AU welcomes Gambian election results

The African Union (AU) has welcomed the Gambian election results.

Congratulating the president-elect, the pan-African bloc has hailed the maturity of the people and the outgoing president, according to an AU statement sent to reporters on Monday.

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the AU Commission, has congratulated President-elect of the Republic of the Gambia, Adama Barrow, following his victory in the presidential elections held on 1 Dec. 2016, said the statement.

The Independent Electoral Commission declared opposition leader Adama Barrow winner, following elections described by a group of AU Observers as peaceful, credible and transparent, noted the statement.

The AU Commission Chairperson has hailed the statesmanship of outgoing President Yahya Jammeh, for gracefully accepting the outcome of the elections.

She has commended the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for the conduct of peaceful and credible elections.

The chairperson has also hailed the people for peacefully and orderly participating in the polls, despite challenges.

She noted that the stakeholders' participation is evidence of the level of maturity of the political system and a demonstration of patriotism of the Gambians.

The chairperson invited all parties involved in the political process to continue to display maturity and embrace dialogue in line with mechanisms adopted with regards to consolidate democracy, inclusiveness, the rule of law, peace and security and enhance socio-economic development for the people of the Republic of The Gambia.

She reaffirmed the determination of AU to support Gambia and urged the neighbors and the international community to provide the necessary support that the country requires to guarantee democratic stability and unity, according to the statement. Endit