President Adama Barrow has rescinded the appointment of Oremi Joiner as deputy chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission after outcry by opposition parties and civil society organisations.

Mr Joiner, an executive member of the president’s party, was appointed this week to fill the vacant post at the country’s electoral commission 11 months ahead of the presidential election. 

Following the outcry that the appointment was “unconstitutional”, the Barrow government made a U-turn on Mr Joiner’s appointment. 

“In the wake of emerging evidence that contradicts the appointment of Mr. Oremi Joiner as IEC Deputy Chairperson, His Excellency President Adama Barrow, regrets to rescind Mr. Joiner’s appointment effective immediately.”

“This decision is consistent with President Barrow’s commitment to democratic pluralism, transparency and total accountability both in the administration of justice in The Gambia as well as our electoral process,” the government said in a press statement.

“Significantly, it is instructive to clarify that the President’s decision does not in any way, shape or form question Mr. Joiner’s sterling qualities as a man who has exemplified himself as a true citizen and patriot for which reasons he was appointed to this position,” the statement added.