President Barrow’s attempt to extend the State of Public Emergency to 45 days have suffered a setback after National Assembly members voted against it. 

The government’s motion was tabled on Tuesday by the Attorney General and Justice Minister Dawda Jallow.

“The number of viral infections has dramatically increased around the world and in this country, the number of infection has risen from one to 64 and the number of deaths from one to three,” Justice Minister Jallow told the lawmakers.

Despite his pleas the motion was narrowly defeated by a margin of 3 votes.

The current week long State of Emergency is due to lapse tomorrow.

The only option for the president is the constitutionally guaranteed power to 

declare 21 days of a State of Emergency.