RE: Statement on the UDP leader’s renegation on support for the five- year mandate of the President

I learn with great dismay reports that the leader of the United Democratic Party, Lawyer
Ousainou Darboe has reneged on his principled position of support for the five-year
constitutional mandate of President Adama Barrow.

Just as it is disappointing, the decision is meaningless and cannot stand even the slightest constitutional scrutiny and rigors.

As far as we are concerned, President Adama Barrow was duly elected and mandated by the
Gambian people to serve for a period of five years based on the 1997 Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land.

We recognized the 2016 Coalition agreement as a legitimate friendly agreement; however, where it comes in conflict with the law, the supremacy of the law takes precedence.

Therefore, we are calling on all and sundry, particularly genuine politicians to do the right thing and stand in
support of the constitution of the country.

Saihou Mballow
The President’s Deputy Adviser on Youth Matters