Jammeh rejects Gambia election results, calls for fresh polls

In a bizarre twist of events, Gambia president, Yahya Jammeh has gone on national TV to reject the results of the elections in which he was defeated and calls for fresh elections. His quick turn about is unexpected just one week after conceding.

Jammeh claims there were irregularities, accusing the Independent Electoral Commission for adding votes to his opponent to swell his numbers.

Jammeh lost to Adama Barrow in a keenly contested election on December 1, 2016. Reports from The Gambia said he was reluctant to concede but was prevailed upon to do so by some international figures and leaders. He called his opponent Barrow and conceded, congratulating him and offering to work with him through the transition.

He however surprised many for conceding so easily, as comments on social media showed, that not many expected him to concede so easily.

Unless, there is external military intervention, some Gambians fear his action would lead to a bloodbath.

Jammeh ruled the tiny West African country for 22 years after he overthrew the founding president, Sir Dawda Jawara.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi