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Momodou
Denmark
11641 Posts |
 Posted - 17 Oct 2011 : 08:43:39
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Dear Sir/Madam 14 October 2011
Press Release on the Outcome of Opposition Talks to establish a United Front
For publication/broadcast
Attached under the cover of this memorandum is a copy of a Press Release issued by the Opposition parties which participated in the talks to establish a United Front for publication /broadcast for the general public to know the outcome of the talks.
Your cooperation in disseminating the information should be highly appreciated.
Ebrima Manneh Suwaibou Touray
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY GMC, GPDP, NADD, NRP, PDOIS, PPP, UDP ON THE OPPOSITION TALKS FOR A UNITED FRONT
14th October 2011
We, the undersigned, having met from the 3rd September to 14th October 2011 at the YMCA and People’s Centre respectively have mutually agreed to issue this Press Release as a true reflection and summation of the deliberations and outcome of a meeting convened in response to an invitation by the UDP for Opposition Parties to meet and discuss the issue of Unity and the modalities of fostering it.
All the non ruling party allied Opposition parties in the Gambia, namely, in alphabetical order, GMC, GPDP, NADD, NRP, PDOIS, PPP and UDP participated in the deliberations. Six long sessions were held characterised by frank, sincere and insightful debates that enabled each delegate to form and even reformulate opinions in the course of the deliberations. At no time of the discussion was the outcome predictable to anyone. Consultations continued until the 11th hour. All views were entertained and all intolerance muted. A climate of respect for freedom of expression and tolerance of divergent views was maintained. Decorum ruled the relation of the representatives.
The outcome of the meeting of 3rd September to 14 October 2011 is that all opposition parties present supported the creation of a United Front. In terms of the modalities of creating the United Front, a motion was introduced for all parties to support the holding of a convention to determine the selection of a Presidential candidate. It was moved that proportional representation should be introduced relying on the results of the 1996, 2001 or 2006 elections; that the person who emerges second in the election serves as a running mate. Other contestants and several nominees of each party shall serve as an interim shadow cabinet prior to the elections and mutually agreed reform agenda should be accepted as an election manifesto. Participants were requested to endorse the proposal to make the UDP initiative a historical success.
The motion was seconded and supported by 5 parties, namely, GMC, GPDP, NADD, NRP and PDOIS. Two parties were not in support of the motion, namely, UDP and PPP.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Ousainou Darboe, the leader of the UDP, the convener of the talks, expressed his deep appreciation for the response given to the invitation of his party to the talks and the time, energy and wisdom displayed by all participants to enable us to conclude the talks in a climate of tolerance, respect and sincerity. He said that even though the proposal his party made for a UDP led Alliance is not accepted he is of the view that it could achieve the objectives stated in the motion for a Convention. He said that it is his wish that the same amicable comportment which characterised the meeting would continue after the conclusion of the talks. He said that his party accepts the outcome in good faith and the historians would record it as an effort by his party to bring the opposition together even if it did not turn out as they wanted.
The other delegates indicated that history has been made in participating in a meeting where every delegate had the freedom to express his or her views. They acknowledged that everyone was humbled as true servants of the people should behave. All views were listened to and each was free to make and revoke decisions. The deliberations were truly participatory and Democratic. They commended the UDP for taking the initiative and wished that all emerged from the talks with one voice and one position. They expressed the need to maintain relation between those who support a convention and those who did not so that through further consultation unity may eventually be attained.
The Chairperson of the talks Mr. Amadou Taal, closed the talks by urging for further consultation to be made to close ranks before nomination.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 17 Oct 2011 : 12:12:58
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These words from the above press release must mean that the talks have failed:
"through further consultation unity may eventually be attained." |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Momodou
Denmark
11641 Posts |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 17 Oct 2011 : 18:35:06
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Obviously he would be,opposition ? what opposition ?
quote:
Originally posted by Momodou
From The Point: Jammeh boosted by opposition pact failure
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2011 : 12:41:42
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1. RELATED BANTABA TOPIC " UDP HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE"
FOROYAA NEWS;
1. "Editorial : THE CHANGING FACE OF THE OPPOSITION"
2. "National News : Halifa on the aftermath of opposition talks"
"Foroyaa: How do you assess the recently concluded talks for a United Front by the Opposition?
Halifa: The UDP invited NRP, PPP, NADD, GPDP, PDOIS and GMC to the talks to establish a United Front. All parties accepted that a United Front was essential. How to do so was the question. There were four proposals. Eventually they were narrowed down to two. This is a remarkable development. What is reduced to two could be reduced to one if the will is there to do so. At the end of the talks a motion was introduced for everyone to adopt the Convention as the medium to select a flag bearer. The motion went further to propose that the person who falls into second position in the election by delegates would automatically be the running mate of the flag bearer. The rest would be part of a shadow cabinet. It was further proposed that each party would select other competent persons to be part of the shadow cabinet. The motion added that to deal with the issue of majority of votes it was proposed that proportional representation be utilised and the results of past elections such as the 1996, 2001 or 2006 elections be utilised which ever is preferable to those who wish to benefit from proportional representation. It was added that each candidate would propose to the delegates whether he or she wishes to stand on a party or Independent ticket. Even party led or Independent tickets are incorporated in the convention based on approval by the delegates.
The motion indicated that the reform programme that we mutually endorse would serve as an election manifesto. The motion was seconded and endorsed by five parties, namely, GMC, GPDP, NADD NRP and PDOIS. It was opposed by two parties, namely UDP and PPP.
Foroyaa: How will the parties that did not participate in the previous elections have delegates?
Halifa: It has already been proposed that each party selects 10 delegates per region. Proportional representation means that the party which has majority could add more delegates to its 10 delegates.
Foroyaa: NADD and PDOIS are seen to be the same will both send delegates?
Halifa: This is so because of NADD’s electoral success. It has a member in the National Assembly and a Councillor. NADD is a vehicle for electoral alliance because of the failure to develop the law for forming alliances. I have said at the meeting that the chairperson of NADD could be one of the invitees to a convention. I may add, the National Assembly member and the councillor. Other than these people PDOIS would support any proposal for NADD not to send delegates in the interest of fairness and equity.
Foroyaa: Why then did NADD sign the Press release?
Halifa: All the journalists should request for the letter of invitation sent by the UDP to the parties. NADD, PPP and PDOIS were all invited as separate parties. When the NADD Chairman proposed to leave it is the UDP leader who insisted that NADD is a registered party in its own right. This however is not important. What is important is that NADD will not be a factor at the Convention. It could only be a vehicle to promote a neutral ticket by other delegates.
Foroyaa: Will PDOIS benefit from proportional representation?
Halifa: We wish to publicly declare that PDOIS will restrict itself to the ten delegates per region that those parties that never participated in elections are entitled to show that we have no opportunist intentions in recommending the holding of a convention.
Foroyaa: Some people have said that convention is meant for people belonging to the same party. What do you say to this?
Halifa: The UDP invited people belonging to different parties to meet and form a United Front and determine how to select a flag bearer. The objective of the meeting went beyond party barriers. What is before us is not a party matter but an alliance matter. The proposal for leaders to come together to endorse a UDP led alliance constitutes a mini convention of leaders. The proposal for parties to select delegates and leave them to elect a flag bearer is a convention of the people. PDOIS supports the convention of the people and not the convention of leaders. It is our sincere belief that the image of the opposition is battered and needs face lifting.
Just imagine if the leaders who sit to formulate the elections rules for the convention adopt the second round of voting if any candidate fails to get 50 percent, who will doubt that that person who becomes flag bearer would hesitate to amend the constitution to introduce a term limit and second round of voting.
Foroyaa: What is the way Forward?
Halifa: Consultation is intensifying and soon the Press Releases would intensify to inform the public."
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Edited by - kobo on 20 Oct 2011 04:22:34 |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2011 : 14:53:23
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I do not want to be disrespectful too but why is it that somebody who continues to refuse to submit himself to his party congress for re-election is now calling for peoples' convention? The last time the pdois party elected Halifa Sallah was in 2001. That mandate has long since expired as this was 10yrs ago.
The UDP leader and executive already has a valid mandate from the people as they were elected at a congress by the people in 2010. The only other mandate they are seeking is the one with which to govern the nation and therefore, does not need to submit themselves to a so-called opposition convention but a general election. |
I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
Edited by - Nyarikangbanna on 19 Oct 2011 15:00:53 |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2011 : 15:24:32
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I know its politics,but reality has to have its place,months of talk talk and more talk,negotiations have FAILED,the talks have failed,end result, for whatever reason is failure.
"Halifa: Consultation is intensifying and soon the Press Releases would intensify to inform the public." |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2011 : 18:11:30
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The contradictions;
Contrary to the predictions of doom and gloom, Foroyaa has received a Press Release indicating the conclusion of the Opposition talks which categorically states that One Motion was put before the participants and 5 parties, namely, GMC, GPDP, NADD, NRP and PDOIS supported the motion to determine a flag bearer for the Opposition through a Convention and two parties, the PPP and the UDP, opposed the motion and expressed their preference for a UDP led United Front.- foroyaa editoral of 18th october 2011
But read the the piece below. That's where the crunchy nuts lies;
Foroyaa: How do you assess the recently concluded talks for a United Front by the Opposition?
Halifa: The UDP invited NRP, PPP, NADD, GPDP, PDOIS and GMC to the talks to establish a United Front. All parties accepted that a United Front was essential. How to do so was the question. There were four proposals. Eventually they were narrowed down to two. This is a remarkable development. What is reduced to two could be reduced to one if the will is there to do so. At the end of the talks a motion was introduced for everyone to adopt the Convention as the medium to select a flag bearer. The motion went further to propose that the person who falls into second position in the election by delegates would automatically be the running mate of the flag bearer.
Source: foroyaa publication of 19th october 2011
http://www.foroyaa.gm/modules/news/article.php?storyid=8110 |
I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
Edited by - Nyarikangbanna on 19 Oct 2011 20:12:49 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 20 Oct 2011 : 02:00:02
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THERE ARE NO CONTRADICTIONS AS STATEMENTS ARE VERY EXPLICIT! CONTEXT OF THE PRESS RELEASE AND REMARKS OF HALIFA'S INTERVIEW DESCRIBING WHAT TRANSPIRED, IS WELL COMPREHENDED AND AGREED TO THE POINT AT END OF TALKS OR WHAT IS CONCLUDED; AS REPORTED!
IT SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT AND NO ROOM FOR DISTORTION TO SCORE CHEAP POINTS AS FOLLOWS 
1. "Foroyaa has received a Press Release indicating the conclusion of the Opposition talks which categorically states that One Motion was put before the participants......."
2. "At the end of the talks a motion was introduced for everyone to adopt the Convention as the medium to select a flag bearer. "
The important thing is UDP has been humiliated losing an adopted motion by the consensus of opposition parties; even allies of UDP (i.e NRP & GMC)have seen sense on the proposition granting them democratic rights, enfranchised, no hoodwinking, having a political platform and proper decision making process; to chart destiny of nation
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Edited by - kobo on 20 Oct 2011 02:50:17 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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Janyanfara
Tanzania
1350 Posts |
Posted - 23 Oct 2011 : 01:23:16
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quote:
Originally posted by kobo
THERE ARE NO CONTRADICTIONS AS STATEMENTS ARE VERY EXPLICIT! CONTEXT OF THE PRESS RELEASE AND REMARKS OF HALIFA'S INTERVIEW DESCRIBING WHAT TRANSPIRED, IS WELL COMPREHENDED AND AGREED TO THE POINT AT END OF TALKS OR WHAT IS CONCLUDED; AS REPORTED!
IT SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT AND NO ROOM FOR DISTORTION TO SCORE CHEAP POINTS AS FOLLOWS
1. "Foroyaa has received a Press Release indicating the conclusion of the Opposition talks which categorically states that One Motion was put before the participants......."
2. "At the end of the talks a motion was introduced for everyone to adopt the Convention as the medium to select a flag bearer. "
The important thing is UDP has been humiliated losing an adopted motion by the consensus of opposition parties; even allies of UDP (i.e NRP & GMC)have seen sense on the proposition granting them democratic rights, enfranchised, no hoodwinking, having a political platform and proper decision making process; to chart destiny of nation
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KOBO OR WHAT EVER YOU CALL YOURSELF,
There you go again with lies upon lies.
KMC formed an alliance with UDP YES and in case you did not know KMC is an independent party with an independent policy. They are not under any UDP control.
Now you know it is a lie NRP is not an ally of UDP. We had alliance five years ago and now NRP is going on its own. Allies once they go their separate ways can no longer be called allies don't you read that at school?
NRP leader Hamat Bah had said never would he join any party rather parties should join him this time round. We all heard it together and he emphatically said that stance is not negotiable. Haven't you heard that?
Now how can he endorse a proposal for a convention? I spoke with Hamat this week and that shows you just lying out of ignorance for you only gain your source from online news.
Speak with Seedy ceesay of too and ask why Hamat always refuses to join Halifa on any radio show and your jaws would be left opened dropped.
Though my discussions with my friend and brother Hamat is confidential, I want you to know one thing Hamat did not go to the talks to endorse anyone's proposal but with his own and the document they signed which was brought by PDOIS was mistakenly done so for most of they did not read all the contents as the talks were heated.
I have so much respect for Halifa Sedia and Uncle Sam and I would not allow my self to be dragged by you who DOES NOT AND CAN NEVER HAVE ANY PERSUASIVE INFLUENCE OVER HALIFA or any senior PDOIS STAFF.
You cannot bring the oppositions together and I doubt if you have since coming to Europe or America ever called Halifa Sedia or Sam to talk to them or contribute any cent for PDOIS.
Therefore, come think of it if Hamat never want to endorse any candidate who is not him, what was he doing there? convince others to support NRP proposal ofcause and support his candidature period!
Also NADD was very divided over the last two proposals with Sedia who is core PDOIS accepting a PDOIS proposal and Landing Jallow Sonko who represents PPP supporting the UDP proposal. There fore that is left with PDOIS, GPDP, and KMC. the socalled KMC representative at the meeting was a PDOIS core and even after the meeting the KMC leadership was furious about the blunder. I don't know what you now talking about?
As for Mr. Gomez, a man who had always shown his interest to form an alliance with the incumbent APRC, and you and I with even those at the talks all knew that was only not possible because APRC rejected him.
Now how can such a person be genuine opposition negotiating for a change of president? Sometimes some things are laughable because only fools can belief in such people's sincerity despite my respect for Mr. Gomez as a person.
And how sure are we( I mean everyone genuinely seeking to see the dictator out of power come November 24) that the dictator who ****s at the thought of a united opposition cannot use such opportunities knowing how desperate that opposition wants to merge with him by pressing for a divided opposition at all cost for a promise he may never fulfil?
There are loads of factors and what led to NADD's failure, too led to failure of this talks.
Please you shut up maybe Pa Samba would talk and I listen but not you. At least he is a serious PDOIS and a genuine one at that not you.
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Edited by - Janyanfara on 23 Oct 2011 01:30:53 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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Janyanfara
Tanzania
1350 Posts |
Posted - 23 Oct 2011 : 02:21:31
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| You have not answered my question kobo. I said you lying and I want you to proof me wrong. Not pasting stuff bring facts. |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 26 Oct 2011 : 03:14:45
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Please point out the lies in any statements and any contradictions I made from the Press Release and additional sources of public information before us; in this topic but not your own story |
Edited by - kobo on 26 Oct 2011 03:27:38 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 27 Oct 2011 : 17:28:49
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MAAFANTA.COM WITH D.A.JAWOElection Countdown: What next after the failure of the opposition talks?
"Election Countdown: What next after the failure of the opposition talks?
By D. A. Jawo
There is absolutely no doubt that the vast majority of those opposed to the present political dispensation prevailing in this country were disappointed by the failure of the opposition to come together in a strategic alliance to contest the forthcoming presidential elections, thus giving a virtual carte blanche to President Yahya Jammeh to once again just walk over on them to another ‘landslide’ victory in November.
While analysts are still trying to figure out what actually went wrong in the opposition camp which caused their unity talks to fail, but there is a high possibility that the failure may have got more to do with the personality differences of the opposition leadership than anything else.
Indeed, the vague joint statement they issued after the collapse of their talks seems to have confused the people much more than it has clarified the situation. In fact most people who read the statement had to go and seek a second opinion before they could actually understand whether or not the talks did not end in an agreement to unite. Rather than telling the people what the outcome was, in a simple and straight forward language, they chose to couch it in the vaguest of languages, apparently for each one of them to avoid being blamed for the failure of the talks.
The question in everyone’s lips now is what happens next for the opposition to avoid another humiliating defeat in the hands of Yahya Jammeh, who no doubt is doing everything on a daily basis to consolidate his unassailable position. Are they going to put up different candidates as usual and hope that the people would vote for them instead of Yahya Jammeh? That certainly would not make much sense knowing the political terrain they are operating in, with Yahya
Jammeh not only running a pseudo-military dictatorship, with the security forces always ready to do his bid for him with the slightest provocation, but he is also in almost complete control of the entire government machinery, including the ‘Independent’ Electoral Commission.
Another likely scenario would be another manifestation of a massive voter apathy which had been the trend in the past few elections. In the last presidential elections for instance, we saw that more than 40 per cent of the registered electorate did not bother to come out and vote, apparently because they were disenchanted with the failure of the opposition to maintain the NADD coalition, thanks to the unceremonious pull out by the UDP and NRP leaders.While President Jammeh and his ruling APRC have both the resources as well as the whole state machinery, including the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS), at their disposal to induce, cajole and even threaten voters to come out and vote for them, the opposition has no leverage whatsoever. Therefore, their only effective weapon should have
been to show the electorate that they were serious enough to come together and mobilize those genuine voters who are not looking for money and other inducements to vote for anyone.
Therefore, the failure of the opposition to come together in a strategic alliance would no doubt discourage most of those genuine voters and as such, what is likely to happen is that a majority of them would instead choose to stay at home rather than waste their valuable time to queue at the polling stations to cast their votes for a fragmented opposition.However, we are told in the joint statement issued after the collapse of the talks that “The outcome of the meeting of 3rd September to 14 October 2011 is that all opposition parties present supported the creation of a United Front”. The
leader of the UDP, Ousainou Darboe was also quoted saying that it is his wish “that the same amicable comportment
which characterized the meeting would continue after the conclusion of the talks.”
Can we therefore assume that despite their failure to form a strategic alliance, the opposition would still avoid putting up more than one candidate against Yahya Jammeh? Can we also assume that they have not completely abandoned the attempt to form an alliance and that they would continue to look for a common ground before the National Assembly elections? Otherwise, they would not only lose the presidential but also the legislative elections, thus making the status quo to remain, and it would be business as usual for the regime.
However, if indeed the diplomatic language in the joint statement is anything to go by, then there appears to have been quite a lot of goodwill amongst the opposition leadership during their talks and we should therefore assume that even if they have not succeeded in forming an alliance, that goodwill would still continue to guide their actions both during the presidential and subsequent National Assembly elections.
ENDS"Maafanta.comMaafanta.com |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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