Elizabeth Renner Elected New Speaker

In an unprecedented move, Members of the National Assembly yesterday unanimously elected Mrs. Elizabeth Y.F Renner as the new Speaker of the National Assembly, replacing Fatoumatta Jahumpa-Ceesay, whose nomination was last week revoked by President Jammeh.

Mrs. Renner who first took the oath of office as a nominated member, administered by the acting Clerk of the House, was elected unopposed following her nomination by the Majority Leader and member for Serrekunda East, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta.

The election, which was described as free and fair, was presided over by the newly appointed Chief Justice of the Gambia, Emmanuel A. Agim.

"I Mrs. Elizabeth Y.F Renner having been elected as Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of The Gambia do swear that I will bear true allegiance to the Republic of The Gambia as by law established", Mrs. Renner said, while taking the oath.

A retired school principal, Mrs. Renner told National Assembly Members shortly after her election that "it is not an easy task that she is taking". "We all know that the position of a Speaker is different from that of a school principal. I would not expect that it is going to be easy but I am sure that I have co-operation", she said.

She promised to do her best, and urged all members of the Assembly to also do their best. She challenged them to work hard for the interest of the country, and not to betray the electorate.