Gambia: Electoral Commission head flees country amid threats as Jammeh insists on rerun
The head of Electoral Commission in tension gripped Gambia, Alieu Momar Njai has reportedly fled the country amid several threats to his life.
The December 1 presidential election in the country had seen Adama Barrow emerge winner over incumbent President Yahya Jammeh, but the latter had expressed his unwillingness to vacate the seat of power.
Jammeh wants a rerun of the election, after citing irregularities at the poll.
Alieu Momar Njai has now taken to his heels in order to save his life, as he had endured constant threats since he declared Barrow winner.
“He was not willing to leave but the family had to put pressure on him,” his nephew, Modou Njai was quoted as saying to journalists.
“I understand that he is currently outside Gambia,” he said.
Security forces were said to have laid siege at the office of the electoral commission and denied staff access for weeks, but have since left the premises.
Mr. Barrow insists he, despite Jammeh’s insistence on a rerun, would take over as President on Jan. 19 as mandated by the constitution.
Jammeh has overseen the affairs in Gambia since taking over during a coup in 1994.
