Adama Barrow, the President-elect of The Gambia has affirmed his position as the only legitimate elected President of The Gambia saying outgoing President Yahya Jammeh has no authority.
Barrow made the declaration before waiting journalists on Saturday in responds to the Friday declaration by Yahya Jammeh rejecting the last week’s election results which he already conceded defeat.
After a meeting of the coalition members, President-elect Barrow rubbish Jammeh’s actions saying there will be no elections and the transfer transfer of power shall be effective in January according to the Constitution.
“We urged outgoing President Yahya Jammeh to respect the clear verdict of the people, and urged to toe the path of honour and dignity. His declaration is deemed as one of a defeated candidate and with no legal effect or political validity. The will of the voters will not be subverted” Barrow told waiting Journalists.
He also reminded outgoing President Jammeh that he has no legal powers and authority to annul elections, and should not escalate tension in the country. . The outgoing president has no constitutional authority to reject the results and call for fresh election. The IEC is the only authority to make that decision” he said
He spoke about the congratulatory messages received earlier including the telephone conversation with the outgoing president Yahya Jammeh conceded defeat and called him to ensure a smooth transfer of power.
“I’m the president-elect. Yahya Jammeh should handover power to me in January. Leaders will come and go. Let us all act in the supreme interest of The Gambia. I call on him to change his stand for the peace and prosperity of our country,” he said.
Meanwhile, President-elect Barrow who called on the international community to take action urged supporters to celebrate the election victory in maturity and peaceful manner. He also urged Gambians to go about their daily business without fear.
