Selu Bah Loses to Independent Muhammed Magassy

Basse constituency incumbent and APRC candidate Hon. Selu Bah has lost his seat to the Independent candidate Muhammed Magassy in The Gambia's parliamentary elections yesterday. Magassy polled 7045 votes and Hon. Bah 4,222, showing a margin of 2823 votes.

Bah had represented Basse for over 10 years. During his stint in the National Assembly, Bah was known to raise critical issues of national importance. During one Assembly sitting, some years ago, Bah heavily criticized the several check-points in the country. He said they were not warranted.

During the nomination process leading to the elections, Bah faced a number of challengers to his seat. They all had vowed to run on an APRC ticket, but party leader and Gambian president Alh. Yahya Jammeh, handpicked incumbent Bah to return the Basse seat. Unable to seek Pres. Jammeh's endorsement, Mr. Magassy went on an Independent ticket instead.

Bah is the second ruling party incumbent to be defeated by an Independent candidate in Basse. In 1982, then-PPP incumbent the late Alh. Kebba Krubally lost to Independent Buba M. Baldeh. Baldeh was also denied a PPP candidature by the ruling party's top brass.

Bah was a footballer, par excellence, during his youthful days in Basse. He founded and financed many football teams including Canon F.C. in Serekunda East. Before entering politics, Bah had worked, for several years, in local government in different parts of the country.

Written By: My Basse Staff