By Bruce Asemota
Justice Amina Saho-Ceesay yesterday adjourned the petition involving Mai Ahmad Fatty, presidential candidate for the Gambia Moral Congress and the IEC, for hearing to today.
Justice Saho-Ceesay’s decision came after the parties disclosed that there were issues that needed to be addressed.
Lawyer Lamin S Camara, who appeared with Mai Ahmad Fatty for the applicants, acknowledged receipt of the respondent’s affidavit in opposition filed by the respondent (IEC).
Lawyer L.S.Camara told the court that he wished to respond to the averments contained in the IEC affidavit in opposition.
At this juncture, the presiding judge noted that the case of Dr Ismaila Ceesay versus the IEC and that of Mai Ahmad Fatty can be consolidated as it deals with the same subject matter, same complaint and nomination.
Lawyer K.Sanyang stated that they might be compelled to respond to Lawyer Camara if he raises issues that warrant them.
Justice Amina Saho-Ceesay therefore adjourned the matter to 12:30 today for hearing.
Meanwhile, Justice Saho-Ceesay also yesterday dismissed the motion of Joseph Joof directing the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to allocate a ballot box to him in the December 4th 2021 election.
Joof in his writ of summons wants the High Court to make an order to set aside his rejection of the nomination held on the 39th October, 2021 as a candidate in the presidential election scheduled for the 4th December, 2021.
The former Attorney General and Minister of Justice also wants the court to confirm his nomination held on the 30th October, 2021 as a candidate in the presidential election.
He wants the court to direct the IEC to allocate a ballot box to him in the forthcoming election.
However, in her ruling Justice Amina Saho-Ceesay declared that the application is premature and said the court cannot grant his prayers, hence dismissed the motion.
