Barely seven days after the nominations for the local government elections, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), has rejected the candidature of Ousman P Jobe, NRP candidate for the Njau Ward in Upper Saloum, Central River Region.

According to a press release signed by IEC Chairman Alhaji Mustapha Carayol, the decision was in line with Section 49 of Decree 78 of 1996.

Below is the full text of the press release:

In accordance with Section 49 of Decree 78 of 1996, the Independent Electoral Commission hereby informs the general public that the candidature of Mr Ousman P Jobe to contest for the position of councillor under the NRP ticket for the Njau Ward has been annulled with immediate effect.

Mr Jobe has been disqualified based on Section 17 sub-Section 6 of the Local Government Act 2002 which states that "not withstanding paragraph (b) or (c) of sub-Section 3 of this section, a person shall qualify to be elected or nominated to disqualification or if he or she has been pardoned.

From empirical evidence, 10 years have not passed since his conviction in 2000.