Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has thrown the future of the country into chaos after he rejected the results of peaceful polls held weeks ago that kicked him out of power.
Speaking on state tv late Friday, Jammeh said the election had been hit by irregularities, and therefore he was annulling the results and calling for fresh elections to be held.
“After a thorough investigation, I have decided to reject the outcome of the recent election,” Mr Jammeh said.
“I lament serious and unacceptable abnormalities which have reportedly transpired during the electoral process.
“I recommend fresh and transparent elections which will be officiated by a God-fearing and independent electoral commission.”
Jammeh, who took power in a coup in 1994 and has held on since, conceded defeat after losing the elections to opposition leader Adama Barrow, sparking hope for the democratic future of the tiny West African nation. But all that has gone up in smoke with Friday’s announcement.
Jammeh’s announcement has been met with universal condemnation, with the Foreign Minister of nearby Senegal calling on Jammeh to respect the election results.
“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,” the US State Department said.

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