The Judicial Tribunal of the University of The Gambia Students’ Union has blocked the swearing in of the 19th Executive Council following an ex-parte motion by the Kemo Fatty-led camp.
Students of UTG had recently voted in an election for a new leadership with the Electoral Commission declaring Ous Jassey and his team as the winners.
His rival Kemo Fatty alongside eight others however lodged a complaint with the Judicial Tribunal that the election was marred by fraud.
The tribunal ruling on the ex-parte motion on Saturday warned themselves against swearing in Ousman Jassey and his team pending the determination of the case.
PA Mendy, Tribunal Principal Arbitrator in handing down his ruling said: “I have heard the Appellant/Applicant in moving their motion. This is an ex-parte motion and as stated by the Appellant/Applicant needs urgent attention. In moving the motion, the Appellant/Applicant relied on three principles of law advanced supporting the motion.
“It is averred that on the night of the 24th of October, 2020. The University of The Gambia Students’ Union Electoral Commission, issued a statement informing the General Students body of allegedly election malpractice occurring during the night of 23rd October, 2020.
“On the morning of the 24th October 2020, the commission purportedly declared respective winners in the said election and disqualified a candidate for alleged election malpractice.
“In light of the above and pursuant to rule 11(1) of the judicial tribunal rules, assuming without conceding that the Appellant/Applicant has advanced cognizant and compelling reasons in support of their motion.”
He then ordered: “The honorable tribunal makes the following orders pending the commencement and determination of the substantive suit: the 18th Executive council of the University of The Gambia pursuant to S. 54(6) is barred from handing over and inaugurating the elected members of the 19th Executive of the University of The Gambia students’ union: the elected executive of the 19th council members are ordered to refrain from acting as representatives of the student union body pending the final determination of the substantive suit filed by the Appellant/Applicant: [and] the Principal Arbitrator in person or his tribunal members pursuant to S.55(13) are ordered to refrain from swearing into office the 19th Executive council members until such a time the matter before the judicial tribunal is decided.”
Ousman Jassey often referred to as Gambia’s PLO Lumumba told The Fatu Network he’s not formally served as a party to any matter and so he’s ‘imagining’ that there is no legal battle.
The swearing in event is scheduled to take place on Monday November 2.
