The appeal of Lawyer Ousainou Darboe and 18 Others has its own dynamics. Lawyer Ousainou Darboe’s counsel, Mr Antouman Gaye who had earlier told the court that he was ready to proceed argued that a short adjournment would suffice. The Court decided to adjourn the matter till 5 December 2016, which coincidentally happens to fall on a day after the election.
If President Jammeh loses the election and the coalition wins then the release of all political prisoners including Lawyer Darboe is assured because the coalition has committed itself to this, but it will be a matter of time, why?
According to the Constitution if the incumbent loses he remains in office for two months before handing over.
The question is what will President Jammeh do during those two months if he loses the election? Will he take it as a fait accompli and release them soon after the election or will he remain adamant as he has been all the while?
If he wins at the polls will he become more adamant and leave them in jail until they completed serving their three year term, or will he become magnanimous and release them soon after the election.
Whatever the case may be for up to two months after the election President Jammeh will have a say on their release.
