Having conceded defeat, the Gambian president now says that he rejects the outcome of this month’s election that he lost to opposition leader Adama Barrow.<br /><br /> Yahya Jammeh, who has been in power for 22 years, is calling for a fresh poll. <br /><br /> Official results gave Barrow, a real estate developer who once worked as a security guard in London, a winning 45.5 percent of the vote. <br /><br /> The unexpected outcome had been viewed as a moment of democratic hope.<br /><br /> To my successor, congratulations-may today mark the beginning of your 20 year reign #GambiaDecides— Yahya Jammeh (@YayhaJammeh) 2 December 2016<br /> <br /><br /> “In the same way that I accepted faithfully the results believing that the IEC (Independent Electoral Commission) was independent and honest and reliable, I hereby reject the results in totality,” said Jammeh.<br /><br /> The challenge from Jammeh is an unexpected and major challenge for the West African country’s incoming administration, which was already grappling with how to take control.<br /><br /> The US has condemned the move, saying it is an unacceptable breach of faith and an attempt to remain in power illegitimately. <br /><br /> Jammeh’s government has been accused of detaining, torturing and killing opponents. His defeat sparked celebrations, but some had doubted that he would accept defeat. <br /><br /> Barrow had been expected to take over in late January following a transition period. <br /><br /> In extremely worrying move Gambian President Jammeh has now rejected result of election.Our Gambian friends & colleagues need our solidarity— John McDonnell MP (@johnmcdonnellMP) 9 December 2016<br />
