New President for Gambia

News from Africa

President Jacob Zuma has congratulated Gambia’s President-elect Adama Barrow following his victory in the presidential elections held on 1 December.

Barrow defeated President Yahya Jammeh, who has been ruling the West African nation for 22 years.

Barrow won by 263 515 votes, or 45 percent of the total, while Jammeh came second with 212 099 votes, or 36 percent.

In a statement President Zuma conveyed his best wishes and committed himself to working closely with Barrow to strengthen bilateral relations between South Africa and Gambia.

President Zuma also commended outgoing President Jammeh for graciously conceding defeat, as well as the people for conducting peaceful and democratic elections.

“The peaceful and democratic manner under which these elections were conducted signify yet another positive step towards deepening democracy on the African continent.”

Meanwhile African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma also congratulated President-Elect of The Republic of The Gambia, Mr. Adama Barrow.

Chairperson Dlamini Zuma hailed the statesmanship of outgoing President Yahya Jammeh, for gracefully accepting the outcome of the elections. She commended the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for the conduct of peaceful and credible elections.

 “The stakeholders’ participation is evidence of the level of maturity of the political system and a demonstration of patriotism of the daughters and sons of The Gambia,” Dlamini Zuma said in a statement. 

Chairperson Dlamini Zuma also reaffirmed the determination of the AU to support the Republic of The Gambia and urged the neighbours and the international community to provide the necessary support that the country requires to guarantee democratic stability and unity.