Gambia's president warns against any form of election violence

Gambia’s president Yahya Jammeh has warned that he will harshly deal with anyone involved in unrest or violence in the upcoming presidential elections.

While addressing his supporters on Sunday at rally in Brikama some 30 kilometres west of the capital Banjul, the president issued a stern warning against any form of chaos and added that anyone disregarding public order will face the full wrath of the law.

“I am warning all Gambians against violence.”

Eight oppostion parties have rallied behind business man Adama Barrow in a bid to end Jammeh’s 22 year rule which activists and diplomats say has been marred by human rights abuses, claims the president and his supporters deny.

Nearly 50 protesters were arrested in April and May, including Ousainu Darboe, leader of the opposition UDP party, and at least 18 other senior members. Two have since died during their detention.

European Union has been denied access to observe the election but African Union observes have been admitted.

Gambia’s Independent Electoral Commission has assured parties of free and fair elections on December 1.