"We welcome the fact that the elections that took place in The Gambia on Thursday April 6, 2017 were conducted in a fair and independent manner. We congratulate all political parties which took part in the elections," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry added: "We hope that these elections which constitute a great milestone for the future of the Gambians will bring forth beneficent outcomes for the friendly and brotherly people of the Gambia.

Gambia has come under spotlight since its rocky political transition in December which triggered regional military intervention in the country following Yahya Jammeh's refusal to cede power.

On Wednesday, the chairman of the country’s electoral commission, Alieu Momarr Njai said that his institution will ensure the integrity of the polls are protected.