The
African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States continues to monitor
closely the unsettling political developments in The Gambia, following the
successfully conducted elections of December 1, the graceful concession of
defeat by President JAMMEH on December 2, and the latter’s subsequent reversal
of that decision on December 9.
The
ACP Group joins the international community in condemning the decision by
outgoing President JAMMEH to subsequently contest the results of the elections,
which had been declared free, fair and transparent by the Independent Electoral
Commission, and which threatens the peace and harmony for which The Gambia is
renowned.
Various
strata of the Gambian society have unanimously condemned this volte-face – the
lawyers, business community, students, youth groups, musicians, doctors,
Gambians abroad, serving Gambian ambassadors, religious leaders, lecturers and
teachers, local and international NGOs, etc.
It
is also worth noting that the elections were hailed as free, fair, and
transparent by both local and international observers, including the African
Union and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
The
ACP Group, therefore, urges outgoing President JAMMEH to unconditionally accept
the will of the Gambian people, as clearly expressed in the election results of
December 1, for which the Independent Electoral Commission declared
President-elect Adama BARROW as the winner.
The
ACP Group of States aligns itself with the statements issued by the UN Security
Council, ECOWAS, AU, and OIC, and strongly urges outgoing President JAMMEH to ensure
the smooth and peaceful transfer of power to President-elect Adama BARROW by
January 19th 2017.
Brussels,
20 December 2016
Source:
ACP
