"It is time he go and we thank him for everything he has
done for the country," Gambian President-elect Adama Barrow countered
Friday.
BANJUL, Gambia, On Friday 9th, Ousted Gambian President Yahya Jammeh is making it clear he
isn't going to relinquish 22 years of power without a fight.
The recently-defeated premier said
on state television Friday that he
rejects the result of the presidential election -- citing "unacceptable
abnormalities" -- and demanded a fresh vote.
"After a thorough investigation, I have decided to
reject the outcome of the recent election," he said. "I lament
serious and unacceptable abnormalities which have reportedly transpired during
the electoral process.
"I
recommend fresh and transparent elections which will be officiated by a
god-fearing and independent electoral commission."
Jammeh lost to challenger Adama
Barrow on Dec. 1 by winning less than 40 percent of the vote. Barrow was
supported by more than 45 percent of voters, many of whom are itching for new
leadership after more than two decades of Jammeh's rule.
"I have been declared the
winner and the incumbent President Jammeh has congratulated me, which I think
is a move in the right direction," Barrow told Gambia's Daily Observer Friday.
"We have to be patient
because nothing will come easy and nothing is automatic," he added.
"We are ready and we will work round the clock to make a difference but we
are calling on every Gambians to put hands on deck. It is through hard work
that we can achieve a better Gambia."
Jammeh, 51, took power in Gambia
during a 1994 military coup and has presided over a government that has
regularly drawn international criticism over a spate of issues -- including
human rights abuses and systemic oppression.
The president has also been
condemned for his advocacy for violence against the Gambian gay community. He said last year, "If you do it
(homosexuality) I will slit your throat. If you are a man and want to marry
another man in this country and we catch you, no one will ever set eyes on you
again."
Barrow,
51, is scheduled to assume office next month.
Jammeh initially accepted the
election defeat and was expected
to concede. Friday's remarks, though,
indicate he won't easily release his grip on the presidency.
"We should all put personal
issues aside and Gambia is the most important thing, which I think President
Jammeh has demonstrated," Barrwo said. "He has been here for 22 years
working for Gambia and we have to commend him for that, but it is time he go
and we thank him for everything he has done for the country."
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