The Gambia Moral Congress said in a press statement on Wednesday that they are not consulted by Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang on the extension of the mandate of President Adama Barrow.
Tambajang led a delegation to State House last week to meet the President. Following their meeting, she claimed the parties who formed the coalition have agreed to extend the mandate of Barrow to five years instead of 3 that he agreed with his coalition partners.
Barrow came to power on the backing of 7 political parties and 3 independent candidates. But he has now shown interest to stay on for the completion of his five-year term.
“The Gambia Moral Congress wishes to clarify that the recent pronouncement by the Chairperson of Coalition 2016, Madam Fatoumata Jallow Tambajang does not reflect our position,” said Tida Kijera, the GMC acting spokesperson.
“GMC as a party was never consulted about the visit to State House nor does it give its blessing to an extension of the president’s mandate. Major and important decisions like that can only be approved by GMC national Congress.
“In 2016, we went into a coalition following a decision made by the national congress. Similarly, a decision to extend the president’s mandate from three years to five years can only be made by the national congress.
“In conclusion, we wish to emphasise that neither the party leader nor the GMC Executive were informed about the meeting referred to by Madam Fatoumata Jallow Tambajang.”