New Gambian President-elect hails shock win as 'new beginning'
Barrow, who had never held a political office in his career, defeated former Gambian President Yahya Jemmeh, who ruled for 22 years.
Visibly surprised with his win, Barrow as quoted by BBC said, "I am very, very, very happy. I'm excited that we win (sic) this election and from now hope starts."
The 51-year-old Barrow received 45.5 per cent of the total votes, followed by Jemmeh with 36.7 per cent and Mama Kendeh with 17.8 per cent.
Jemmeh's defeat is seen as the biggest upset in West Africa.
"I will help him work towards the transition," the former President said on state TV on Friday evening.
Jemmeh came to power in 1994 following a coup and ruled the county ever since.
His stance on several issues, including gay rights, riled several human rights groups, as they were deemed oppressive in nature.
In 2014, he had equated homosexuals with vermin and said they would receive a similar treatment from the government as would a malaria carrying mosquito.
image: TV Grab
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