A Former US-based drianke has abruptly dropped out of the race to become Kanifing Municipal Council’s next mayor.

Fatima Sarr, who was vying for the seat as an independent candidate, terminated her campaign a few hours after her nomination was accepted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

What happened?

According to a member of her campaign team, Modou Jallow, the drianka-turned-politician was forced to drop out due to a sudden mystery illness.

Fatima was left bed-bound after being struck down with the unknown condition. But she managed to muster the strength to write a letter to the IEC to inform them of her decision to drop out according to section 51 subsection (1) of the Elections Act.

Modou told What’s On-Gambia: “She wasn’t feeling well even before the nomination. It got worse when we reached home. She was in pain and struggling to walk.”

He continued: “She pulled the plug on her campaign after consulting her family and campaign team. She is now recovering and she will be back in the political arena.”

Modou said Fatima has very clear plans on how she would like to see the KMC transform and that’s about bringing people into the heart of it.

Who’s Fatima?

Fatima’s parents were both actively involved in politics during Jawara’s era. Her father was a member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

After 18 years in the USA, Fatima recently returned to The Gambia to establish a charity to help children living in poverty. She is currently sponsoring dozens of students in the municipality.