A New Dawn in The Gambia as the Third Republic Sets in

Outgoing President Yahya Jammeh. Source: BBC

People in the Republic of the Gambia have elected a new President on December 1st, 2016 after a combined total of over half a century; during which time the country has only known two presidents. The President of the first Republic, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara's almost 30-year reign was halted by the incumbent - Yahya Jammeh in a military take over back in 1994, aged just 29. 

He later dropped his military uniform in 1996 to contest for the presidency after a two year transition period, and eventually managed to win four general elections in a row. However, his 22-year controversial rule has officially ended on December 2nd having conceded defeat to a coalition of 7 opposition parties led by Mr. Adama Barrow, a real estate developer.

According to official figures from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Mr. Adama Barrow secured 263, 515 of the votes amounting to 45.5% while Yahya Jammeh got a total of 212, 099 which equals to 36.7%, . Meanwhile, the third candidate Mama Kandeh won 102, 969 votes equalling to 17.8%.

Adama Barrow, President elect. Source: BBC

Before declaring Barrow the winner, The IEC chairman, Mr. Alieu Momar Njie is quoted as saying "it's really unique that someone who has been ruling this country for so long has accepted defeat" confirming just what many feared. The unprecedented events has shocked most people, myself included. 

I, for one, never thought in my wildest dreams that the opposition will be able to pull it up. And even in the event they did, I was always of the view that the incumbent won't go down without a fight. So I am indeed pleasantly surprised by the turn of events. Moreover, I am prouder than ever before of my fatherland. So kudos to everyone who has in one way or the other, contributed to this historic moment.