GAMBIA

Early day motion 825, tabled 16 December 2016 by Anne McLaughlin (Scottish National Party). Signed by 30 members.

That this House is alarmed by the post-election situation in the Gambia and the refusal of former President Yahya Jammeh to respect the democratic will of the people; notes that former President Jammeh initially indicated acceptance of the election's outcome before changing his position and questioning the validity of the vote; further notes the UN security council has called for the former President to respect the outcome of the election; is deeply concerned that the Gambian security forces have seized the offices of the Electoral Commission and considers this to be dangerous to democracy; is aware that leaders in neighbouring countries have urged all sides to recognise the result; welcomes the fact that the winner of the election Adama Barrow is using peaceful means to urge former President Jammeh to step down after losing the election; recognises the concerns and campaigning efforts of Gambians across the UK, especially in Glasgow; and calls on all sides to respect the democratic decision of the Gambian people.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 24, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, DUP 1, Labour 1, Plaid Cymru 1.