Gambia’s Supreme Court strikes out opposition election petition
Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - Gambia’s Supreme Court in Banjul struck out the election petition filed by the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), challenging President Adama Barrow’s victory in the West African nation's 4 December, 2021, presidential election.
After two adjournments, the UDP petition was dismissed by the Supreme Court on Tuesday after failing to comply with Rule 11 of the Election Petition Act which stipulates that person or institution petitioned should be served a notice of petition.
Supreme Court justices, led by Chief Justice Hassan B Jallow, ruled that the UDP as the petitioner in this case had not petitioned President Adama Barrow, a principal party to the case.
The Supreme Court further ruled that for failing to do this, the UDP should pay D100,000 (about US$2,000) to President Barrow as a party to the case and also for challenging his re-election.
After the ruling, President Barrow twitted: “I am pleased that #Gambians have decided. Our democracy works, citizens can rely on our #judiciary to lay their complaints and #justice would be served. Thank you #Gambia for your trust in me.”
-0- PANA MSS/VAO 28Dec2021
