Gambia's President Barrow takes slim, early lead as vote-tallies continue

People shop at the street market ahead of the presidential election in Banjul, Gambia, December 3, 2021. REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra

BANJUL (Reuters) -Gambian President Adama Barrow had a narrow early lead after Saturday's presidential election, according to provisional results from the first few constituencies to be verified by the electoral commission.

In a test of stability and democratic progress, the small West African country is holding its first election since former President Yahya Jammeh was voted out of office in 2016, ending 22 years of autocratic rule.