Categories: Politics

Gambian Electoral Commission Chairman Flees Country

Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh speaks to reporters after casting his vote during the presidential elections 22 September 2006 in Banjul. Gambians voted today in elections in which President Yahya Jammeh, who seized power in a coup 12 years ago, is tipped to win a third term to run the tiny west African country that is regularly criticised for its media repression. AFP PHOTO SEYLLOU (Photo credit should read SEYLLOU/AFP/Getty Images)

The Chairman of the Gambian Electoral Commission has fled the country following threats to his life, his nephew said on Tuesday.

Alieu Momar Njai had declared Adama Barrow the winner of the Dec. 1 presidential election, but President Yahya Jammeh has refused to relinquish power, challenging the election results in court.

Modou Njai told journalists that his uncle had left the country because of the threats.

“He was not willing to leave but the family had to put pressure on him.

“I understand that he is currently outside Gambia,’’ he said.

Security forces had earlier occupied the office of the electoral commission and denied staff access for weeks, but have since left the premises.

Mr. Barrow said on Monday that he would take power on Jan. 19 as mandated by the constitution, in spite of Mr. Jammeh’s court challenge.

After over two decades in power, Mr. Jammeh, 51, lost the election to Mr. Barrow, a former real estate agent who was little known even in Gambia before he announced his candidacy.