Press release December 12, 2016
The Gambia: Defeated President Moves against Election Officials
Freedom House issued the following statement in response to Gambian security forces today seizing the election commission headquarters, after President Jammeh’s defeat in presidential elections earlier this month.
Washington
In response to Gambian security forces today seizing the election commission headquarters, after President Jammeh’s defeat in presidential elections earlier this month, Freedom House issued the following statement:
“For the sake of his country, President Jammeh should respect the election results and allow for a peaceful transition of power,” said Vukasin Petrovic, director of Central, East, and West Africa programs. “He should immediately order security forces to peacefully restore control of the election commission headquarters to its staff.”
Background:
On December 2, 2016 the Election Commission of the Gambia released election results showing opposition candidate Adama Barrow defeating President Jammeh who has been in power 22 years. Jammeh initially conceded, before then rejecting the official results and demanding a new election.
The Gambia is rated Not Free in Freedom in the World 2016, Not Free in Freedom of the Press 2016, and Not Free in Freedom on the Net 2016.