After 22 Years, Gambian President Concedes Defeat in 2016 Election

Gambian citizens rejoiced in the streets in the capital city of Banjul as President Yahya Jammeh conceded defeat to his presidential opponent, Adama Barrow, on December 1. The historic election marks the country’s first change in executive power since Jammeh gained control of the nation through a bloodless coup in 1994. President Jammeh confirmed his defeat on state-run television, stating “I take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Adama for his… clear victory…. You Gambians have decided.” He also expressed support for the president-elect, telling Barrow, “I wish you all the best… You are the elected president of the Gambia.” Accepting President Jammeh’s well-wishes, Mr. Barrow dispelled rumors of a non-peaceful transition of power in January 2017, confidently affirming in an interview that “[Jammeh] cannot hang on.” Gambians, following the lifting of an internet service shutdown, held numerous festivities in the country’s capital, honking horns and blasting music to celebrate the electoral results. The Gambian diaspora around the world also participated in the festivities online, using the hashtag #GambiaDecides on social media platforms to express personal shock and joy.

President-elect Barrow is a newcomer to the Gambian political sphere. As a real-estate agent, he relocated temporarily to London 15 years ago to further his studies, where he worked as a security guard to pay for his education. Drawing upon this experience, Barrow returned to the Gambia three years later to launch a property development business. His lack of political experience contributed to the success of his campaign, which was run on a reformer platform that consolidated the support of over 7 political opposition parties. Gambian citizens now expect Barrow, who won the election with 45.5 percent of votes, to deliver on campaign promises that span from tackling widespread unemployment to reversing the Gambia’s decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court.

In a tumultuous political year where numerous strongman leaders in Sub-Saharan Africa have maintained power through illegitimate and unconstitutional means, the Gambia stands as an important and positive example of democracy within the region. As other African countries prepare for upcoming elections, the Gambia will serve as a new model for peaceful political expression and transition.