The high court of the Gambia has on Monday dismissed an election petition brought by the United Democratic Party against the Gambia Democratic Congress’ candidate for Kuntaur Area Council.
The petition was brought by UDP’s candidate Aussainou Jobarteh who claimed he won the chairmanship election instead of Saihou Jawara, the winner as was declared by Independent Electoral Commission.
Couple of months ago, the same petition was dismissed by the Supreme Court on the basis that the apex court lacks the jurisdiction to hear the case.
The High Court ruled on Monday that the case was filed after the 30-day deadline provided for in the law to file an election petition.
The decision reached by Justice Hassan Jallow, the Chief Justice, was that the petition was filed three months after the elections.
The petition was first file at the Supreme Court which caused an unnecessary delay.
Thus the GDC’s Jawara who was officially declared the winner is confirmed by the court as the legitimate holder of the position of Chairmanship in the Kuntaur Area Council.
The GDC was represented by lawyer Richard Moses.