Gambian president rejects election result — a week after accepting defeat

Yahya Jammeh, President of Gambia, has rejected the outcome of the December 1 presidential elections and has called for fresh polls.

He made the announcement Friday on a state television citing unacceptable abnormalities during the electoral process.

“After a thorough investigation, I have decided to reject the outcome of the recent election. I lament serious and unacceptable abnormalities which have reportedly transpired during the electoral process,” he said.

“I recommend fresh and transparent elections which will be officiated by a god-fearing and independent electoral commission.”

Jammeh had earlier congratulated his opponent, Adama Barrow, to whom he lost the 2016 presidential election.

“I’m calling you to wish you all the best, the Gambian people have spoken and I have no reason to contest the will of Almighty Allah,” he had said.

Jammeh has been in power for 22 years. The West African country has not had a smooth transfer of power since independence in 1965.