The United Democratic Party has issued a statement saying it has learned with ‘utter’ dismay the false political propaganda information trending on Senegalese social media platform Buzzsenegal that the party has threatened to remove Senegalese including those living in The Gambia to return to their country.

“The United Democratic Party would like to debunk this as utterly false,” UDP said in a strong statement on Tuesday.

The party added: “Under normal circumstances, the UDP would not have dignified this false information with a response. However, given the sensitivity and the close relationship that exist between the two countries, the UDP deems it fit to clarify and expose the untruth.

“The UDP believes in the spirit of Senegambia. That we are the same people with one common goal of having a progressive African continent and share the same origin, divided by colonialism. The relationship between The Gambia and Senegal has been cordial and the United Democratic Party intends to maintain that strong friendship and family tie.

“The party leader of the UDP is Senegambian and has relatives in Senegal like every other Gambian and Senegalese who have relatives across the border. The UDP would like to assure all Gambians and Senegalese that a UDP government will safeguard the ties and relationships shared between these common people from time immemorial. We will respect the rights and freedoms of everyone who lives within the confines of The Gambia.

“The UDP would like to caution everyone to avoid such irresponsible statements that could compromise and dent the beautiful relationship these two countries share.

“Finally, the party leadership would like to encourage everyone to embrace and promote peace and unity as prescribed in our party values and principles.”

Opposition Strongman Ousainu Darboe has urged Gambian voters to resist attempts by the NPP and other political parties to buy their votes.

The United Democratic Party (UDP) leader told a crowd of supporters that have gone out in May, June and July to get their Voter cards they should ensure they are fully involved in the process of choosing the next president of The Gambia on 4th December.

“I am pleading with you all not to sell your voter’s cards to anyone; don’t allow yourselves to be deceived by anyone giving you money to vote for them. I want to let you know he who truly wants to work for you and solve the daily problems in this country would not give you money and ask you to vote for him,” Darboe said.

He was speaking at a rally at Bati Ndara, Upper Saloum. He urged the people to vote for the UDP since he said neither the APRC nor the other parties have delivered any development to that part of the country.

He used the opportunity to dispel the rumour which claimed that the tractor given to the people by former president Yahya Jammeh was taken away by him

“I was not the president, nor the minister of agriculture so how and why would I take that tractor from you? Hamat Bah has told you all these lies only to stain my name,” Darboe said.

He further explained that the government could not give them back that tractor because they sold it and said that the commission gave them the authority to do so. Adding that the minister of Tourism and Culture, Hamat N.K. Bah sold his party NRP to Adama Barrow for his selfish interest and pocket.

Appealing to the people to vote him in as president in the 4^th December election.

President Adama Barrow has promised to send opposition leader and close contender for the presidency Ousainu Darboe on retirement when he would have won the December 4^th, 2021, elections.

According to Barrow his ‘father’ (Darboe) has failed to recognise his several developmental projects rolled out across the country.

“My father [Ousainu Darboe] is saying all these developments I brought to Basse he was the one who signed them in China, forgetting that I was the one who released him from prison, appointed him Minister of Foreign Affairs and later Vice President. But all these will end after December because I will send him into retirement,” President Barrow said.

He was addressing a meeting in Koina as he continues his campaign tour across the country. He described his opponents who are reluctant to acknowledge what he described as ‘tremendous achievements’ in the past five years, as hypocrites

“I built markets, bridges, roads, schools and provided tractors for farmers. Why are they refusing to acknowledge these things? But this is all hypocrisy because no matter how much you hate someone, you should acknowledge his good deeds,” Barrow said.

Adding that the people of Basse have shown him that he hails from there (Basse) whilst sending a strong signal to the opposition that the area is a no-go area for them.

Meanwhile, the country’s Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has in a press statement noted that it is extremely concerned about the statements uttered by President Adama Barrow at his recent political campaign in Farafenni when he seemingly took pride in the use of tear gas by the paramilitary unit of the Gambia Police Force to forceful dispersal a protest of the Three Years Jotna movement.

Similarly, the commission said it is equally perturbed by the remarks of Mr Ousainou Darbe, the UDP leader and presidential aspirant, to the President’s reference to him as the “CEO” of the 3 Year Jotna Movement by threatening to “ destroy” the President

The commission says that such statements by political leaders have the potential to threaten the peace and stability of the country, as well as instigate violation of the rights to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly, and political participation as guaranteed by the 1997 Constitution of The Republic of The Gambia and other regional and international human rights instruments ratified by The Gambia.

The Commission reminded all political leaders, their supporters and in particular the presidential aspirants, about the IEC Code on Election Campaign Ethics Order as well as their commitments under the Jangjanbureh Peace Accord which they have all signed and are obligated to abide by in both letter and spirit. Urging all the presidential candidates to make their campaigns issue-based and preach peaceful-co-existence, mutual respect and tolerance of diversity as embodied in the country’s National Anthem.

Gambia Moral Congress has issued a statement announcing the sacking of co-opted member Fatou Faal.

GMC has sued the Independent Electoral Commission following the rejection of the nomination of leader Mai Ahmad Fatty.

While this is going on, the party has now announced the sacking of one of its officials.

A statement on Tuesday said: “Following the recent interview by Fatou Faal with King FM in which she alleged the mass resignation of Executive members, GMC National Executive wishes to inform the general public, GMC supporters and sympathizes that the entire Executive remains united and solidly behind our Leader. None of the Executive members resigned contrary to the rumours spread by Fatou Faal. The misinformation campaign being propagated by Ms. Faal and her associate, is  false, intentionally malicious and aimed at scandalising GMC, its National Executive under the illustrious leadership of Hon. Mai Ahmad Fatty.

“Ms. Faal and her sponsors chose such a sensitive political and challenging moment to execute their betrayal of the highest order so as to weaken the Party. They have failed in their evil intentions.

“GMC National Executive urges Party supporters, sympathisers and the general public to disregard and ignore the malicious and fabricated utterances of Ms. Fatou Faal.

“The Mandate of the National Executive at this time, is to seek to enforce the entrenched constitutional right of our Party’s candidate to contest. This is the principal focus of the Party at this time, in the pursuit of which a case has been filed against the IEC at the Banjul High Courts. That case will be heard on the 19th November 2021. The Party will focus exclusively on this legal matter until final determination of our rights.

“GMC National Executive urges all supporters to remain patient and calm while the legal process takes its course.

“Lastly, Ms Fatou Faal is hereby expelled from GMC with immediate effect for malicious activities inimical to the general interests of GMC and the welfare of its supporters. Finally, we thank the general membership for giving support to the party during the most difficult times.”

The First Lady Fatou Bah Barrow made a strong case for her husband telling a rally that President Adama Barrow is a patient man who can endure anything one does – and went ahead to ask citizens to vote for him for his second term.

“President Barrow is named ‘President No Stress’. You can do anything and he will be patient and endure it. God made him that way.

“He has shown who he is in the last five years. This gathering is impressive as well as the nomination [of President Barrow]. Let’s turn it all into votes,” the First Lady told citizens at a rally held in Sanchaba on Monday.

The First Lady along with her co-wife Madam Sarjo Mballow Barrow have been meeting voters in the Greater Banjul and West Coast Region amid the presidential election in two weeks’ time.

In Sanchaba, the First Lady promised to bring support to the community’s health centre since health is dear to her heart.

“You have spoken about your health centre. My second home has been the hospital since I became First Lady. We will see what we can do in your hospital InshaAllah,” the First Lady said.

President Adama Barrow has warned opposition Gambia Democratic Congress leader Mamma Kandeh against inviting the exiled former President Yahya Jammeh to his platforms – and has called on the Independent Electoral Commission to intervene.

Former President Jammeh is living in exile in Equatorial Guinea following the dictator’s shock electoral defeat in 2016. Since the start of this electoral cycle, Jammeh has been calling regularly and inciting his supporters against the Barrow administration amid his supporters agreeing to back Mamma Kandeh in the upcoming presidential election.

And speaking on Jammeh’s actions for the first time during his rally in Sare Ngai in the Upper River Region on Tuesday, President Barrow said: “I am warning Mamma Kandeh. We want peace in this country. Yahya Jammeh is on asylum. The asylum doesn’t give doesn’t give him any right to participate in Gambian politics.

“If you want to facilitate that, for him to be speaking at your platforms, platforms that can bring conflict in this country, we are warning the party leaders. We are warning them seriously. We are also calling on IEC to notice Mamma Kandeh.”

By Dawda Baldeh

President Adama Barrow Leader of National People’s Party (NPP) has warned Mamma Kandeh the Leader Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) to stay away from inviting Ex-President Yahya Jammeh to his campaign platforms while accusing him of creating chaos in the country.

The president made this warning at his meeting in Sare Ngai, Wuli West District on Tuesday.

“I am warning Mamma Kandeh to stay away from inviting Yahya Jammeh in his campaign platforms and I will tell the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to notify Kandeh before we take any action,” the president warned.

President Barrow stated that former President Yahya Jammeh has not been authorized to take part in campaign anywhere in the country. He accused Kandeh of facilitating that and urged him to be careful. He further said no one is above the law.

“If Kandeh thinks he can do anything he want, we will let him know that this country is governed by a law. No matter how frustrated you are, you should know what to do. If someone is drowning in a river even if you give the person a cutlass the person will grab it. If this happens again, he will know that this country is govern by laws,” the president said.

The National Human Rights Commission has issued a statement over some statements by President Adama Barrow and UDP leader Ousainou Darboe.

NHRC’s statement which was issued on Tuesday Nov 16 reads: “The NHRC is extremely concerned about the statements uttered by President Adama Barrow at his recent political campaign in Farafenni when he seemingly took pride in the use of tear gas by the paramilitary unit of the Gambia Police Force to forceful dispersal a protest of the Three Years Jotnamovement.  In that same vein, the NHRC is equally perturbed by the remarks of  Mr Ousainou Darbe, the UDP leader and presidential aspirant, to the President’s reference to him as the “CEO” of the 3 Year Jotna Movement by threatening to “ destroy” the President  Such statements by political leaders have the potential to threaten the peace and stability of the country, as well as instigate violation of the rights to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly, and political participation as guaranteed by the 1997 Constitution of The Republic of The Gambia and other regional and international human rights instruments ratified by The Gambia.

“As an organ established by the State to promote and protect human rights in The Gambia and nurture a culture of respect for human rights, the Commission wishes to express in the strongest term its displeasure with such statements and to state categorically that utterances which would encourage and or glorify human rights violations and violence have no place in our society.

“We wish to remind all political leaders, their supporters and in particular the presidential aspirants, about the IEC Code on Election Campaign Ethics Order as well as their commitments under the Jangjanbureh Peace Accord which they have all signed and are obligated to abide by in both letter and spirit. These instruments expect political leaders/presidential aspirants to be well measured in their speeches and avoid inflammatory, provocative and inciting statements.

“As the country moves towards the December 4th 2021Presidential election, we urge all the presidential candidates to make their campaigns issue-based and preach peaceful-co-existence, mutual respect and tolerance of diversity as embodied in our National Anthem. It is only under a climate of tranquillity, tolerance, and respect for human rights and the rule of law that a peaceful free, fair, transparent and credible Presidential elections can be conducted. We cannot afford a reversal of the democratic gains we have made since 2017.”

All presidential candidates have a busy day on Tuesday as campaign for the presidential election intensifies.

Tuesday will see National People’s Party of incumbent President Adama Barrow speak to voters in Baja Kunda, Sare Ngai and Kuwonku Ba all in the Upper River Region.

Gambia Democratic Congress will be alive in Bay Ediba and Janjangbureh in Central River Region while PDOIS will be in Ndungu Kebbeh, Fass Chaho, Pakau Njogu, Albreda, Sare Amadou, Kerr Omar Seaine and Munyagen in the North Bank Region

Elsewhere, United Democratic Party and leader Darboe will engage voters in Firdausi, Kunting and Janjangbureh in the Central River Region.

The independent Essa Faal will be Nyakoi Taibatu, Sutukonding, Yorobawol, Barrow Kunda, Foday Kunda and Basse in Upper River Region while National Unity Party will be in Kuntaur Fula Kunda, Kunting (Niani) Sami Pachonki and Raneru Wollof in Central River Region.

The complainant in the rape trial of Bubacarr Keita began giving testimony on Tuesday in a testimony that is being kept from the public and the media.

Mr Keita is being kept at Mile 2 for the alleged rape of his former wife’s 15-year-old sister. He denies the charge.

At least seven people have testified in the trial which started last year – trial which has seen the high court grant the businessman bail only for the court of appeal to revoke the bail and ordered that he be remanded in prison.

The complainant’s testimony is coming after a top doctor testified in the trial who testified that DNA test is best way to know paternity of child when there is a dispute. The complainant’s mother also testified in the trial who said her daughter told her Mr Keita forcefully slept with her.

Prosecutors are seeking to convince Judge Momodou SM Jallow that Mr Keita raped the complainant which resulted in a pregnancy. They alleged the incident happened in 2019.

By Lamin Njie and Christian Conteh

Judge Amina Saho-Ceesay on Tuesday dismissed the prayer of the Independent Electoral Commission for a ‘short’ adjournment of hearing in the case involving Election House and Citizens’ Alliance.

Citizens’ Alliance has sued the IEC at the high court over Election House’s rejection of its nomination. The IEC said CA could not collect 200 signatures from Banjul in line with the law around nomination signatures.

On Tuesday, the case came up at the high court in Banjul presided over by top judge Amina Saho-Ceesay.

Kebba Sanyang, representing the IEC began by saying Election House ‘vehemently’ opposes the lawsuit against it by CA. He then prayed for a short adjournment of the matter so they could prepare themselves.

However, experienced attorney Chris Mene rejected the application insisting the case needed to be treated with urgency taking into account the presidential election which is only two weeks away.

“We vehemently oppose the adjournment of this matter because my learned colleague knows was a pressing urgency having regard to the fact presidential election is scheduled for a little over two weeks time,” Mene said.

“Time is of the essence,” he insisted elsewhere. He also said the respondent was served since last Friday and had all weekend to file any affidavit if they so wished. Mene then asked the court to proceed as scheduled.

Intervening, Judge Amina Saho-Ceesay said the matter was of great public significance and so she would not entertain any adjournment. She however then raised the issue of whether the attorney general was joined in the matter as the attorney general represents the public interest.

“The IEC is not a government department as in their name ‘independent’. [It’s] not an agency of government and its independence is recognized by the constitution. But that does not preclude the AG (Attorney General) from applying to join this matter if they so pleases,” Mene who equipped himself with two other lawyers said.

Independent Electoral Commission’s attorney Kebba Sanyang insisted that while IEC’s name implies independence, it is a creation of the constitution – a constitution that operates throughout The Gambia.

“Its decisions, policies, programmes [and] activities affect all within the country and that is why it is mandated by law to organize public elections and referendum. And to say the Attorney General has nothing to do with the IEC as my learned friend’s submission suggests… We believe that the AG is a necessary [party] because he is the principal legal adviser to the government of The Gambia,” Sanyang countered.

Mene took offence at the charge that he was suggesting the attorney general has nothing to do with the IEC.

“I never said what my learned friend ascribed to me. I said if the AG wishes to join, he can apply to join. I said the action was properly constituted without the AG but if the AG wants he can intervene,” Mene fired back.

The judge in her ruling ruled that the Independent Electoral Commission is part of the public service and ordered that the attorney general be joined in the matter.

The case returns on Wednesday.

UDP leader Ousainou Darboe has vowed to take the verbal war to President Adama Barrow as the political row between father and son festers further.

President Barrow speaking in Farafenni last week had said UDP leader was the chief executive officer of the proscribed Three Years Jotna movement.

Responding to the claims during his own rally in Farafenni over the weekend, Darboe said the claim is not true.

He said: “You said I am CEO of Three Years Jotna. Adama you know, between you and God, that in cabinet when OJ said when the three years is over, the government should step aside and if it didn’t he will resign. It was said in cabinet.

“Adama, I was the one who told you ‘leave them with me and I tell show them what the law says’. When Halifa Sallah said Adama should leave power in three years, I told him (Adama Barrow) ‘leave them with me and I will show them what the law says’.

“It’s today you (Adama Barrow) will say I am their CEO. But if at all I am their CEO, It means I committed aiding and abetting and so why you didn’t charge me and take me to court? A president should not stand and say things that are not true. But since it’s verbal war that you want, I am ready and I will destroy you.”

By Dawda Baldeh, in Basse

Henry Gomez Leader of Gambia Party for Democracy and Progress (GPDP) said no presidential candidate will take this country through the backdoor, insisting if anyone want to be president the person must come through the front door.

He said Darboe want to use the back door to become president but he will not succeed because they will deal with him.  “We have the government through the front door,” Henry Gomez said.

Mr. Gomez challenge the opposition leaders to use the front door if they want to rule this country particularly the United Democratic Party (UDP) Leader Ousainou Darboe If they are confident.

He further stated that no candidate will jump through the fence and windows to rule this country. Adding that there is democracy in the country and it cannot be misused.

Mr. Gomez stressed that anyone who don’t want to see this government succeeding the person should go for exile.

He recalled that when the government came into office in 2017, he said Ousainou Darboe told Gambians that; “Barrow is our David, Masayaa, Moses, and so on.

Gomez said how can Darboe tell Gambians that anyone who talk about “Three Years Jotna” he will take the person to court.” Why is he turning his words now discriminating Barrow?.

“If anyone who want to fight the government the person must be ready because we will deal with him,” he said.

“Barrow is a peaceful leader who brought peace to everyone but some people are taking him for granted.”

Gomez who endorsed the NPP said Barrow will continue to lead this country so that he can complete the work he already started. He is the type of leader Gambians has been searching for.

He said in those days, traveling was a major problem as people spend hours to reach their destinations within the country.

“People can travel freely anytime they want. He constructed bridges, roads, health facilities, schools among other things.

“If someone give u breakfast and he promised you lunch and dinner you should not doubt the person but if he or she has done any of this before and promise to do so, that person is trying to fool you,” he said.

By Matty Senghore, in Farafenni

Former President Yahya Jammeh was among the speakers at Gambia Democratic Party’s rally at Farafenni on Monday night where he told citizens himself and Mamma Kandeh will be the best team The Gambia has ever had.

“Remember that an alliance between a master and the slave is always a good alliance. Myself with Mama Kandeh will be the best team Gambia have ever had,” Mr Jammeh told a huge crowd comprising GDC and his own supporters.

GDC and former President Jammeh’s supporters under the banner of No Alliance Movement a few weeks ago formed a pact ahead of the presidential election.

According to former President Jammeh, Gambians have been suffering for the past four years.

He said: “I know the suffering you have been going through. My heart and soul are with you especially my fans at Farafeni, Ngain Sanjal and Sabah Sanjal all those places. All those from far and near.

“I feel sorry for what have been happening in the past four years, especially my women, the children, my children, the young boys and girls who were going to school free of charge. Everything has gone down , from electricity, education especially North Bank women working in their farms.”

Jammeh ruled The Gambia with an iron fist for 22 years from 1994 to 2016. He lost power in the December 2016 election and has since been living in exile in Equatorial Guinea.

His Excellency President Adama Barrow, Secretary General and Leader of the National People’s Party (NPP received thunderous and tumultuous welcome in Central River Region (CRR) North as his Presidential re-election campaign progresses through the third and four day of the nationwide interface with voters.

Thousands of residents of the Lower and Upper Saloums, Nianija , Niani and Sami gathered in Kaur, Fass, Paleilei, Wassu and Karantaba Wollof to show gratitude to President Adama Barrow for the roads  he is constructing throug Kaur to Jimbala, Janneh Kunda to Simbara, Kerr Gibbi-Chamen Nianija to Nyanga Bantang.

Satisfied residents of these previously-neglected communities described President Barrow as a man of his words who fulfilled his promises to them with the life-changing regional roads project.

Several speakers underscored the President’s city state policy as possibility citing key infrastructure such as roads, water, electricity and health care that will continue to be provide by an NPP-led government.

With the unprecedented turnout in CRR North, the region sends an emphatic message that come 4th December 2021, President Barrow will win the region with an overwhelming majority.

The elated President, in all the constituencies of CRR North assured of his commitment to building a strong and vibrant democracy post December 2021 that will stand the test of time.

President Barrow further explained his manifesto, programs and policies on infrastructure, health, water provision, education, energy, youth and women empowerment and employment, fisheries, skill, agriculture, rice production and productivity, protection of people’s fundamental human rights,justice and rule of law among other priorities.

He commended the people of CRR North for the rousing welcome and urged Gambians to vote for the NPP led-Alliance that will continue to promote National Reconciliation, National Security, Peace and Tolerance as opposed to oppression, anti democracy and divisive party that had no agenda for Gambians beside revenge, insults and intimidation.

President Adama Barrow who is confident of a landslide victory invites all Gambians to his December 5th Presidential election victory celebration.

The National People’s Party’s led Grand Alliance will on Tuesday 16th November 2021 hold mass political rallies in Wuli Baja Kunda, Sarre Ngai and Kuwonku Ba while on Wednesday 16th November 2021, the president will hold meetings in Fulabantang, Jahanka and Janjanbueh .

The President is expected to return to the Kombos on Sunday 21st November 2021 where over two hundred thousand Gambians are expected to receive him in Kalagi and Abuko bridges as thousands others line up the streets.

Gambians will go to the pools on 4th December, 2021 and President Adman Barrow observers say is expected to be re-elected with an overwhelming majority credited to his unprecedented development over the last five years and democratic nature.

The former Vice President of The Gambia Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang has called on Gambians to avoid ethnic-based hate speech, fake news, and political violence.

She made this call while delivering her Peace Message to the nation on Monday. Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang noted that her message speaks to the preservation of the country’s national heritage, democracy, unity, stability, and peace for the advancement of the Gambia

“This peace message is drawn from my religious obligation combined with my responsibility as a senior citizen and commitment to promoting our national heritage for democracy, unity, stability, and peace for the advancement of our country The Gambia,” Madam Jallow-Tambajang said.

She further noted that as a Senior citizen of the Gambia, a peace mediator and human rights defender she feels obliged to advise every Gambian to keep the peace and nurture the globally respected image of the Gambia.

Whilst appealing to Gambians to exercise their democratic right in a matured manner and respect the rule of law and human rights.

“Fellow Gambians in exercising your constitutional and political rights to vote for the president of the Gambia, you must do so in a matured and peaceful manner. Please vote peacefully and massively for the leader of your choice,” she said.

She called on all citizens to be alert to ensure a free, fair and transparent process, whilst entreating them to respect the outcome of the election.

She used the opportunity to commend the IEC for creating the enabling environment for peaceful nominations of candidates for the December 4^th election. And the media for covering events and informing the public about happenings leading to the election.

WHAT YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW -With Amara Thoronka

Have you ever heard or thought about the existence of a whole community only inhabited by women? It sounds strange right? Well, there is one in Kenya, an east African nation.

It is called Umoja Village, a village on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River in Samburu National Reserve, around 380km from Nairobi [Kenya’s capital]. The village is inhabited by members of the Samburu tribe.

The strikingly unusual thing about this village is that it is only made up of women and some children who are growing up in the village. Men can visit on permission, but they are strictly prohibited to inhabit the village.

They welcome visitors to the village with clapping and singing. The women perform a number of ritual songs and dances by thrusting their chests and shoulders forwards, causing their necklaces to jump up and down. The wording of their songs portrays independence and freedom from harassment and bullying.

Samburu women dressed in colourful robes, beaded necklaces and headwear.

Before their habitation in the village, the women are said to have endured a lot through the years – with little access to education, forced marriages (in some cases to much older men) and regular beatings.

The village was started by a Samburu woman called Rebecca Lolosoli in the early 1990’s as a safe haven for the women who had undergone (or were about to) undergo forced marriage and initiation, humiliation and beating.

The word “Umoja” actually means ‘unity’ in Swahili. The women work as a cooperative, selling their jewellery to passing tourists. They have since inspired other women to do the same.

They maintain their traditional mud houses by smearing wet cow and elephant dung onto the outside walls. The huts are said to be surprisingly cool inside and offer a wonderful respite from the dusty heat outside.

There are campsites for tourists adjacent to the village. The campsite is a perfect base for visiting the village as well as taking a game drive in the Samburu National Reserve. The camp has bar and restaurant facilities and you can also experience a traditional campfire dinner with more singing and dancing.

An Imam in Guinea has been banned from speaking in the name of Islam amid the cleric’s defiance to continue praying and spreading the word of God in his native tongue, Malinke known in Gambia as Mandinka.

Imam Nanfy Diaby was recently released from prison for leading congregational prayers in Mandinka in Guinea.

The religious affairs council of Guinea has now issued a ban to the cleric which forbids him from speaking on behalf of Islam in the country.

The move came on November 4.

In Islam, all prayers are done in the Arabic language.

The country’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has informed the public that it will be defending its position in the High Court on Tuesday. This is in direct response to a petition filed by disqualified presidential candidates Ismaila Ceesay of Citizens’ Alliance and Joseph Henry Joof respectively.

It may be recalled that the two presidential aspirants were among the 15 applicants whose Nomination Papers were rejected by the commission for not fulfilling all the nomination requirements.

“The Independent Electoral Commission wishes to bring to the attention of the general public that in relation to the recently concluded nomination of candidates for Presidential Election of 4^th December 2021, two court petitions were filed at the High Court by Ismaila Ceesay of Citizens’ Alliance and Joseph Henry Joof respectively.

Accordingly, the IEC has instructed its lawyers Kebba Sanyang and Malick HB Jallow to litigate the above-mentioned petitions at the high court on its behalf and will respect and abide by the outcome of the judicial process,” a statement from the IEC signed by the Chairman and Returning Officer Alieu Momarr Njai read.

It further states that in the meantime the commission remains committed to conducting, free fair and credible elections and solicits the usual corporation of all political parties, candidates, stakeholders and the general public.