conceded defeat has rejected the election results and called for a
fresh election.
Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh
Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh said on Friday he rejects the
outcome of last week's election that he lost to opposition leader Adama
Barrow and called for fresh elections.
The announcement made on state television throws the future of the
West African country into doubt after an unexpected election result that
ended Jammeh's 22-year rule and was widely seen as a moment of
democratic hope.
"After a thorough investigation, I have decided to reject the
outcome of the recent election. I lament serious and unacceptable
abnormalities which have reportedly transpired during the electoral
process," Jammeh said.
"I recommend fresh and transparent elections which will be officiated by a god-fearing and independent electoral commission," he said.
Human rights groups said Jammeh's government detained, tortured and
killed opponents during his rule and his defeat sparked wild
celebrations. But some people also said they doubted whether he would
accept defeat.
Official election results from the electoral commission gave
Barrow, a real estate developer who once worked as a security guard at
retailer Argos in London, 45.5 percent of the vote against Jammeh's 36.7
percent.
Barrow is set to take over in late January following a transition period.
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