US, others shocked at Jammeh’s decision to reject election results

The United States as well as other leading democracies have condemned Gambia’s president Yahya Jammeh decision to reject the outcome of last week’s election, which he lost to opposition leader Adama Barrow.

Jammeh in a television broadcast on Friday rejected the result of the election and called for a for a fresh vote. The announcement throws the future of the West African country into doubt after an unexpected election result that ended Jammeh’s 22-year rule and was widely seen as a moment of democratic hope.
“After a thorough investigation, I have decided to reject the outcome of the recent election. I lament serious and unacceptable abnormalities which have reportedly transpired during the electoral process,” Jammeh said in the broadcast.

“This action is a reprehensible and unacceptable breach of faith with the people of The Gambia and an egregious attempt to undermine a credible election process and remain in power illegitimately,” said Mark Toner, deputy spokesman at the U.S. Department of State.