AU has sent its congratulation to the Gambian president-elect, while hailing the maturity of the people and the outgoing president.
This was revealed in an AU statement sent to newsmen.
“Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the AU Commission, has congratulated President-elect of Republic of the Gambia, Adama Barrow, following his victory in the presidential elections held on Dec. 1, 2016,’’ the statement said. The AU noted that the Independent Electoral Commission declared opposition leader Adama Barrow winner, following elections described by a group of AU Observers as peaceful, credible and transparent.
The AU also praised the statesmanship of the outgoing President Yahya Jammeh for gracefully accepting the outcome of the elections. Dlamini-Zuma commended the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for the conduct of peaceful and credible elections.
The chairperson as well hailed the people for their peaceful and orderly participation in the polls, despite the challenges. She sees the stakeholders’ participation as an evidence of the level of maturity of the political system and a demonstration of how patriotic Gambians are, Vanguard reported.
The chairperson however invited all parties involved in the political process to continue to display maturity and embrace dialogue in line with mechanisms adopted with regards to consolidate democracy, inclusiveness, the rule of law, peace and security.
She reaffirmed the determination of AU to support Gambia. Dlamini-Zuma urged neighbours and the international community to provide the necessary support that the country required to guarantee democratic stability and unity.
Posted by Juliet Ekwebelam
