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| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Momodou |
Posted - 05 Sep 2016 : 22:23:07
Dr Isatou Touray Unveiled as an Independent Candidate
By MUHAMMED S. BAH
Foroyaa: September 5, 2016
http://www.foroyaa.gm/archives/11946
 The first ever woman to aspire for the highest office of the land on Friday 2 September at the Kairaba Beach hotel Jama Hall in Dr Isatou Touray Kololi announced her intention to contest against the incumbent, President Yahya Jammeh, in the forthcoming presidential election.
Dr Touray was unveiled as a candidate in a well-attended ceremony graced by members of civil society organizations and political parties including the UDP and NCP. UDP candidate for the forthcoming Presidential Elections, Adama Barrow was in attendance.
During the occasion, the attendees were given brooms and the Gambian Flag to display support for the candidate.
The unveiling of the candidate was preceded by speeches, drama play by young people, singing and dancing, and presentations of videos of Gambians in the diaspora who endorsed the candidacy of Dr. Touray.
Dr. Dembo Touray, (Dr. Isatou Touray’s husband) dilated on the good virtues of Dr. Touray as a wife, mother and a genuine Gambian. Another speaker was Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang, a political activist, who also showed solidarity to Dr. Touray and called on the opposition parties to rally behind one candidate against the APRC during the Presidential election in order to bring an effective change.
She also narrated her interest of bringing the opposition parties together for the past years, which she said is very key to effecting a change of government.
“The reason why we need a change is because the APRC regime has failed Gambians by presiding over a country that is witnessing economic hardship, unlawful arrests and detentions and youth unemployment.
She added, “I urge all Gambians to fully participate in the elections to vote the APRC regime out”.
Amie Bojang Sissoho, a colleague of Dr. Touray at GAMCOTRAP chaired the occasion.
During her introductory remark, she noted that the emblem of the female independent candidate is a broom.
“The broom is made up of a bundle of sticks strapped together, each stick represents one Gambian or group of Gambians still possessed by individuality, but bound together in the spirit of unity and focused on one goal-to bring change, progress- with all the others in the broom that is the Gambia” She explained.
She further gave a brief history of Dr. Touray, explaining that the latter was born on the 17th March 1955 at the Royal Victoria Hospital, and brought up in 44 Grant Street in Banjul.
Her father, she added, is a native of Kaur. According to her, Dr. Touray attended crab Island Secondary Technical School and graduated with a secondary four certificate. She added that Dr Touray was a good athlete during her school days.
Dr. Touray was also said to be a teacher who later proceeded to Usman Dan Fodio University in Nigeria then later to the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague Netherlands where she got her Master’s Degree in Development Studies with a specialization in Women and Development.
She also got Doctorate Degree at the University of Sussex, United Kingdom. She also holds a chain of professional certificates and that she is a laureate of many institutions.
Dr. Touray also worked with the Management Development Institute and was the one who initiated the Gender and Development Unit at the Management Development Institute.
Dr. Touray stated that if elected, she will serve only 5 years as a President.
“In the last two decades I have traversed the length and breadth of this country, I have met hardworking men and women in the city, towns and villages, and I have heard your frustrations. I am inspired and motivated by you the Gambians, by your desire for change in the face of immense economic hardship, restrictions on our freedom and personal liberty” She stated.
She further said that she is alerted by a deep sense of concern for the Gambia, and is committed to the country’s advancement, unfettered by repression, abuse, impunity and persecution. She said she has observed the current dispensation over the years.
Dr. Touray also pointed out the unlawful arrest and detention of the UDP leader and his supporters who were sentenced to jail for exercising their constitutional rights.
She noted that some of these people died in the custody of state security agents, such as Ebrima Solo Sandeng and Ebrima Solo Kurumah.
“What I have seen is a deteriorating Gambia with deteriorating institutions where those in authority abuse state power to instill fear and hopelessness within the people and Gambians today are not free to say what they think, fear and terror, through the abuse of state power have so gripped the people that most will look behind their shoulders before they speak” She underscored.
Dr. Touray said “I am committed if elected to serve for one five year term only, working with all those who have the capacity and commitment to salvage the Gambia as it totters on the brink of total collapse”.
Dr. Touray also stated that true democracy does not mean only voting, but it requires active participation of each and every citizen.
“I want us to usher in a Gambia that will bring on board the hearts and minds of all Gambians in the Diaspora, including those who left the country because of the tribulations, persecutions, fear and abuses they face as private citizens, entrepreneurs, academics, politicians and assists, but more than anything else, a new Gambia of economic prosperity, freedom, rule of law, peace and stability,” She dilated.
Dr. Touray also stated that the youths of this country are frustrated and their hopes dashed.
“Twenty years of APRC rule has failed to give them opportunities to fulfill their aspirations and achieve their goals. What their country has failed to give them. i.e. jobs, quality education, good health care and decent living, they desert and move to the wild Mediterranean where a lot of them lose their lives” She asserted.
Dr. Touray also rejected the notion that votes cannot defeat the APRC, and advised people to do away with that concept.
“Your votes can defeat the APRC, and are your weapons to effect the change you desire”. She remarked.
Dr. Isatou noted that her Government if elected will motivate and encourage Gambian scholars and academics abroad to return and contribute their quota.
“We would encourage and lure the private sector to open opportunities to the young people to earn a decent living and fulfill their dreams. We must preserve the Gambia for our children and the future generation and must open doors for development” She noted.
“Human right framework and perspective will continue to be central in our approach to issues as we strive to restore the dignity and integrity of all Gambians and all those who chose to live in the Gambia. We commit ourselves to democracy and good governance as we address the emerging issues of the state in order for the Gambia to gain its rightful position in the world” she remarked.
Talking about the secularism of the state, Dr. Touray said the status of the constitution is under threat, noting that Gambia is a secular state and not an Islamic Republic.
“When the government of the First Republic was unconstitutionally toppled in a military coup in 1994, Yahya Jammeh, then young officer said he wanted to end self-perpetuating rule in power and condemned what he called the flamboyant lifestyle of the former regime. But a twist of irony he then changed the constitution and removed term limits without consulting the people, perpetuating himself in power for twenty years” She remarked.
She said Jammeh’s lifestyle is not only flamboyant and lavish, but gross planes and a multimillion dollar home, adding that he has broken faith with people and it is time for him to go.
She said she rejects to turn Gambia as an Islamic State intended to bring division and set Gambians against each other.
In conclusion Dr. Touray said “I reject the call to turn the Gambia into an Islamic State intended to bring division and set us against each other. I will uphold and reinforce the secular republican status of the constitution, where every Gambian will be free to practise his or her religion in accordance with their faith; in a Gambia where democracy, good governance and human rights will prevail, I will bring back to the face of the people of the smiling coast”. |
| 6 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Momodou |
Posted - 08 Nov 2016 : 10:05:29
IEC acknowledges Dr Isatou Touray’s withdrawal as presidential candidate
By Kebba Jeffang
Foroyaa: November 7, 2016
http://www.foroyaa.gm/archives/12748
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on 4th November, 2016 issued a release to inform the public that Dr. Isatou Touray,Dr Isatou Touray the independent aspirant, has withdrawn her candidacy from taking part in the coming December, 1st presidential election.
Initially, before announcement, the country’s election authority has scheduled the nomination date for independent aspirant for Tuesday, 8th November, 2016.
Below is the full text of the release issued by the IEC signed by its Chairman, Mr. Alieu Momar Njie;
“Sequel to the issuing of schedule of nominations to aspiring candidates for the 2016 Presidential Election, the Independent Electoral Commission hereby informs the general public that Dr. Isatou Touray, Independent aspirant, has informed the IEC of her intention not to file in her nomination papers and would not contest the Presidential race.
Therefore, the Independent Electoral Commission shall receive nominations from other aspiring candidates as scheduled.”
In a similar development, Dr. Isatou Touray also issued a release on the withdrawal of her candidature and the endorsement of Mr. Adama Barrow as the flag bearer of the opposition coalition.
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| Momodou |
Posted - 04 Nov 2016 : 19:16:52
Dialogue for peace and moving forward with coalition 2016 for Gambia
Press Release
Fellow Gambians it is with deep sense of patriotism and humility that I wish to hereby recognise Mr Adama Barrow as the coalition flag bearer. I also hereby unreservedly endorse his candidature and to congratulate him and the entire opposition, leaders and delegates for an unprecedented achievement in our nation’s history.
In demonstration of my leadership and in vindication of my desire to present myself as a unifying candidate for the opposition, I hereby acknowledge that the emergence of a single candidate under the banner of a unified opposition coalition is dream come true.
Fellow Gambians I must acknowledge the efforts done by Team Isatou in the Diaspora and Gambia and all those individuals who have formed a formidable force to bring the opposition together after 22 years of efforts to remove the Jammeh regime. Today, I celebrate all those who stood by me to effect the change we desire for the Gambia. I see nothing but the Gambia, a Gambia that will thrive on the principles of democracy, human rights and fundamental freedom. A Gambia, with good and strong institutions, that will work and thrive on policies and principles of good governance that will benefit all of us.
In this vein, I wish to hereby suspend my presidential election campaign and withdraw my candidature, so as to offer my unflinching support and cooperation to the coalition in a bid to stir the affairs of this country towards salvation from tyranny.
I wish to therefore thank all Gambians and non-Gambians, at home and abroad who have reposed their confidence and trust in me through various ways including financial and material donations, contributions of ideas and suggestions, community mobilization and routine campaign organization. Indeed I have been humbled and inspired by your support. I wish to urge all my supporters and indeed all Gambians to rally behind the candidature of Mr. Adama Barrow and the opposition to vote for the change we desire on December 1st. I equally urge all opposition parties, leaders and supporters, to put any party affiliations aside for sometimes and focus on unity of purpose and direction to remove this dictator with an overwhelming victory for the Coalition candidate come December 1st. I call on all of us to firmly stand behind this unity candidate under this coalition and seek the transformation of our country with a deep sense of urgency and love for the country.
My desire to step up and enter the political arena has never been for selfish interests, or material gain, but driven by a strong sense of patriotism and historic duty as a mother, a woman, a worker, human rights activist and above all a citizen who has witnessed the untold misery and deprivation that our people have been subjected to over the past 22 years. I wish to thank the Almighty Allah for giving me the life, courage and means to have taken the mantle of service for my people this far. I wish to pray to God to continue to guide and protect the Gambia and particularly to guide us all through this most difficult task of rescuing the country from uncertainty and hardships.
I wish Adama Barrow and my fellow coalition opposition leaders the best in this most important election of our lifetime so that we can emerge victorious and restore democracy. I wish Gambians and the Gambia, our dear motherland peace and stability, by the Grace of Almighty God. God Bless The Gambia.
In the Service of The Gambia I remain,
Yours Sincerely,
Dr. Isatou Touray
November 4, 2016 |
| Momodou |
Posted - 02 Nov 2016 : 20:09:18
Dr. Isatou Touray on her non participation in coalition convention
Foroyaa: November 2, 2016
By Kebba Jeffang
http://www.foroyaa.gm/archives/12684
Barely two days after the National Convention of the Coalition was held, Dr. Isatou Touray, the Independent presidential aspirant,Dr Isatou Touray who was neither there nor represented at the occasion, claims that she has been sidelined, marginalised and discriminated in the coalition building process.
She made this statement at a press conference held in her office at Brusubi, West Coast Region.
“It was unfair and undemocratic that I was being marginalised for being part of this process because I have attended, participated and given all it takes to make it happen, but there was a deliberate attempt and effort for me to be completely excluded despite all the efforts that were done,” she said.
She also accused her colleagues of keeping her in dark by not giving her information regarding the issue of funding of the convention.
“There was no transparency and I did not know and I was waiting to receive documentation from Ramzia and those who attended to ensure that we are able to see where we can put our inputs to be able to facilitate the process. This is not why I am out but I want the Gambia that will promote all the fundamentals of democracy in the country but not what has happened now. If we are going to start with this it is a non-starter because we want to change things in the positive direction,” she said.
Reacting to a question on whether she will be coming back, she said “I cannot make any decision at the moment. I have to go back to the people, discuss with them; the consultation process is going on and the options are open; let’s see how it moves on from now.”
However, she said she could not disclose what those options are and how she will meet the people, adding that the media will be informed when the time comes.
Amie Bojang Sissoho, the campaign manager of the Independent aspirant said they were not also told where the venue of the convention would be and which made it impossible for them to contact their people regarding the arrangements that were put in place. She said they were only able to lay their hands on the said document when Madam Jallow Tambajang brought it to them in their office on the day after the convention (Monday, 31st October, 2016). |
| Momodou |
Posted - 02 Nov 2016 : 15:20:37
‘I can’t make any decision at the moment,’ Isatou Touray comments on opposition coalition
The Point: Wednesday, November 02, 2016
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/i-cant-make-any-decision-at-the-moment-isatou-touray-comments-on-opposition-coalition
Dr Isatou Touray, the independent candidate in the December 1 presidential election, yesterday told journalists that she was still indecisive on joining the opposition coalition.
On Sunday seven opposition parties met at the Kairaba Beach Hotel to select a single presidential candidate under an agreed coalition by some opposition party leaders, which initially included Dr Isatou Touray, an independent presidential aspirant.
It was agreed that each of the parties to the coalition should mobilise 70 delegates (10 from each region of the country) to vote in a primary so as to get a single coalition flagbearer, who will contest the seat of the presidency with incumbent President Yahya Jammeh in the forthcoming presidential election.
But to the surprise of all, independent presidential candidate Isatou Touray was absent nor was her representative or delegate present during the primary held on Sunday 30 October 2016 at the Kairaba Beach Hotel to select the coalition flagbearer.
Present at the primary were leaders of the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), the United Democratic Party (UDP), the National Reconciliation Party (NRP), the National Convention Party (NCP), the Gambia Moral Congress (GMC), the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), and the Gambia Party for Democracy and Progress (GPDP).
The flagbearer of UDP Adama Barrow was elected by 308 of 490 delegate votes at the convention.
Media reports quoted sources close to Isatou Touray that she had decided to pull out of the coalition, but in a press briefing held yesterday by Dr Touray at her residence in Brusubi, she said she “could not make any decision at the moment regarding the coalition” until she discussed with her “people”.
“I have to go back to the people to discuss with them,” she said. “I want to tell the world out there that all this effort done is to promote democracy in The Gambia, because all of us want change, and those in the diaspora also want positive change for The Gambia.”
She further said: “I did not pull out of the coalition, but what actually happened is I was sidelined. I came with a purpose to work in unity together to be able to achieve the singular goal of making a change in The Gambia; so that The Gambia would be able to build up a young generation that is going to take leadership and responsibility in the future, create an enabling environment for the people.”
She said she had many other issues about the coalition she decided to keep close to her chest.
“I have not shared them with the public, because I felt it was an internal matter and it was important that we trash them out because it is all about promoting good governance and dealing with the process, and ourselves as leaders who want to move The Gambia from this current situation that we are in,” she said.
She further explained that on her second attendance of the coalition meeting, she tabled some pertinent issues that were commented on by other members of the coalition.
“During that meeting, when I made my presentation there were comments. I went back and when I came back the third time, I came with everything that they suggested which I felt were very critical and important and also responding to the need,” she told journalists.
She said in that presentation she brought in all the concerns, and it was on that day that it became “quite clear” she was an “unwelcomed guest”.
“I was sidelined, I was marginalized. I was discriminated against, but that did not affect me because I felt I have come to join this space to move democracy for the people,” she added.
Dr Touray further told journalists that she was not pleased with the way and manner she was treated, but she took time to remain in the meeting until everything was over, and was given a second chance to talk.
“I explained that I am available. I am still an option they can rely on, and I’m still an option that they can trust and we are here to move the country, not our selfish interest.”
She said she joined the presidential race as an independent candidate in order to promote the will of the people, “the will and concern of the Gambians both at home and in the Diaspora.
“With all the efforts, I realised that I was not being recognised within the space. I said I can understand it is the same trust or mistrust for 22 years, which has been going on; the lack of trust between the parties, and it is the same feeling that is being transferred to me,” she added.
Dr Touray further stated: “I have realised the type of system going on during the process. I was there, but it was unfair and undemocratic; there was lack of transparency in the process, and I was marginalised for not being part of this process,” she continued.
“For you to have done a convention, for me to be part of, and then after the convention for you to bring the document that is supposed to legitimise my participation, in itself tells you a lot that we are not promoting good governance.
“We are not respecting transparency and accountability. If we are going to start with this, it is a non-starter, because we want to change things in the positive direction.”
Dr Touray said she was kept in the dark in the process, although she made a lot of efforts to partake fully.
“However, Mrs Fatoumatta Tambajang, for one reason or the other, was not forthcoming,” she told reporters.
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| Momodou |
Posted - 12 Oct 2016 : 14:30:18
Do not allow anyone to divide you: Dr Isatou Touray
Dr. Dawda Faye
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/do-not-allow-anyone-to-divide-you-dr-isatou-touray
Dr Isatou Touray has urged Gambians not to allow anyone to divide them.
She made this statement when she was given a rousing welcome by a very large crowd at Brikama on 8 October 2016, at a political rally.
She told her supporters that tribalism has no place in The Gambia, as “we are all members of the same family”.
She also told the people to respect other religions because “they are also good”, adding that The Gambia is a secular state.
Dr Touray said the economy of the country is “diminishing”, further stating that some Gambians abroad want to come to the country to invest and create job opportunities, but “the environment is not conducive”.
“This is why the youths who are unemployed are risking their lives on the back-way journey,” she added.
She further stated that “there is no quality education”, which is why “students fail their exams”.
Dr Touray also stated that very few women have their own rice fields at Pacharr, but much of the work on those rice fields are done by them, who hardly benefit from their labour. “This is not women’s empowerment,” she said.
She further stated that “the hospitals have no medicines, except paracetamol, which are sometimes not available”.
Talking about the opposition, Dr Touray said for the past twenty years, the opposition in The Gambia had been struggling to unite to form a coalition, but they had failed.
The second round ballot in Gambia’s presidential election has been scrapped and the simple majority ballot introduced, she said, adding this was why the opposition wants to unite to put up a single candidate to unseat the incumbent.
She adduced further that she had not come to push the opposition aside, but since they tried on several occasions to form a coalition and failed, she felt it was time to come together to select a single candidate to contest in the presidential election on 1st December 2016 against the incumbent.
Dr Touray also said the opposition is doing a good job, adding that they are discussing on to how to select a single candidate and the discussions are progressing. She, therefore, commended the opposition for their cooperation.
She said she had travelled the length and breadth of the country, and had met hardworking men and women on the way.
She told her supporters she had seen a “deteriorating” country with “deteriorating institutions”, where people are living with fear of speaking their mind or the truth.
She further adduced that “Gambians today are not free to say what they think”, adding that “fear and terror have so gripped the people that most will look behind before they speak”.
She said: “The task before us is to awaken our consciousness of the sovereign power to use our votes, as the instrument of change to free ourselves from the rule of fear and terror, unleashed by a regime that created a series of laws or made amendments to existing laws that erode the rights and freedoms enshrined in the constitution.”
Dr Touray stated that if elected president, she would create job opportunities for the youths, and would only stay for five years.
She said further that she would release lawyer Ousainou Darboe and all other political prisoners, if she is elected president.
Amie Bojang-Sissoho, in her remarks, told the gathering that Dr Isatou Touray decided to contest the presidential election as an independent candidate, because she felt “women of The Gambia have been marginalised”.
She added: “There is no respect for the rule of law; there is hardship in the country and the rate of unemployment is high, warranting the youths losing their lives on the back-way journey; there is a state of fear.”
Kebba Njie, who spoke on behalf of Lamin Waa Juwara at the rally, urged the opposition to unite and come up with a single candidate.
He also urged the youths to come out in their large numbers to vote out the incumbent on 1st December 2016.
He said they are throwing their weight behind Dr Isatou Touray, and would campaign for her.
Majanko Samusa of the National Conventional Party (NCP), who also spoke at the rally, told the gathering that the opposition are discussing to select a single candidate to contest against the incumbent.
Ramzia Diab, while addressing the crowd, said Dr Isatou Touray is a mother and highly educated, adding that she is as well highly respected by the international community.
Dr Touray is, therefore, competent enough to rule The Gambia for the progress, growth and development of The Gambia and all Gambians.
Kebba Ansu Manneh, in his remarks, called on the youths of The Gambia not to allow anyone to fool them, and to come out in their large numbers and vote for change on 1st December 2016.
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| Momodou |
Posted - 06 Sep 2016 : 22:16:54
"I’m calling the opposition to follow me to create a change,” Says Dr. Isatou Touray
By MUHAMMED S. BAH
Foroyaa: September 6, 2016
http://www.foroyaa.gm/archives/11966
Dr. Isatou Touray, the female presidential aspirant, who recently announced her candidacy as an independent in the forthcoming Dr Isatou TourayDecember 1 election, said she is calling on all the opposition parties to rally behind her as the strategy for the removal of the APRC regime.
She said this in a press briefing at her residence in Brusubi yesterday, Monday, 5 September, 2016.
Responding to a question on what her stance is regarding the formation of a coalition with the opposition parties, Dr. Touray said the strategy of a coalition is okay but that this has never brought about change.
She said the NADD coalition was a very good opportunity in 2006 which many Gambians felt was the answer to effect a change.
“Unfortunately coming together and coming to terms after a long process of dialogue and conversation, the onlookers were contacting individual parties to tell them let us move, only to see that it was not possible,” said Dr. Touray.
She said the idea of a coalition is not a new thing in the Gambia as it has been coming up on many occasions in the past but has never materialized. She added that this (NADD) was a golden opportunity for Gambians to shift the balance of power.
The Independent presidential aspirant said the second opportunity was in 2011 when there was the ‘united front’ when only two parties came together.
“That also created an opportunity, where the Jammeh regime got entrenched because there was no coming together,” she added.
Dr. Touray said she is compelled to come up so that what happened in the past will not be repeated this time.
“So how are we going to change this strategy to ensure that the goal that we set to achieve is possible is to have an independent candidate who they can rally behind and give the opportunity,” she remarked.
Asked whether she is ready to submit herself to a primary as suggested by other opposition parties and to support whoever is selected in that process, Dr. Touray’s response was that she is confident that the opposition parties will endorse her as she has met with all of them.
Dr. Touray said it is a constitutional right to contest as an independent and also an opportunity to look at other strategies that can get the Gambia out of this current dire situation.
“I am open to discussion, but I have been an onlooker and an active onlooker watching the political landscape and the political dialogue which is going on and that is why I decided to come out as an independent candidate,” said Dr. Touray.
Dr. Touray said she is a development expert who will bring sound programs and policies to restore democracy and respect for human rights.
She noted that if she is elected for a one term of five years together with all stakeholders, she will work towards constitutional and electoral reforms, setting up commissions to handle important issues, promote the Gambia’s international image, restore democracy and a level field for every Gambian, particularly to all opposition parties. |
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