Following the congratulatory messages, they are equally demanding the current administration to “maintain and preserve the country’s democratic norms, values…as well as prioritizing the recommendations made by the Truth Reconciliation and Repatriation Commission (TRRC) without further delay.”
Even though the incumbent won by 53 % of the votes cast, this correspondent learnt that some western partners are privately requesting such demands via diplomatic and consular channels; others are contemplating that such request be done publicly.
Responding to The Point, a Western diplomat familiar with the Gambian issues said: “We unanimously accepted the election results based on its credibility…and certification by local, regional and international observers…It is acceptable that the elections were conducted generally in an atmosphere of transparency and fairness…In our view, the elections were free and fair.”
Nonetheless, “we are also aware of the complaints by some opposition elements which they are pursing through appropriate channels.”
Gambians, the official added “voted because they wanted change for the better, the years of authoritarian rule by dictator Yahya Jammeh compelled many to vote for democracy, equality and justice…Press freedom is also vital for the country’s democracy and must be respected…
Some are still crying foul over the results and providing their own “evidence” to that effect. However, the stance of the international community remains the same. They had asked people to “move on and embrace the new government for the future of the country.”
The TRRC, the diplomat noted, is vital in “reconciliation and compromise” and thus violators must not escape unpunished. It is “highly dangerous and unacceptable as it will create a precedent by allowing perpetrators and other right abusers the carte blanche to continue to inflict fear and to act with impunity”.
Separately, several Gambians from both home and abroad thought that the country would disintegrate into chaos. However, “people demonstrated the most unique abilities and scrutinize all the process and procedure of the elections.”
At the moment, the diligent task of forming a new government, including the responsibility of identifying and appointing new ambassadors and other representatives is daunting and thus requires a non-partisan maneuver.
The recent Good Morning: Mr. President-elect: Game over by The Point’s Editorial Board was also hailed for “hitting the nail on the head and delivering an excellent and useful” advice for the President.
Also, some of the opposition candidates including Essa Mbye Faal, are praised for “leading and directing his supporters to abide by all the rules and accept the will of the people despite other difficulties; and Ousainu Darboe, as a respectable statesman with courage who deserves all the respect for fighting impunity during the despotic 22-years of Yahya Jammeh’s APRC rule”.
