 |
|
| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Momodou
Denmark
11803 Posts |
 Posted - 04 Feb 2006 : 03:53:41
|
Interview With Halifa Sallah
ON THE SELECTION OF NADD FLAG BEARER
FOROYAA: The pressure is on for you to explain how far you have gone with the selection of a flag bearer. Since the last interview have you made any progress?
Halifa: Progress is being made stage by stage. We cannot come up with the best possible candidate unless the best possible method is utilized to arrive at a consensus. The M.O.U states that we may select a flag bearer by consensus or through a primary if these is an impasse.
There are no prescriptions on how to arrive at a consensus. This is why methods are arrived at through proposals and expression of unanimous approval. The first method of selection through asking for nominations had failed; we are now applying a new method?
Foroyaa: What method?
Halifa: We have issued a press release to that effect. An adhoc committee has been set up to take all recommendations into consideration in establishing criteria for the selection of flag bearer. The nine criteria recommended by the committee as the yardstick to guage who is better suited to be the flag bearer has been unanimously approved. The committee has spelt out certain conditionalities to be accepted by the candidates for the selection before doing their assessment. Consultation is on regarding the conditionalties.
Foroyaa: Is it not getting late. Many supporters feel that the leadership is just procrastinating. Don#146;t you share this view?
Halifa: I am not sure whether the leadership can be rightly accused of indecisiveness. I think the decision is a very difficult one. The success or failure of NADD lies in the person we are to select as flag bearer. Those who are selected as candidates for the office do not matter. Anybody can be proposed. However those who owe obligation to the nation and to posterity are the members of the executive committee who will be responsible for selecting one person among all the candidates for selection: To select a person who shall be a spokesperson for all the members of the Executive Committee and meet the expectations of the vast majority of Gambians irrespective of party affiliation is not an ordinary task. It requires maturity, security and adherence to the dictates of conscience and the national interest. I sincerely believe that maximum effort is being made to establish the best method of selecting a flag bearer. People are free to suggest alternatives.
Foroyaa: Are you concerned that this time everyone is on board despite all the rumours of a split.
Halifa: I have constantly emphasized as Coordinator, I report what had been unanimously agreed or what all members the Executive consider to be an objective and incontestable view.
I cannot make predictions, what I can say is that the process is on. The outcome depends on the members of the Executive Committee. I must say that the stakeholders are more than the members of the Executive Committee. Can you believe that the NADD supporters have formed consultative blocs and have been demanding for progress report on a regular basis. The Executive Committee cannot afford to fail to make progress. This would earn it the alienation of the masses because of betrayal of their expectations.
Foroyaa: You mean the supporters of NADD do not see the series of meeting of the Executive as a waste of time?
Halifa: In my view, the exercise in determining the flag bearer is a blessing in disguise. The activities surrounding the exercise, especially the involvement of the masses is a school for democracy. The supporters originating from all parties have been convening meeting to take the leadership to task. Never in the history of Gambian polities had a leadership been engaged by its mass base in a more persistent and intense manner as the NADD leadership they criticize freely to compel the leadership to resolve the problem. In my view, if the main base can criticize the leadership openly to urge them to solve a problem, they would certainly continue to scrutinize that leadership after they assume the responsibility of managing the affairs of the state. The people are being empowered by the debate to select a flag bearer. It is this empowerment, which is the objective for the political emancipation or liberation of the masses. NADD is achieving this before being entrusted with the responsibility of running the affairs of the country.
Foroyaa: Why is this a blessing in disguise?
Halifa: It is important to emphasize that NADD is a united front. It is a transitional instrument to ensure peaceful transfer of power, to empower the people to select who will manage their affairs in a free and fair manner. NADD intends to humble Executive power by constitutional and democratic safeguards. This is why the presidential candidate, if elected will bind himself/herself to the dictates of collective programme and leadership. This humbling process has started with every one being subjected to the will of all the members in particular or the masses of our supporters in general. It is my view that a NADD flag bearer whose selection is based on criteria established by common consent and approved by popular demand would never have the power to abuse popular will to impose tyranny and poverty over the people. On the other hand if the people are called upon to decide the awakening masses who are taking part in determing who will be the flag bearer of NADD will rely on their awareness to prevent any NADD flag bearer from betraying their aspirations.
Foroyaa: The whole world is interested in knowing whether a split has occured
Halifa: NADD must be transparent and accountable. There is no need to depend on rumours. The Executive Committee has resolved to communicate to the public through the issuing of a press releases on a periodic basis. One is likely to be issued during the weekend to clear the air.
Source: FOROYAA
|
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
|
|
Amna
Gambia
76 Posts |
Posted - 04 Feb 2006 : 06:37:50
|
Very good interview. Thank God for advances in Gambian body politic. Unlike UDP which was formed almost in secret without any public participation even though it was and remains a brave and well intentioned enterprise, NADD is being formed and formulated openly and democratically. If NADD emerges from this ordeal, it will be a worthy vehicle for changing The Gambia from within and without.
May God Bless and Guide NADD to victory and Save The Gambia from the satanic and evil regime of Jemus Junkung. Amen |
Amna |
 |
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
| Bantaba in Cyberspace |
© 2005-2024 Nijii |
|
|
|
Topic Locked
