Polls have closed in Gambia’s Parliamentary elections and counting is underway throughout the country.
Voting officially began as early as 07:00am GMT and closed at 17hrs GMT throughout the country.
This is the first elections without a dictator’s interference as long time ruler Yahya Jammeh was voted out in December 2016.
A total 886,000 where registered to vote in the Thursday’s elections, according to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
A total of 239 registered candidates representing 9 different political parties and Independent were battling for the 48 National Assembly seats in the country’s Parliament. Five other nominated members will later be appointed by the President, totaling 53 seats of the National Assembly.
Former ruling APRC Party and now opposition slogged in 29 candidates, The Gambia Democratic Congress of Mama Kandeh had 52 candidates, United Democratic Party of Lawyer Ousainou Darboe had 44 candidates, Hamat Bah’s NRP had 24 candidates, Halifa Sallah’s PDOIS had 22 candidates, NCP 3, GMC 5, PPP 14, GPDP 4 and Independent 42 respectively.
The official results are expected early Friday, April 7th, 2017.
