By Hatab Fadera

The 2022 National Assembly (NA) elections concluded with an emphatic statement with results highlighting implications for the country’s nascent democracy. From all indications, and despite the abysmal low turnout, the NA polls had been followed with much enthusiasm from an active citizenry interested in having a robust legislature as a co-equal branch of the government. Amidst this enthusiasm, there were concerns. In many quarters, there were doubts and apprehensions regarding the quality of some of the candidates being put forward. In fact, some observers and analysts predicted “the worst” legislature in the offing. However, there were some who had hope in some candidates, especially some effective lawmakers vying for re-election and the caliber of some of the independent candidates that sprung up across the country. All that now is behind us, and the results have been quite startling.

Let’s look at the results and the implications.
One just must give the United Democratic Party (UDP) its due when it comes to resilience, perseverance, and an organic commitment to advancing its interest, and by extension, that of the country. This is by no means a propaganda. This is a fact. For a party that suffered a brushing defeat at the hands of the incumbent to bounce back just four months is no small feat. It tells a lot. There are those who would argue that, in fact, the party has performed badly given that its numbers in the House have dropped from 23 (ignore the expelled 8) to 15+1. This is technically right, it lost seven seats. However, it is important to look at the party’s performance from a broader perspective. In the aftermath of their shocking defeat four months ago, there were some analysts and observers who had predicted a gradual decline of the party’s dominance in the country’s political landscape. In fact, some declared that the 2022 NA polls would be the party’s 40-day charity. While the party was grieving, other optimists concluded an imminent landslide victory for the governing National People’s Party (NPP) in the 2022 NA polls. And rightly so, given the incumbent’s unexpected performance in December. But going by the results, it is clear that the NPP lost more than the UDP. Consider this. President Barrow sanctioned an aggressive political tour to canvass votes for his NPP candidates across the country during which he used his podium to demonize his political opponents and laughed off their woes at December polls. He was accompanied on this tour by a good chunk of his ministers, advisers, and members of his grand coalition partners. Using state resources, they frantically wooed voters to consider their candidates in meetings characterized by huge ambiance and fanfare. Barrow and his team were so determined to win big at all costs to consolidate their political power. Not even the Foni instability had distracted Barrow from achieving this goal. Despite this level of involvement, it is upsetting that the NPP managed to pull just 18 seats, a margin of just two ahead of the UDP. This is a new record for a governing party that has all the resources at its disposal. Thus, the UDP has a bragging right to celebrate what appears a true victory for them given all the circumstances that were against them. This comeback by the party will no doubt rejuvenate its base and embolden it for future elections, the nearest being the forthcoming local government elections in 2023. The comeback is a convincing morale booster for the party, one that will keep alive its dream of a future UDP government. It demonstrates enormous strengthen of the party and its determination to continue fighting even during the most difficult of challenges.

The caveat, though, is that the UDP must not be complacent. If there is anything, the party executives must be more forceful now than ever before. The party’s executive members must be actively involved to keep energizing their ever-committed diaspora and grassroots bases, the core structures of the party. The party’s executive members must always be prepared to dirty their hands if achieving that grand dream of a future UDP government is anything to go by. With the founding generation of the party preparing to hang their boots, the challenge lies on the new younger generational leaders to consolidate all the gains of the party. That, though, will come at a cost, a cost the new leaders must be prepared to shoulder.

NPP’s poor performance and the implications

The astonishing poor performance of the NPP could only be compared to the 1962 general elections when Pierre Sarr Njie, as the country’s Chief Minister and first head of government – the incumbent, lost to Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara’s People’s Progressive Party (PPP), an opposition. That election saw PS Njie’s United Party grabbing 13 seats against PPP’s 18. The defeat led to the slow but eventual natural death of the UP. Since then, no ruling party ever lost a majority in the parliament. It is the first time in 60 years that a governing party failed to garner majority of seats even as it was backed by a coalition of political parties and independents.

Losing Most Important Geographical Regions

The horse party’s performance can best be gauged by its remarkable results in Banjul, Kanifing, and West Coast Region (WCR), regions that form more than 50 percent of the voting population. It is extraordinary that a party that secured 53 percent at the presidential elections got just one seat in these most important geographical and economic regions. These are also the regions with the most enlightened electorate. If I were President Barrow, this would warrant an immediate investigation with serious consequences for party officials. A sitting president could not have lost Banjul, the capital city, Kanifing, the economic superbase, and West Coast, the most populated region of the country. What went wrong would remain a question requiring an academic probe by political scientists.

But let’s look at circumstantial key factors that might led to this.

Firstly, there is apparent dissatisfaction with the Barrow administration, especially months after his victory. Citizens seem dissatisfied with many things, but the unbearable cost of living tops these concerns. Added to this, the apparent indifference of the administration to addressing this critical concern have arguably influenced the outcome. For months, citizens have complained about rising cost of living, demanding an urgent solution. However, the lackluster response and inaction from the government had infuriated many electorate. The only two notable responses from this administration were a Sankareh-issued dispatch, and an embarrassing statement from the Trade Ministry announcing Sierra Leon’s intervention in providing cooking oil to the citizens. Barrow spoke once on it at the airport with a statement that fell far from citizens’ expectation. In that interview, Barrow failed to offer his government’s immediate solution, but instead talked about Gambians turning to agriculture, a long-term solution. All these tell a government clearly lacking a strategy to dealing with high cost of living. Thus, the NA election was seen as an opportunity to punish the administration for failing to address this important concern.

Another important factor that could have influenced the polls is the growing sense of instability and the fear that the country’s sovereignty is being compromised because of the war along Foni borders. Thousands of Gambians fled their communities seeking sanctuaries in other communities due to the conflict. In the midst of this, President Barrow not only failed to speak directly on the issue but went ahead to initiate a nationwide tour to canvass votes for his candidates. On his return, he failed to make a stop at these villages to show his solidarity with the internally displaced Gambians. By these actions, Barrow was effectively telling the Foninkas he cared less about the issue. The war might affect only Foni geographically, but what Gambians could not understand is how their President always comes short in handling critical issues like this. For a president not to directly engage a fleeing section of the population must have been so unforgiving for some electorate, keeping in mind the trajectory of Barrow’s silence on many national issues.

The other factor could be the growing “Macky Sall Effect” that seems to overwhelm Barrow in his ability to assert The Gambia’s national strategic interest. Through a social media content analysis, many Gambians disapproved of Senegal’s growing influence on The Gambia. The sentiments exposed the weakness of this administration in putting forward the country’s interest, thus angering many.

And finally, the expanding nest of public sector corruption, the vilification of senior opposition political leaders by no less a person than the head of state, police brutality, the institutional weaknesses, and the internal wrangling within the NPP have not helped the horse party. Thus, Saturday’s vote was a protest vote, an indictment on the administration.

The results have serious implications for Barrow’s political future. It means that for the next five years, Barrow will have just one representation from Banjul to Kiang. This will be an advantage for the opposition who will use their representation to consolidate their connections with the grassroots as they advocate on their behalf at the legislature. That constant visibility and advocacy in the national bantaba – legislature – will be important for the electorate, especially if their representatives are talking about the right issues and delivering the goods as required.

Having said that, all is not lost for Barrow’s future if he could muster the courage and get back to the drawing board and pursue the very agenda that Gambians set six years ago. There is no guaranty that citizens’ disgruntlement will change sooner unless Barrow apply the radical brakes and get the nation on a path of substantial democracy. If Barrow revitalizes the draft constitution and pursue the legal and legislative reforms, the future of his horse party will be brighter. Failure to listen to these legitimate concerns will tilt NPP to its gradual demise. Barrow should not listen to his advisers and praise-singers, they lack the wherewithal to help him govern.

Potential new marriage of convenience between UDP and Jammeh’s NAM

One of the shocking outcomes of this election is how former President Jammeh’s factional “No Alliance Movement” dramatically wrestled down Tombong-Jatta’s APRC. The former swept the entire Foni with results that sent the current co-chair of the Inter-Party Committee, Amul Nyassi, packing. For the NAM, this was a vindication that they control Foni. On the other hand, it exposed the Tombong Jatta-led APRC.
But what emerges from this outcome is the potential marriage of convenience between NAM and the UDP. This is arguable. However, these two sides have a common denominator – the NPP. They are not forgiving Barrow for his gruesome assault that divided their parties. These parties also do not trust President Barrow. Because of these realities, these two sides will become accidental partners in the legislature. A review of the engagements of their militants indicates a softening of rhetoric between these two sides. In fact, a section of NAM attended UDP’s Momodou Sabally’s court hearing as a show of solidarity. These were two sides that never saw eye to eye because of Jammeh’s past with the UDP. However, the only bottleneck to this potential partnership is how the two sides will deal with Jammeh. Will UDP soften its stance on Jammeh and in the process lose a political base? Will NAM agree with the UDP on some issues concerning Jammeh? Time will tell how this marriage of convenience will be shaped.

The Quintet Sore Losers

The sore losers of the NA polls are the quintet lawmakers – Alhagie Jawara of Lower Baddibu, Saikou Marong of Latrikunda Sabiji, Fatoumatta Jawara of Tallinding, Baba Galleh Jallow of Sannehmentereng, and Saikouba Jarjue of Busumbala, all UDP-turned NPP candidates. The quintet was vying for re-elections, but their spectacular fall have tongues wagging. For the UDP, it was a revenge, a vindication that it is the party’s popularity that covers its members. For Gambians, it was a punishment given the influential role of the quintet in scuttling the draft constitution. The lessons learnt is that the electorate will not forgive elected officials if they compromise the integrity of their office. The opportunity for the new lawmakers is to protect the integrity of their office and advance the interest of the country, not an individual.

Seedia Sanna Jatta

The fall of Seedia Sanna Jatta is one of the biggest loses in the NA polls. For decades this veteran lawmaker had been a voice of reason in the legislature, offering his sea of experience in guiding the legislature. Alas, this patriot failed his re-election thanks in large part to President Barrow who brutally assaulted his career during a meeting in Wuli.

NRR

Hamat Bah’s National Reconciliation Party (NRP) has shown resilience even though some could argue it got the backing of the NPP that did not put up a candidate against it. But the fact remains that the blue party continues to survive in an increasingly competitive political environment with consistent representation in the parliament.

GMC

Mai Ahmed Fatty, no doubt an astute politician, needs a reassessment. The red party leader needs to inject a greater degree of seriousness into his political career. Mai must connect more with Gambians at the grassroots than on the social media. He needs consistency as that is sacrosanct for any politician. Mai has what it takes to be an amazing leader only if he reassesses his career and clearly determines what he wants. His is knowledgeable, charismatic, firm, and eloquent, all of which are good traits of a politician. But only him can harvest these traits and translate them into political success.

Other parties
The rest of the parties that came out of the race with dust should get back to the drawing board and reassess winning strategies for future elections.

By Amara Thoronka

Drug Law Enforcement Agency of the Gambia (DLEAG) has blasted some clubs, bars, restaurants and joints for promoting activities of prohibited drugs.

This comes after DLEAG’s operatives in Kanifing Municipal Command in the evening hours of Thursday 7th April 2022 at Secret Bar and Club arrested and took into custody one Kemo Saidy with one pallet and two wraps of suspected cocaine. Secret Bar and Night Club is located in Senegambia.

The agency disclosed that Saidy is a 40-year-old Gambian residing at Sanchaba and reportedly a businessman.

According to DLEAG, some night clubs, bars, restaurants and joints within the Senegambia strip are used as hubs to deal in and openly abuse prohibited and controlled drugs.

“It is rather unfortunate that some of the proprietors and Managers of these places promote these nefarious activities as means of promoting their businesses, attracting more customers and increasing their market share and profit margin irrespective of the devastating consequences on society and the nations at large,” the agency noted.

The country’s drug enforcement body however pointed out that there are bars and clubs complying with safety measures while others continue to flout.

“While some of the entrepreneurs operating around these areas heed to our call and implement stringent measures aimed at ensuring that their business environments remain safe, secure and conducive; others are still heedless and hellbent on promoting their businesses by encouraging and entertaining prohibited activities and criminal related behaviours and conducts.”

It emphasized that operatives of bars, clubs and restaurants have always been warned to discourage activities of prohibited drugs within their business environments.

“DLEAG has in the past apprehended several suspects with varying types and quantities of prohibited and controlled drugs ranging from ecstasy, skunk, diazepam, heroine etc from some of the bars and restaurants. The owners were advised to ensure that they put in place adequate measures to prevent and discourage such illicit activities within their business premises because the consequences remain highly devastating on young people who end up getting hooked and addicted to these drugs.”

The arrested suspect is said to be in custody while investigations continue.

The agency reiterated that it would continue to target identified dealers and suppliers of prohibited drugs.

“We will therefore be grateful for any lead and information about the rings, networks and syndicates supplying highly potent drugs to our youths. It is a collective effort and any information is vital and relevant.”

By: Dawda Baldeh

President Adama Barrow has called on citizens and political actors across the country to put their political differences aside and work as Gambians for the advancement of the country.

He made this call as the country concluded electing National Assembly representatives who will serve the nation in the 6th legislature.

“We have to advance and strengthen our democracy and observe the principles of peace and justice for all. That we cannot ignore,” he said.

“Based on party affiliation and trust for some independent candidate, Gambians who are duly elected, you are expected to work together as a legislative body to promote and serve the national interest,” President Barrow said.

He added that the inclusion of many candidates in the recently concluded parliamentary election is an indication of a vibrant democracy in the country.

He congratulated the winners and urged them to work in the best interest of the country. He noted that the legislature’s work is important and they should work together to fulfil the development aspiration of the citizens.

“We must embrace diversity among ourselves,” the president concluded.

By: Christian Conteh

Nfamara Sabally the governing National People’s Party (NPP) Candidate a relatively unknown figure won Saturday’s Polls at Wulli West Constituency defeating Mai Ahmad Fatty of the Gambia Moral Congress (GMC) and veteran politician Sidia Jatta of PDOIS.

Fatty was GMCs presidential candidate in the 2021 Presidential Election. Sidia is a veteran politician who has been at the National Assembly since 1996.

NPP’s Nfamara Sabally polled 3,359 votes with veteran Sidia Jatta getting 2,165. GMC Mai Ahmad Fatty polled 1,235 votes and UDP’s Tida Kijera trailed behind with just 958 votes.

As is stands GDC has no seat in the National Assembly as the party failed to maintain the two seats it had. Alhagie Sowe and Omar Ceesay have both lost their seats to candidates of the National People’s Party.

By Amara Thoronka 

Gambia Participates, a governance-based civil society organization in The Gambia, on Sunday 10^th April 2022 updated the media on its findings in the just concluded national assembly elections, highlighting recommendations to enhance better and participatory elections in the future.

Giving update on their findings, Executive Director and Head of Gambia Participate’s Election Observers Mission, Marr Nyang, said they observed disruption of the voting process in some polling stations.

“The voting process was disrupted in Chamen Polling Station in the Nianija constituency by a voter. This happened when the incumbent Adama Camara visited the polling station to inspect the placement of the ballot drums. The voter demanded the parliamentarian to vacate the polling booth and this resulted in a push and pull which disrupted the voting process. An altercation was also reported between supporters of the UDP and NPP at the Nawlaru polling station in Central Baddibu. A candidate of the UDP was allowed into the voting area by the presiding officer to observe the set-up of the ballot drums, NPP supporters were however not happy with the decision and this led to verbal assaults and disruption of the voting process.”

Mr. Marr Nyang also disclosed that they witnessed the intimidation and harassment of voters. “A suspected State Intelligence Service (SIS) agent was seen taking snapshots of voters around the polling station in Munyagen Health Center in Jokadou at about 1:45pm. This act provoked a negative reaction from UDP voters who felt violated and intimidated. Chaos broke out which delayed the voting process.”

He cited the suspension of voting in certain polling stations.

“The voting process was suspended for a short time in Catamina Polling Station in Niamina West when the NUP candidate raised a complaint that his party’s color was not reflected on the ballot drum. He alleged that the IEC presented a black and white ballot drum. This was discovered at about 2:00pm when the NUP was making a tour of polling stations. The IEC however, after the complaint raised by the candidate, brought out the ballot drums for all party agents to confirm the respective colors before the ballot boxes were returned to the polling booth in the presence of the complainant. Similarly, in Foni Brefet Bajana polling station, a fight ensued between the Presiding Officer and some angry voters aboard a commercial vehicle. The presiding officer was attacked by these angry voters. The incident was later reported to the nearest police station so as to restore calm and order in the polling station for the voting to continue.”

The Executive Director noted that they observed vote buying.

“Vote buying was reported in New Town – Lower Basic School Polling station of Bakau Constituency. NPP supporters were seen distributing funds to voters to buy their votes. An NPP supporter was also seen giving money to voters in Jambanjelly Market in Kombo South.”

He added that they recorded an incidence of violence in Old Yundum.

“The councilor for Sinchu Alagie Ward and the NPP alliance supporters were seen canvassing for votes in Medina Sey Kunda (Sinchu Alagie) Bantaba in Old Yundum. Supporters of PDOIS raised objections and a fight ensued between the supporters of the two parties at the polling station.”

In its recommendations, Gambia Participates noted that National Assembly should accelerate the consideration of legislation to harmonize elections in the country to improve voter participation, advising that elections should not be conducted during Ramadan and Lent as such can have impact on voter turnout.

“As observed, conducting elections during major events such as the religious observances of Ramadan and Lent may have impacted turnout in the elections. The IEC should reconsider adjusting its election calendar to ensure no election or major election activities are conducted during such events in order not discourage participation.”

It further recommended for swift electoral reforms to improve the electoral system in The Gambia, especially in election data consistency.

The governance based civic society organization called on the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to improve accessibility to venues such as polling stations used for election administration and also relocate polling stations that are not conducive in order to increase access for persons with disability.

In enhancing transparency, it recommended for the IEC to publish polling station-level election results on its website.

Gambia Participates urged political parties to fulfill The Gambia’s commitments to the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, which the country ratified in 2005, by introducing systematic changes to their internal structures that guarantee women in at least 50% of elected offices.

The organization emphasized that civil society and development partners should support capacity strengthening initiatives to the 6th National Assembly, especially the newly elected candidates to strengthen their parliament’s oversight work.

United Democratic Party (UDP) Commando Momodou Sabally has celebrated Saturday’s National Assembly Elections results across the country with specific emphasis on the Independent Candidate win at Busumbala. According to Sabally Saturday’s vote was a “vote of no confidence” against President Adama Barrow.

Sabally was UDP’s candidate at Busumbala but his bid for the constituency seat was frustrated after the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) disqualified him on the grounds that his name was adversely mentioned in the Janneh Commission of Enquiry, a decision the High court upheld.

“President Barrow himself went on a nationwide campaign tour to ask for the people’s votes. He has been rejected, humiliated and disgraced. This is a vote against the President himself. A vote of no confidence,” he wrote.

Muhammad Kanteh the UDP backed candidate won the Busumbala Seat according to official results from the IEC.

1. UPPER FULLADU WEST

Ismaila Cham GDC=2,377 Votes

Bakary Kora NPP=4,078 Votes

Numukunda Kanyi UDP=2,789 Votes

Amadou Jallow Independent=732 Votes

Ousman Ndimballan Independent=3,318 Votes

Yerro Mballow NUP=239 Votes

 

2. LOWER FULLADU WEST

Gibbi Mballow NPP=6,047 Votes

Ngarry B.A. Jobe GDC=1,426 Votes

Karambo Fatty UDP=2,296 Votes

Ebrima B.Jallow Independent=987 Votes

 

3. NIAMINA EAST CONSTITUENCY

Omar Ceesay GDC=2,056 Votes

Dawda Jeng NPP=3,265 Votes

Alhaji Mamadi Kurang PDOIS=2,044 Votes

Alhagie Madi Ceesay UDP=830 Votes

Madi Gaye Independent= 889 Votes

 

4. TUMANA CONSTITUENCY

Nfally Kora NPP=6,559 Votes

Foday N.M Drammeh UDP=2,229 Votes

 

5. SANDU CONSTITUENCY

Ebrima Jaiteh NPP=3,658 Votes

Muhammed Mahanera UDP=3,407 Votes

Saikou T.Drammeh Independent=1,878 Votes

 

6. FONI KANSALA CONSTITUENCY

Musa Amul Nyassi APRC=1,057 Votes

Abdoulie Bojang Independent=386 Votes

Landing Bojang Independent=469 Votes

Musa A .Nyassi GDC=351 Votes

Almameh Gibba Independent=3,513 Votes

 

7. FONI BEREFET CONSTITUENCY

Ebou Colley APRC=1,898 Votes

Amie Colley Independent=3,034 Votes

Salieu Barry Independent=971 Votes

 

8. LATRIKUNDA SABIJI CONSTITUENCY

Ebrima Nyang GDC=944 Votes

Saikou Marong NPP=4,019 Votes

Aminata Correa PDOIS=1,516 Votes

Yaya Sanyang UDP=6,866 Votes

Omar Colley Independent= 2,205 Votes

Ebrima Fatty Independent=584 Votes

 

9. TALLINDING KUNJANG CONSTITUENCY

Fatou K.Jawara NPP= 2,358 Votes

Ebrima K.Ceesay PDOIS=371 Votes

Musa Badjie UDP=5,026 Votes

Ebrima Sonko Independent=2,491 Votes

Alieu Sanneh Independent=838 Votes

Ousman N.L Njie Independent=274 Votes

 

10. BAKAU CONSTITUENCY

Assan Dampha NPP= 2,686 Votes

Assan Touray UDP= 4,566 Votes

 

11. SEREKUNDA WEST CONSTITUENCY

Nenneh Freda Gomez CA=2,526 Votes

Modou Jane GDC=521 Votes

Mustapha Lowe NPP=4,981 Votes

Fatou Sowe PDOIS=2,845 Votes

Madi M.K Ceesay UDP=5,021 Votes

Modou Lamin Sanneh Independent=1,643 Votes

 

12. JIMARA CONSTITUENCY

Alhagie H.Sowe GDC=3,504 Votes

Essa Conteh NPP=6,861 Votes

Mama Salieu Jallow Independent=1,296 Votes

 

13. WULI EAST CONSTITUENCY

Ebrima Conteh GMC=506 Votes

Nafa S.Jabai NPP=2,472 Votes

Suwaibou Touray PDOIS=4,822 Votes

 

14. WULLI WEST CONSTITUENCY

Mai Ahmad Fatty GMC= 1,235 Votes

Nfamara Sabally NPP=3,359 Votes

Sidia S.Jatta PDOIS=2,165 Votes

Tida Kijera UDP=958 Votes

 

15. JESHWANG CONSTITUENCY

Sheriff S.Sarr APRC=5,019 Votes

Modou I.Cham GDC=2,707 Votes

Buba Jadama UDP=4,571 Votes

 

16. KANTORA CONSTITUENCY

Billay G.Tunkara NPP=4,446 Votes

Ansu T.S Sonko PDOIS=361 Votes

Sulayman Ceesay GDC=1,997 Votes

Hagie Bajaha Independent=1,206 Votes

Muhammed Fatty UDP=1,197 Votes

 

17. BASSE CONSTITUENCY

Saikou Bah NPP=5,613 Votes

Haji Suwareh UDP=1,666 Votes

Kebba J.Baldeh GDC=806 Votes

Yusupha Baldeh Independent=882 Votes

Dawda Neneh Galleh Jallow Independent= 896 Votes

 

18. FONI JARROL CONSTITUENCY

Alhagie Sankung Jammeh APRC=233 Votes

Sainey Bah Independent=558 Votes

Momodou Bah Independent=658 Votes

Abdoulie Bondi UDP=596 Votes

Momodou A.Bah Independent=457 Votes

Kebba Tumanding Sanneh Independent= 1,059 Votes

Tumani B.Sambou Indep.=214 Votes

 

19. FONI BONDALI CONSTITUENCY

Kaddy Camara APRC=795 Votes

Pa Dembo Sanneh Independent=1,034 Votes

Ousman Marcus Nyassi Independent=894 Votes

Ousman Jallow Independent=523 Votes

 

20. SABACK SANJAL CONSTITUENCY

Samba Faal GDC=896 Votes

Ousman Touray NOP=3,495 Votes

Maimuna Gaye UDP=624 Votes

Alhagie Babou Ceesay Independent=,4,036 Votes

Ebrima S.Bah Independent= 366 Votes

 

21. BUNDUNGKA KUNDA CONSTITUENCY

Sulayman Jammeh APRC=5,534 Votes

Famara Mamburay CA=587 Votes

Samba Touray Independent=489 Votes

Bakary Njie UDP=3,988 Votes

Yusupha Jaiteh Independent=578 Votes

 

22. ILLIASSA CONSTITUENCY

Sankung Dampha NPP=4,752 Votes

Dembo K.M Camara UDP=4,579 Votes

Alhagie Hydara Independent=2,353 Votes

 

23. LOWER NUIMI

Alpha M.K Lowe CA= 1,666 Votes

Modou Bobb GDC=2,062 Votes

Tamsir Cham NPP=6,331 Votes

Ebou Lowe Independent=325 Votes

Hamadi S.Leigh PDOIS=1,458 Votes

Mahtarr M.Jeng UDP=2,087 Votes

Musa Keita Independent=363 Votes

 

24. JOKADU CONSTITUENCY

Baboucarr Chune GDC= 869 Votes

Salifu Jawo NPP=2,422 Votes

Cheena Bah NUP=526 Votes

Modou K.A Ndure PDOIS=461 Votes

Momodou Marr UDP=1,220 Votes

Bai Saine Independent=2,410 Votes

 

25. CENTRAL BADDIBU CONSTITUENCY

Mustapha Dukureh GDC=309 Votes

Momodou Jobe NPP=2,835 Votes

Sulayman Saho UDP=3,766 Votes

 

26. UPPER NUIMI CONSTITUENCY

Samba Nying CA=1,999

Momodou S.Wan GDC=1,290

Mamadou M.Jallow GFA=479

Omar Darboe NPP=4,044

Ali Cham PDOIS=510

Momodou L.Dibba UDP=2,746

 

27. KOMBO SOUTH CONSTITUENCY

Abdoulie Falie Jallow GDC=1,111 Votes

Malang Sanyang GMC= 790 Votes

Baboucarr F.M Colley Independent=5,254 Votes

Momodou Bojang NPP= 8,670 Votes

Kebba K.Barrow UDP=10,616

 

28. KOMBO SOUTH CONSTITUENCY

Abdoulie Falie Jallow GDC=1,111 Votes

Malang Sanyang GMC= 790 Votes

Baboucarr F.M Colley Independent=5,254 Votes

Momodou Bojang NPP= 8,670 Votes

Kebba K.Barrow UDP=10,616

 

29. BRIKAMA SOUTH CONSTITUENCY

Buba Manneh Independent=1549

Momodou King Colley GDC=1,348

Mansour Sowe Independent=2,517

Malanding B.Jabang NPP=3,946

Lamin J.Sanneh UDP=6,322

Lamin Jarjue Independent= 913

 

30. SANNEH MENTERENG CONSTITUENCY

Ba Landing Jatta CA=569

Baba Galleh Jallow NPP=4,565

Victor P.Jatta PDOIS=792

Fatou Cham UDP=10,749

Lamin Manneh Independent=413

Abdou Badjie Independent=1,455

 

31. BUSUMBALA CONSTITUENCY

Saikouba. Price NPP = 5,998

Deny Lisa to vote for PDOIS = 1,354

Samuel Mendy Independent= 1,085

Jerreh Sanyang Independent=2,916

Muhammed Kanteh Independent=10,100

Buba Sarr Independent=522

 

32. BUSUMBALA CONSTITUENCY

Saikouba. Price NPP = 5,998

Deny Lisa to vote for PDOIS = 1,354

Samuel Mendy Independent= 1,085

Jerreh Sanyang Independent=2,916

Muhammed Kanteh Independent=10,100

Buba Sarr Independent=522

 

33. KOMBO EAST CONSTITUENCY

Essa Dampha NPP=3,908 Votes

James S.Mendy Independent=1,379 Votes

Abdou Sowe UDP=6,135 Votes

Tairu E.B Badjie Independent= 2,268 Votes

 

34. OLD YUNDUM CONSTITUENCY

Alieu Nyang CA=559

Alagie Faal GDC=1,384

Abdoulie Ceesay NPP=5,411

Pa Alieu Njie PDOIS=1,395

Lamin Sabally UDP=4,744

Maimuna Tamba Independent=2,518

Alpha Ousman Jallow Indepen.=776

Momodou M.Njie NUP=186

 

35. BRIKAMA NORTH CONSTITUENCY

Lamin K.B Bojang GDC=2,226 Votes

Lamin Bojang NPP=4,135 Votes

Alagie S.Darboe UDP=8,466 Votes

Samsideen Badjie Independent=847 Votes

 

36. NIANIJA CONSTITUENCY

Muhammed Lamin Leigh CA=100 Votes

Hammet S.K Manneh GDC=203 Votes

Amadou Camara NRP=2,014 Votes

Momodou Cham UDP=1,016 Votes

Abdoulie M.K Jallow Independent= 387 Votes

 

37. NIAMINA DANKUNKU CONSTITUENCY

Samba M.P Bah CA=173 Votes

Essa Jamanka GDC=573 Votes

Bakary N.S Jallow Independent=87 Votes

Samba Jallow NRP=1,132 Votes

Essa Saidykhan UDP= 299 Votes

Alieu Ceesay Independent= 533 Votes

 

38. UPPER SALOUM CONSTITUENCY

Alhagie Mbow NRP=3,948 Votes

Momodou K.F Ceesay UDP= 377 Votes

Cherno Gaye Independent=1,351 Votes

Barra Janneh Independent=1,591 Votes

 

39. LOWER BADDIBU CONSTITUENCY

Ebrima Jallow Independent=710 Votes

Alhagie Jawara NPP=2,775 Votes

Kemo Gassama UDP=2,894 Votes

 

40. KIANG CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY

Fafa Sanyang NPP=1,184 Votes

Bakary Camara UDP=1,533 Votes

Yunusa N.Bah Independent=1,976 Votes

 

41. KIANG WEST CONSTITUENCY

Lamin Kambai Marong GFA= 555 Votes

Lamin Drammeh NPP=1,610 Votes

Lamin Ceesay UDP=3,669 Votes

Ismaila Kanteh Independent=627 Votes

 

42. JARRA CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY

Salifu N.Dem GDC=272 Votes

Kebba Jallow NPP=1,719 Votes

Wandifa Wuyeh Sanneh UDP=1,170 Votes

Samba Baldeh Independent=986 Votes

 

43. JARRA WEST CONSTITUENCY

Alieu Baldeh NPP=4,007 Votes

Kajali Fofana UDP=3,655 Votes

Musa Wally Independent=1,177 Votes

 

44. JARRA EAST CONSTITUENCY

Yankuba Sanneh CA=186 Votes

Mamadou Dem GDC= 1,039 Votes

Haruna Barry NPP=2,775 Votes

Sainey Touray UDP= 2,334 Votes

Pateh Baldeh Independent= 551 Votes

 

45. BANJUL CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY

Aminata T.B Jarra GFA=117 Votes

Lyndon B Johnson Independent=450

Baboucarr Mboge PDOIS=550 Votes

Muhammed Ndow PPP=1,168 Votes

Momodou Cherno Jallow UDP=988

Alhagi Jah Independent Independent=260 Votes

Abdoulie Njai independent=1,262 votes

 

46. BANJUL SOUTH CONSTITUENCY

Ousman Abou Wadda NPP= 1,364 Votes

Muhamadou Mansour Foon PDOIS =572 Votes

Yaya Kuyateh UDP=393 Votes

Fatoumatta Njai Independent=1,538 Votes

 

47. BANJUL NORTH CONSTITUENCY

Samba Njie NPP=1,147 Votes

Ousman Sillah PDOIS=1204 Votes

Modou Lamin Bah UDP= 1658 Votes

 

48. KIANG EAST CONSTITUENCY

Lamin Sanneh NPP= 1,534 Votes

Yaya Gassama UDP= 1,925 Votes

 

49. JANJANBUREH CONSTITUENCY

Ebrima B.Trawally Independent: 177 Votes

Ebrima M.Sarjo NPP=345 Votes

Jarai Fayenkeh UDP=236 Votes

Omar Jammeh Independent=359 Votes

 

50. NIANI CONSTITUENCY

Anty Rohey Ceesay NPP= 2,711 Votes

Omar Bah GDC=1,332 Votes

Alhagi S.B Sillah UDP= 2,001 Votes

Omar Jobe Independent=3,179 Votes

Pa Modou Sillah Independent= 425 Votes

 

51. SAMI CONSTITUENCY

Gibbi Dem CA=317 Votes

Alpha Omar Jallow GDC=1,346 Votes

MusuKebba Keita NPP=2,712 votes

Alfusainey Ceesay UDP=3,692 Votes

Haruna Jallow Independent=1,070 Votes

 

52. LOWER SALOUM CONSTITUENCY

Ebou k.Gaye APP=294 Votes

Sainey Jawara NRP=3,564 Votes

Halimatou Sadia Sowe UDP=337 Votes

Biran Saine Independent=1,772 Votes

Kebba Kanteh Independent=332 Votes

Amat Secka Independent=140 Votes

 

53. NIAMINA WEST CONSTITUENCY

Yerro Jallow GDC= 617 Votes

Birom J.S Sowe NPP=1,038 Votes

Ousman D.Jallow NUP=306 Votes

Kemeseng Sanneh PDOIS=464 Votes

Basiru Ceesay UDP:676 Votes

Abdou Asis Sowe Independent: 568 Votes

 

 

 

 

By Sanna Jallow 

Candidates from the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) and Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) have expressed disappointment over the low turnout of voters in the ongoing National Assembly Elections in their constituency. 

Sheriff Sarr, the APRC and NPP alliance candidate and Momodou I Cham of Gambia Democratic Congress GDC were speaking to this medium at the Jeshwang constituency immediately after casting their votes.

Mr Sarr said even with the low turnout of voters he is still confident that he will win the seat in Jeshwang constituency. He further noted that he is expecting voters to come out around 3 to 5 pm to cast their votes.

“I am sure I will win as I served as a Councillor of Jeshwang ward and I brought a lot of projects for the development of the community,” he said. 

Momodou I Cham of GDC vying for the same seat said his expectation from his constituents is high, indicating that he knows he has the support of the people.

Adding that he is disappointed with the turnout of voters in the constituency.

“I am hoping the voters will come in their numbers to vote before the end of the day,” he said, whilst expressing hope that he will win the Jeshwang Constituency Seat.

By: Sainabou Sambou

Neneh Freda Gomez National Assembly Candidate for Citizens’ Alliance has expressed optimism that she will win the ongoing National Assembly Elections. The Serekunda Candidate spoke after casting her vote at Latrikunda German.

She said as a person when you do the right work you will know that the results will be good.

She confidently noted that she has done what is required of her and what is necessary throughout the length and breadth of her constituency.

She added that her campaign was typically grass-root based, a method she describes as the winning way.

 “No matter the turnout I know am going to win and I know the majority of people will vote for me because they have realised having looked among the candidates that I am the best candidate who can go there and represent them,” she said.

She stated that people did not come out to vote as expected compared to the turnout in the presidential election.

“I think it is about awareness and understanding. Knowing how important this particular election is. This is the most important election that anybody can vote in in a country and we need to sensitise the people so they know the importance of the Parliamentary Election,” she noted.

By: Sainabou Sambou

Fatou Sow Jaiteh PDIOS candidate for Serekunda West Constituency has called on the electorate in her constituency to vote wisely. She was speaking after casting her vote at Dippa Kunda.

Fatou Sow Jaiteh confirmed that the voting process is going on in a very normal manner but the turn out is not very good.

When asked about what inspired her, she said, “what inspired me is that we are citizens and it’s our responsibility to serve our country, we are mother’s and we know the challenges we are facing.”

“I have sold my agenda to the Gambian people and the people of Serekunda West Constituency. It depends to them to choose the right candidate so that we can have a better Gambia,” she said.

She went on to note that they have gone to the field and explained their agenda to the Gambians and the people of Serekunda west constituency particularly the Bakoteh dumpsite.

“Our responsibility is to go to the office and make sure that their voices are heard on all issues within the Serekunda West Constituency “she said.

She noted that the chances of winning are very high and the people of Serekunda West Constituency have to choose who they want to represent them. Adding that she believes that the people understand their (PDOIS) manifesto and have accepted their policies.

She encouraged the people to choose wisely because this (the election) is an issue which will affect everyone if they didn’t choose wisely.

 

By: Christian Conteh

At a special emergency session on the war in Ukraine following reports of human rights violations committed by Russian forces The Gambia has joined 58 members (21 African) of the UN who abstained from the vote to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Commission. 

A total of 93 member nations voted in favour of the suspension of the eastern bloc which has continued its ‘invasion’ of Ukraine for nearly two months.

Before the commencement of voting, Ukrainian Ambassador, Sergiy Kyslytsya, urged countries to support the resolution.

“Bucha and dozens of other Ukrainian cities and villages, where thousands of peaceful residents have been killed, tortured, raped, abducted and robbed by the Russian Army, serve as an example of how dramatically far the Russian Federation has gone from its initial declarations in the human rights domain,” Kyslytsya told the Assembly.

Adding that, “that is why this case is unique and today (Thursday’s) response is obvious and self-explanatory.” 

Besides The Gambia, other African Nations who abstained from the voting process include Angola, Botswana, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Egypt, Eswatini, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Senegal, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, and Uganda.

By Sainabou Sambou

Hon. Halifa Sallah has said soldiers of the sub regional military mission in Gambia [ECOMIG] should not be an instrument of intervention but rather as an instrument of sodality.

He made the statement on Thursday 7^th April 2022 at a press conference held at his party’s [PDOIS] bureau in Serekunda. He was responding to, among other things, the statement made by President Barrow calling on PDOIS strongman Sedia Jatta to retire.

He said if ECOMIG acts as an instrument of intervention, there will be dismantling of the security apparatus.

Hon. Sallah noted that he had been emphasizing that there is a security crisis at the border and that two Senegalese soldiers died in Casamance, but they were based in the Gambia.

The veteran politician said residents of Foni Districts have been leaving their villages because of the instability in that part of the country that shares boundary with the southern Senegalese region of Casamance where there have been decades of clashes between the Senegalese government and separatists’ groups.

“This current government has no sense of history. We have been here for many years, and we know many things that the young people who are newcomers don’t know. Those people were leaving their villages because they were threatened. The president of the Republic should have been more concerned about it,” he said.

Hon. Sallah noted that there are more important things to talk about than to say Sedia Jatta should retire, saying that President Barrow should not belittle them because they are the “powerhouse” in this country.

President Adama Barrow has urged Gambians to come out and vote in tomorrow’s National Assembly Elections, noting that the elections are as important as the Presidential one.

His message comes as Statehouse announces that the president will cast his vote at the McCarthy Square polling station in Banjul Central constituency

“As The Gambia holds its National Assembly elections tomorrow Saturday, 9th April 2022, H.E Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia will cast his vote at the McCarthy Square polling station in Banjul Central constituency at 11:00 AM. The President urges all eligible Gambians to come out and vote, as the National elections are as important as the Presidential one.”

President Barrow has also urged all to participate peacefully to solidify the countrys democracy and work towards achieving the development aspirations.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The Head Coach of the Queen Scorpions Mariama Sowe has blamed the lack of collective team training ahead of competitions for the poor performance at the Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON). The team lost  6-1 to Morocco in a friendly international match in Rabat, on Thursday night.

The Queen Scorpions received three goals in each half that gave the North Africans the win. Gambia got a consolation goal from Cathrine Jatta whos strike came from a 30-yards free kick.

Speaking to The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) media, Mariama Sowe head coach of the Queen Scorpions said the match against Morocco was not good on their side. She further noted that one factor that affected her team’s performance was that the team is not together like other countries.

“I think it is very important to keep the team together if we want to win future tournaments,” Mariama Sowe said.

She said her team is dominated by home based players, noting that keeping them together for training will help to improve their performance.

“We lost to Morocco, but you cannot compare the Moroccan team to our team,” she said.

“Their team has been training together for months and they are well experienced. We only trained together for ten days (10) before the game. So, this will not help our players because they are not professional.”

She added that the final result was not a good one but hopes that they will train harder to improve on their performance.

“The girls have performed to their expectations but much was not on our side,” she said.

She appealed to the GFF to help put the team together so that they can improve their performance.

“We want the GFF to put the girls together so that they can train together always,” Mariama Sowe said.

“If they (GFF) cannot keep them (girls) together, then we want them to give the girls a chance to train together at least three days a week.

We cannot wait until two or one months ahead of any competition to train together. She urged the fans to continue their support while assuring them of their commitment to improving on their performance.