Gambia Democratic Congress leader Mamma Kandeh has told reporters he is still not accepting the outcome of Saturday’s poll.

Mr Kandeh was battered by Prsident Barrow in ruthless fashion by beating him by more than a whopping 300,000 votes.

A stunned Kandeh who came third in the poll was later seen at UDP leader Darboe’s house on Sunday where they made a joint communique to reject the election result.

On Monday, Mr Kandeh renewed his stance he is still not accepting the result and vowed he will not call President Barrow to congratulate him.

Mr Kandeh said: “Everyone saw me at Ousainou Darboe’s house. We made a joint declaration rejecting the results. I am still not accepting it.

“I will not take my phone and call Adama Barrow and tell him he has won. I will not do it. I don’t have the power to stop him being president but I own myself.”

The Inspector General of Police has issued a statement warning against post-election violence in The Gambia.

The IGP’s statement issued Monday evening reads: “Fellow Gambians, following the announcement of the final Presidential Election results 2021 and the declaration of the winner by the IEC, the Office of the Inspector General of Police has noticed with concern, gatherings with violent tendencies and obstructions.

“These are causing panic and alarms within the population which should be avoided. Without restraint, any form of post electoral violence will jeopardize our legacy for tolerance, maturity and peacefulness.

“This Office therefore, strongly urges all Gambians to remain calm and go about their normal lawful business, and avoid acts that can lead to a breach of the law. We are advocating for legal means of addressing our concerns as citizens.

“Moreover, it is the responsibility of all Gambians to safe guard the peace and tranquility that makes us the envy of others. Hence we are particularly encouraging the leadership at all levels to engage their followings for law and order to prevail.

“To this end, the Office of the IGP wishes to once again implore on all individuals to cooperate with the police to ensure that no form of post electoral violence erupts in this country. It is doable and we have collectively manifested that during the nominations and campaigns.

“Furthermore, we want to warn all that we will not allow this country to fall in to a state of lawlessness and any individual or group found wanting would be dealt with strictly according to Law.

“We thank all Gambians and the electoral partners for supporting the police and look forward to a continuation of the same support for peace and tranquility to reign.”

The Gambia Police Force (GPF) are presently firing tear gas cannisters to disperse a crowd of protesters here at Kairaba Avenue.

Kairaba Avenue is the Gambia’s main thoroughfare which runs in a relatively straight line from Westfield Junction to the Atlantic Road. It is a major business area and home to the American Embassy.

Kairaba Avenue is also the area where the opposition leader Ousainou Darboe is resident. Earlier this afternoon a crowd of protesters gathered at his residence in solidarity with their leader who has rejected Saturday’s poll results.

Developing story…

Independent Essa Faal has told reporters he has called President Adama Barrow to congratulate him on his electoral victory.

“I have called President-elect Adama Barrow and congratulated him on his re-election. We have heard a good conversation about the future of this country,” Mr Faal told reporters at his house in Kerr Serign on Monday.

According to the Turnaround leader, the 2021 presidential election represents the verdict of the Gambian people.

He said: “The results were announced by the IEC and the credibility of the election was confirmed by both international and domestic observers.

“We have also looked at the materials in our possession and the information we have and have concluded that even though there might have been irregularities here and there, there might have been some violations of the law here and there, by and large, the elections results in our opinion represent the verdict of the Gambian people.

“As such, it behoves all of us to respect that position and come together as a people to try to foster the unity of the Gambian people. A leader has been elected. We believe it is our responsibility to respect that position and to live with it and to work with it.”

Supporters of the United Democratic Party (UDP) have staged a protest as their leader Ousainou Darboe challenges the validity of the recently announced presidential result.

The protest is in direct response to Saturday’s polls which according to the official result announced by the IEC saw incumbent President Adama Barrow pulling 457,519 of the valid votes cast, whilst his close contender opposition strongman Ousainou Darboe pulled 238, 253.

Meanwhile, international observers, including the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, The Commonwealth among others have commended the Gambian people for the conduct of elections that are generally considered free, fair and credible.

Developing story………..

President Adama Barrow has confirmed Essa Faal and leader of National Unity Party Abdoulie Jammeh have called him and congratulated him on his victory.

Speaking via his verified Facebook page on Monday afternoon, the president said: “Following #GambiaDecide2021, the IEC declaration that I am the winner of the December 4th Presidential election, this morning, I received calls from Mr Essa Mbye Faal and Mr Abdoulie Ebrima Jammeh fellow contestants in the elections.

“They both congratulated me on my victory and we shared best wishes. As for me, The #Gambia is the winner. Let us all unite and work for the progress of the nation. Thank you #Gambia #Gambians.”

President Barrow grabbed 53% of the vote on Sunday in a presidential election that will be remembered for the loud noise that preceded it.

He battered his opponents among them his father UDP leader Ousainou Darboe.

Independent Essa Faal has told reporters he has called President Adama Barrow to congratulate him on his electoral victory.

“I have called President-elect Adama Barrow and congratulated him on his re-election. We have heard a good conversation about the future of this country,” Mr Faal told reporters at his house in Kerr Serign on Monday.

According to the Turnaround leader, the 2021 presidential election represents the verdict of the Gambian people.

He said: “The results were announced by the IEC and the credibility of the election was confirmed by both international and domestic observers.

“We have also looked at the materials in our possession and the information we have and have concluded that even though there might have been irregularities here and there, there might have been some violations of the law here and there, by and large, the elections results in our opinion represent the verdict of the Gambian people.

“As such, it behoves all of us to respect that position and come together as a people to try to foster the unity of the Gambian people. A leader has been elected. We believe it is our responsibility to respect that position and to live with it and to work with it.”

Marie Sock has pulled out of a coalition that is looking to reject the election of President Adama Barrow by Gambians.

UDP leader Darboe and his political coalition that comprises Marie Sock and BB Darbo’s GFA as well as Mamma Kandeh and Essa Faal held a press conference on Sunday to reject the election results.

But Marie Sock wrote today: “Good morning my beautiful Gambia, it is a beautiful day, new beginnings and lots of hope for the future of The Gambia, let us be positive in whatever we do and advocate for peace!

“This was a great journey for me and truly, I felt the love of my fellow brothers and sisters of The Gambia.

“Gambians have selected a leader H.E Adama Barrow, and as a Gambian, I am wishing him well and hope that all that he promised for the good of The Gambia is realized during his second term.

“My apologies to people offended by my stance, I am only human and some of my actions were geared towards the love of my country.

“To my supporters, thank you for standing with me, struggling with me, laughing and crying with me, it is quite a journey and I love you all dearly .. The Journey continues…”

MPs Omar Ceesay and Alhagie Sowe of opposition Gambia Democratic Congress have congratulated President Adama Barrow for winning the 2021 presidential election despite their leader rejecting the poll.

Mamma Kandeh was by UDP leader Ousainou Darboe’s side on Sunday as he read a joint statement rejecting the election results.

But MP Omar Ceesay wrote: “Despite our political differences, I wish to Congratulate president-elect Barrow, NPP, and all the other candidates. Wishing you all the best.”

MP Alhagie Sowe of Jimara on his part wrote: “Congratulations my brother, President-elect Barrow for your victory and other Candidates. The Gambian people have spoken, and I respect their verdict.

“We may have different political affiliations, but at the end of the day we are one people aiming to better the life of the citizens of this country.”

UDP leader Ousainou Darboe addresses his supporters on Sunday evening where he also sang with them after his shocking electoral loss to his son Adama Barrow.

His supporters shouted ‘wee Darboe’ and ‘Allahu Akbar’ as Darboe emerged out of his house to address them in front of his Pipeline home late on Sunday.

After taking the podium, Darboe started singing his party’s ‘ale fongsa jeh (where is he, I must see him) song.

He then told his supporters: “My UDP family I know how you feel, I know that this was not what you expected. You didn’t expect this because you know how hard you have worked, you know how well conducted your campaigns have been and because of that, the results announced so far are shocking, surprising and unimaginable.

“But what the UDP family is known for… UDP family is known for peace, UDP is known for calmness, UDP family is known for tolerance. Therefore, I call on all of you to be peaceful, to be calm and to let your trusted leaders deal with this situation.

“I ask you all to protect the good image of the United Democratic Party. The values that our party stands for are the values that we shall embrace and we must not therefore do anything that will run contrary to those values. So please let us go about our business peacefully.

“This evening, candidate Essa Faal and candidate Mamma Kandeh as well as the leaders of the GFA and Marie Sock independent aspirant visited me and in fact Marie Sock and GFA came at my invitation but the other two candidates visited and we all have adopted a common stand and that common stand is in your interest. We will not betray you, we will not disappoint you but please, I ask you also not to disappoint me. Listen to us and whatever action we take will be in the best interest of not only our party but also in the best interest of The Gambia.”

Citizens’ Alliance has issued a statement congratulating President Adama Barrow for winning the 2021 presidential election.

CA’s statement reads: “Following the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) official declaration of the final results of the December 4 presidential election, the Citizens’ Alliance (CA) wishes to congratulate His Excellency, President Adama Barrow on his successful re-election.

“We wish to equally congratulate all Gambians, particularly the women, differently abled, the old and young people, for coming out in their large numbers to cast their votes for the candidate of their choice. The voter turnout has been unprecedentedly high.

“Mr. President-Elect, Gambians have communicated their trust in you through their votes in anticipation of your fulfilment of campaign promises. We challenge you to roll your sleeves and adequately respond to the many wishes of Gambians and the numerous responsibilities of being a President. As you prepare to steer the affairs of the country for the next five years, CA wishes to assure you (the Head of State) and the Gambian people its commitment towards the new chapter of our beloved country and the consolidation of our nascent democracy.

“We join you, the general public and the International Community to call on all Gambians to accept the results, following confirmations of a free, fair and transparent election by the election observers, both domestic and international.

“Finally, we seize this opportunity to extend our sincere wishes, gratitude and commendations to the other presidential candidates for fairly participating in this very important electoral process and for conducting a peaceful campaign.”

Ayatollah Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly has congratulated President Adama Barrow for winning the 2021 presidential election.

Below is Mr Batchilly’s statement;

In the name of Allah SWT, The Most Merciful and the most Beneficient.

Alhamdulilahi Rabbil Alameen. WALA hawla wala Quwata Ella Billahi Aliyul Azeem. May peace and blessings of Allah SWT be upon The Holy Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. multiple fold forever. Asalamu Alaikum Warahmatullah wabarakaatu  to all Gambians and to My brother and Statesman H.E Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of the Gambia.

On this Great Day of your’s, and this wonderful day in The Nation’s Political History, and ours  –  a day when the Independent Electoral Commission of The Gambia have declared H.E Adama Barrow as President Elect of the December 4th Elections..

Following this declaration as Winner of the recently concluded elections, I   would like to express our profound congratulations to H.E President Elect Adama Barrow on his election victory- on my behalf and on behalf of both the  Gambia Action Party and the Grand NPP led Coalition that made this victory possible by God’s help and Might.

As the Nation enters a new phase of the NPP Grand Coalition led Government for the First time, I pray for President Barrow and his entire Cabinet to be blessed by Allah SWT and Guided with knowledge, wisdom, truth, Honorable steadfastness in a rigorous pursuit of the National Development Agenda and promote inclusive dialogue, diversity, tolerance, professionalism and a conducive environment for socio economic development growth, acceleration of living standards and livelihoods and a more coordinated approach to Donor driven Development Programmes to support ongoing attainment of all Supplementary Development Goals of The United Nations and its multiple Agencies guided programmes for impact driven development action and results.

We call for peace, reconciliation, solidarity, equality, equitable access to National opportunities for all Residents and foreign Nationals  and Government support for all communities, tribes, religious communities as one people with the National interest above partisan or sectarian interests.

I take this opportunity to remind myself of the urgent need for an orientation toward a positive and proactive National Unity oriented Government Agenda and Politicaldispensation. for which the Newly Elected Government will extend a hand of Parrnership, cooperation and opportunities to work with with all Opposition members as Citizens to champion a National call for Peace and accelrated development that reflects Gambia’s National Pledge which I humbly remind the entire Gambian people.

“It is the combination of Government and people working together in unison and harmony, that still lead us to achieve the progress that we all desire.

We must stand together as one people with one goal and move forward as one Nation.

For if we insist on pursuing our personal goals without keeping our collective, Objectives and responsibilities in mind, Then indeed we shall be divided and divided and then  indeed we shall fall.”

We as Muslims and People of Faith believe firm and Trust in Allah SWT whether we win or lose, alive or dead, poor or rich, healthy or sick, in good times or bad times and we must as one People accept God’s will at all times and we must strive now to work together to redidicate ourselves to Allah SWT foremost, Fear Allah SWt utmost and do good for ourselves, societies, The Nation we all belong and humanity af large. This is the sure way forward.

In this we trust and pray that Allah SWT will settle all our affairs and make Gambia a model for Peace, Progress and Prosperity for all.

I would like to extend gratitude to the IEC, the Election Observers, ECOMIG Forces, The Gambia Police Force and Security Forces, The Inspector General of Police, The Navy, The Immigration Department,  Gambia Revenue Authority and Customs, The Media particularly GRTS, other TV Stations and media Outlets locally, regionally and internationally…despite the usual twists of sinister acrimony meted out bluntly during fierce rhetoric of Party Politics. Ultimately all these supported the Election and campaign processes and Political Parties motives expectations and interets.

We would like to specifically thank Gambia Press Union and all its Partners; special gratitude  to Fatu Network, Gambia Talents TV, Paradise TV, Eye Africa TV, QTV, Sen  TV Senegal, Africa News TV and others.

We would like to also thank the Civil Society Organizations under TANGO, Community Organizations, Alkalos and Chiefs, The Various Umbrella bodies in the Gambia and Democratic support organzations such as National Democratic Institute, West Africa Network for Peace building, Community and Religious Leaders and members that provided the platforms and spiritual blessings that usher in a new dispensation. To Allah SWT be all Glory. 

As Gambians and Political Leaders, We are obliged to demonstrate gratitude and thank everyone that has supported this Country to make this successful elections including our development Partners and Foreign Counterparts and the Gambia government under HE President Adama Barrow.

Leader of National Unity Party Abdoulie Jammeh has issued a statement congratulating President Adama Barrow’ for winning the 2021 presidential election.

Jammeh’s statement reads: “On December 4th, 2021, we headed to the polls to elect a President who will lead the affairs of our dear nation for the next five years. We voted as a nation and collectively we have chosen our President for the coming five years. In this regard, on behalf of the National Chairman, the National Executive Committee, the General Membership of the National Unity Party (NUP), and indeed on my own humble behalf, I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate His Excellency President Adama Barrow on his re-election to the Office of the President of the Republic of The Gambia. We wish him the very best of luck in steering the affairs of our dear nation on the right path.

“To my other fellow contestants, we congratulate you for your efforts in trying to offer an alternative to the Gambian people, albeit our efforts falling short. At NUP, we believe that there is no indignity in running for election and losing and therefore I wish to commiserate with you all for not being successful this time around. It has been very clear from the onset that there was going to be only one winner in this elections and that is THE GAMBIA. Thus, The Gambia has voted; The Gambia has decided; and The Gambia has won. The fact that we have achieved all of these in a peaceful and orderly manner with mutual respect and great sense of humor showed the level of maturity of our fledging democracy.

“We, therefore, call on each and every citizen to continue to nurture the growth of that democracy in a tolerant, respectful and an all-inclusive environment.

“On a concluding note, I wish to take this opportunity to thank each and every voter who took time to vote in this elections; regardless of candidate of choice. The 2021 Presidential election cycle is now over, let’s get all hands on deck to work towards the development of our beloved country without regards to tribal, religious or political affiliation.

“As a responsible party in opposition, we will continue to engage the nation and contribute our quota towards national development whilst extending a lending hand to the government in seeing to it that we achieve our aspirations as a nation. We will lead the path of unity towards our common good.”

Independent Essa Faal has told his supporters to accept the will of God following his abysmal performance in Saturday’s election.

The Turnaround leader managed to secure a sorry 17,000 votes to President Adama Barrow’s over 450,000 votes.

Mr Faal however joined other stunned leaders, UDP leader Ousainou Darboe and GDC Mamma Kandeh to reject the result.

But Mr Faal told his supporters in an audio message: “We have not won and that is God’s will, that’s what God wants. So we have to accept and not disagree with what God has done. That is why I always tell you all of us have to be ready to accept what God would do.

“We had confidence we would win but God has his ways. It’s people who vote but it’s God who gives one the presidency and he gives it to whomsoever he wants.

“I want all to be calm and respect the law and not do anything that would break the law or cause violence. “

By Amara Thoronka

Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) yesterday announced incumbent President Adama Barrow winner of Saturday’s presidential polls in The Gambia, making him duly re-elected President of the Republic of The Gambia.

Recently, the Center for Policy, Research and Strategic Studies (CepRass) conducted an opinion poll survey on the voting intentions of Gambians. The survey, “The Gambia Pre-election Opinion Poll Survey 2021,” indicated that President Barrow was going to win in all the seven regions in the country.

The Opinion Poll inferred that President Adama Barrow of National Peoples Party (NPP) will win the presidential election, while Ousainou Darboe of United Democratic Party (UDP) will secure second position. Mama Kandeh of Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) was positioned third while Halifa Sallah of Peoples Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) took fourth. Abdoulei Jammeh of National Unity Party (NUP) and independent candidate Essa Mbye Faal were said to take fifth and sixth positions respectively.

Interestingly, the result announced by the IEC seems to be a reflection of CepRass’ election opinion poll. In the just declared result, President Barrow came first with 457,519 votes, followed by Ousainou Darboe who got 238,253 votes; Mama Kandeh with 105,902 votes; Halifa Sallah with 32,435 votes; Essa Mbye Faal with 17,206 votes and Abdoulei Jammeh with 8,252 votes.

Election Opinion Polls are conducted to know the voting intentions of voters before polling day. They show the popularity of election aspirants and how voters perceive them.

Thousands of citizens have poured into the streets to begin celebrating President Adama Barrow’s unprecedented electoral victory on Sunday.

The Independent Electoral Commission declared President Barrow winner of Saturday’s poll late on Sunday. It came at 9:16pm.

At Westfield, citizens in record numbers shouted ‘beh suba’ while scores are seen walking towards Banjul. A big musical jamboree is taking place in Banjul.

President Barrow secured a record 457,519 votes in Saturday’s poll. His father UDP leader struggled at 238,253 votes.

Incumbent President  Adama Barrow has convincingly won the 2021 race to State House. The results were announced by Alieu Momar Njai, Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), at Election House.

Barrow pulled 457,519 of the valid votes cast, whilst his close contender opposition strongman Ousainou Darboe pulled  238, 253. Mama Kandeh of the GDC recorded 105,902 followed by veteran politician Halifa Sallah of PDOIS who got 32, 425 of the valid votes cast. Independent Candidate Essa Faal had 17, 206 and NUP Leader Abdoulie Jammeh recorded 8,252.

This is Gambia’s first presidential election since the end of the 22-year Jammeh led dictatorship.

Meanwhile, presidential contenders and opposition figures including Ousainou Darboe, Essa Faal and Mama Kandeh have rejected the results, saying there were delays with the announcements and problems at polling stations.

United Democratic Party leader Ousainou Darboe, Gambia Democratic Congress leader Mamma Kandeh and the independent Essa Faal have vowed to leave all options on the table as they rejected the election result on Sunday evening.

Darboe, Kandeh and Faal have been handed the shock of their lives after President Adama Barrow swat them aside in ruthless fashion in almost all of the country’s 53 constituencies.

And Darboe reading a statement on behalf of the stunned leaders, said: “The United Democratic Party and its partners, GFA and Honourable Marie Sock, the Gambia Democratic Party and parties that endorsed his candidature, Honourable Essa Faal have the following preliminary observations on the just concluded electoral process; one, considering that the Gambia has an electorate of approximately 900,000 with on-the-spot counting, we are concerned that there has been an inordinate delay in the announcement of results; two, a number of issues have been raised by our agents and representatives in polling stations, centres and at the IEC headquarters.

“As a result, the representatives of the aforementioned candidates at the IEC headquarters refused to to endorse some of the results that were announced through the public media. We are investigating this matter and our partners, to determine our future course of action. At this point in time, we reject the results announced thus far by the IEC.

“We reserve the right to embark on any action the situation requires. To this end, all options are on the table. In the meantime, we urge all Gambians to remain calm and peaceful while we continue our investigations of these concerns.”

UDP leader Ousainou Darboe has read a statement on behalf of three candidates rejecting the election result.

Darboe, Mamma Kandeh and Essa Faal held a press conference at the UDP leader’s house Sunday evening to reject the result which has seen President Adama Barrow hammered them mercilessly in a landslide victory.

A statement read by Darboe said: “On December 4 2021, Gambians came out in large numbers to vote in the presidential elections. Twenty-four hours later, no clear winner has been declared by the Independent Electoral Commission.

“The United Democratic Party and its partners, GFA and Honourable Marie Sock, the Gambia Democratic Party and parties that endorsed his candidature, Honourable Essa Faal have the following preliminary observations on the just concluded electoral process; one, considering that the Gambia has an electorate of approximately 900,000 with on-the-spot counting, we are concerned that there has been an inordinate delay in the announcement of results; two, a number of issues have been raised by our agents and representatives in polling stations, centres and at the IEC headquarters.

“As a result, the representatives of the aforementioned candidates at the IEC headquarters refused to to endorse some of the results that were announced through the public media. We are investigating this matter and our partners, to determine our future course of action. At this point in time, we reject the results announced thus far by the IEC.

“We reserve the right to embark on any action the situation requires. To this end, all options are on the table. In the meantime, we urge all Gambians to remain calm and peaceful while we continue our investigations of these concerns.”