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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
 Posted - 22 Apr 2007 : 19:43:23
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Gambian constitution provided a term limit and age criteria. To qualify for presidential candidate at the time, army man Yahya Jammeh tampered with the constitution. The final text provides for aspirants with lower age to contest which favoured him. In broad day light, the clause bearing term limit has been deleted. Now president Jammeh forces to stay as life president. Should the constitution be amended to have a term limit or Jammeh to remain life president? What is the future of democracy in Gambia's political life with high-handed tyrants imposed as life president?
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Karamba |
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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
Posted - 22 Apr 2007 : 20:50:23
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karamba , this topic is very sentitive since i for one was influence at the time by my honourable man mr halifa's take on the constitution.
during the time of the yes or no referendum debate on fm radio ,mr sallah did his best to pasuade gambians to vote yes since that would mean yahya will be automatically be disqualify to contest .his age was below the recommended limit and the military junta council were divided as to what there next move should be. sanneh was well known be wanting going back to the barracks as a soldeir whilst yahya have other plans which we are facing today. what i still asked myself is ,what happen between the time of halifa's peruasion of gambians to vote yes to a constitution that would have disqualify this mad man in state house and the constitution that throw away term limits and age limits . i still wonder . i have news paper cuttings from that time still in my storage . were we dupe ? what happen along the line .? is yahya smarter than we assume him to be ? did halifa knew that the interim constitution where going to be altered ? many questions karamba. the bandit use the sytem well . |
Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22
"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
Posted - 22 Apr 2007 : 20:50:23
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karamba , this topic is very sentitive since i for one was influence at the time by my honourable man mr halifa's take on the constitution.
during the time of the yes or no referendum debate on fm radio ,mr sallah did his best to pasuade gambians to vote yes since that would mean yahya will be automatically be disqualify to contest .his age was below the recommended limit and the military junta council were divided as to what there next move should be. sanneh was well known be wanting going back to the barracks as a soldeir whilst yahya have other plans which we are facing today. what i still asked myself is ,what happen between the time of halifa's peruasion of gambians to vote yes to a constitution that would have disqualify this mad man in state house and the constitution that throw away term limits and age limits . i still wonder . i have news paper cuttings from that time still in my storage . were we dupe ? what happen along the line .? is yahya smarter than we assume him to be ? did halifa knew that the interim constitution where going to be altered ? many questions karamba. the bandit use the sytem well . |
Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22
"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 22 Apr 2007 : 21:23:49
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Brother Santanfara,
At that stage of YES or NO to the draft constitution, Halifa and PDOIS as a party miscalculated the capabilities of Jammeh and his military gang. That was the most fatal error ever committed by Halifa and PDOIS in Gambia's political history. At the time, Gambians just wanted an exit from the military barracks. Unfortunately, the whole country is now captured at the barracks. Jammeh was clear about his plans. It was simple as stepping in as president and the rest he knew what he held in stock. Now we are speeding towards an era of life presidency with sharp pains. Though Jammeh will not succeed in achieving that goal, it is costly and waste of time for a whole generation. One mistake that could have swayed Halifa would be the fact that Jammeh as school boy passed through the hands of PDOIS executive. It was not expected that he dared fracture them. Now he is full grown for their control. Jammeh is going ahead with his bid for life presidency but he knows it insensible and not fitting the current politically critical Gambian mass. Yet there are people who still think this is possible. |
Karamba |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 22 Apr 2007 : 21:23:49
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Brother Santanfara,
At that stage of YES or NO to the draft constitution, Halifa and PDOIS as a party miscalculated the capabilities of Jammeh and his military gang. That was the most fatal error ever committed by Halifa and PDOIS in Gambia's political history. At the time, Gambians just wanted an exit from the military barracks. Unfortunately, the whole country is now captured at the barracks. Jammeh was clear about his plans. It was simple as stepping in as president and the rest he knew what he held in stock. Now we are speeding towards an era of life presidency with sharp pains. Though Jammeh will not succeed in achieving that goal, it is costly and waste of time for a whole generation. One mistake that could have swayed Halifa would be the fact that Jammeh as school boy passed through the hands of PDOIS executive. It was not expected that he dared fracture them. Now he is full grown for their control. Jammeh is going ahead with his bid for life presidency but he knows it insensible and not fitting the current politically critical Gambian mass. Yet there are people who still think this is possible. |
Karamba |
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Alhassan
Sweden
813 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2007 : 08:40:27
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quote:
Originally posted by Karamba
Brother Santanfara,
At that stage of YES or NO to the draft constitution, Halifa and PDOIS as a party miscalculated the capabilities of Jammeh and his military gang. That was the most fatal error ever committed by Halifa and PDOIS in Gambia's political history. At the time, Gambians just wanted an exit from the military barracks. Unfortunately, the whole country is now captured at the barracks. Jammeh was clear about his plans. It was simple as stepping in as president and the rest he knew what he held in stock. Now we are speeding towards an era of life presidency with sharp pains. Though Jammeh will not succeed in achieving that goal, it is costly and waste of time for a whole generation. One mistake that could have swayed Halifa would be the fact that Jammeh as school boy passed through the hands of PDOIS executive. It was not expected that he dared fracture them. Now he is full grown for their control. Jammeh is going ahead with his bid for life presidency but he knows it insensible and not fitting the current politically critical Gambian mass. Yet there are people who still think this is possible.
I belive that Jammeh is not for live. One day he shall be voted out. |
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Alhassan
Sweden
813 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2007 : 08:40:27
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quote:
Originally posted by Karamba
Brother Santanfara,
At that stage of YES or NO to the draft constitution, Halifa and PDOIS as a party miscalculated the capabilities of Jammeh and his military gang. That was the most fatal error ever committed by Halifa and PDOIS in Gambia's political history. At the time, Gambians just wanted an exit from the military barracks. Unfortunately, the whole country is now captured at the barracks. Jammeh was clear about his plans. It was simple as stepping in as president and the rest he knew what he held in stock. Now we are speeding towards an era of life presidency with sharp pains. Though Jammeh will not succeed in achieving that goal, it is costly and waste of time for a whole generation. One mistake that could have swayed Halifa would be the fact that Jammeh as school boy passed through the hands of PDOIS executive. It was not expected that he dared fracture them. Now he is full grown for their control. Jammeh is going ahead with his bid for life presidency but he knows it insensible and not fitting the current politically critical Gambian mass. Yet there are people who still think this is possible.
I belive that Jammeh is not for live. One day he shall be voted out. |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2007 : 09:03:50
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Karamba , the rise of the AFPRC to power and the subsequent ban of the 1970 constitution was one of the darkest yet most interesting periods in recent Gambian history.
Since the constitution was banned , it means the military regime had to rule by repressive decrees such as decree number four which banned all political assembly and propaganda.
The creation of the new constitution was part of the AFPRC's transformation into a civilian government. One of the most controversial parts of the newly drafted constitution was the indemnity clause that immunized the coupists from any liability for the coup and its aftermath.
many Gambians became skeptical at this point because they generally believed , rightly or not that the new constitution is preparing the way for Jammeh's stay in power. As a result may saw the referandum on the constitution as either endorsing or rejecting Jammeh and the AFPRC. But there were some Gambians including one political science professor I spoke with during this time who understood that it was a catch 22 situation. Rejecting the draft constitution will mean Jammeh will stay in power and rule by decrees until another constitution is drafted and voted on at a referandum. On the other hand endorsing the draft constitution will pave the way to general elections and platform for a multi-party democratic created. therefore , it appeared at the time that endorsing the draft constitution was the lesser of two evils. I believe this understanding is what compelled people like Halifa Sallah and others to encourage the endorsement of the draft constitution.
Afterall the new constitution is not all that bad ; one must admit that it is not perfect but it has a broad framework for he establishment of democracy and human rights.The reason Jammeh continues to violate and ammend the constitution today is that he is often constrained by it.
I am gonna come back here a little later to discuss what possiblities are there for the Gambia to get out of its current political quagmire. |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2007 : 09:03:50
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Karamba , the rise of the AFPRC to power and the subsequent ban of the 1970 constitution was one of the darkest yet most interesting periods in recent Gambian history.
Since the constitution was banned , it means the military regime had to rule by repressive decrees such as decree number four which banned all political assembly and propaganda.
The creation of the new constitution was part of the AFPRC's transformation into a civilian government. One of the most controversial parts of the newly drafted constitution was the indemnity clause that immunized the coupists from any liability for the coup and its aftermath.
many Gambians became skeptical at this point because they generally believed , rightly or not that the new constitution is preparing the way for Jammeh's stay in power. As a result may saw the referandum on the constitution as either endorsing or rejecting Jammeh and the AFPRC. But there were some Gambians including one political science professor I spoke with during this time who understood that it was a catch 22 situation. Rejecting the draft constitution will mean Jammeh will stay in power and rule by decrees until another constitution is drafted and voted on at a referandum. On the other hand endorsing the draft constitution will pave the way to general elections and platform for a multi-party democratic created. therefore , it appeared at the time that endorsing the draft constitution was the lesser of two evils. I believe this understanding is what compelled people like Halifa Sallah and others to encourage the endorsement of the draft constitution.
Afterall the new constitution is not all that bad ; one must admit that it is not perfect but it has a broad framework for he establishment of democracy and human rights.The reason Jammeh continues to violate and ammend the constitution today is that he is often constrained by it.
I am gonna come back here a little later to discuss what possiblities are there for the Gambia to get out of its current political quagmire. |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2007 : 19:13:28
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Kayjatta,
You have landed on very relevant aspects of the history and nature of Gambian political evolution. By digging out the roots of matters, it goes closer to handling the situation. There is no doubt that the case of Gambia is by all means controlable. It is very helpful that Jammeh eventually broke open his shell of deception by declaring a wild intention to stay as life president. From a critical perception of objective reality, Jammeh knows he's got no way of success in that. For now, it is good to pay attention and read Jammeh's actions towards self perpetration. A serious examination of Jammeh's moves has the potential to unveil his hidden agenda for clinging unto power. This is the time Gambians need to utilise not just to unseat Jammeh in the most civilised manner, but to ensure that none like him ever step that direction. Nobody stops wild dreamers like Jammeh to declare an ambition for a flight to Mars. What we can all do is get set on our marks and move the way we want and not what any deluded person seeks to derail us. |
Karamba |
Edited by - Karamba on 24 Apr 2007 01:21:14 |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2007 : 19:13:28
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Kayjatta,
You have landed on very relevant aspects of the history and nature of Gambian political evolution. By digging out the roots of matters, it goes closer to handling the situation. There is no doubt that the case of Gambia is by all means controlable. It is very helpful that Jammeh eventually broke open his shell of deception by declaring a wild intention to stay as life president. From a critical perception of objective reality, Jammeh knows he's got no way of success in that. For now, it is good to pay attention and read Jammeh's actions towards self perpetration. A serious examination of Jammeh's moves has the potential to unveil his hidden agenda for clinging unto power. This is the time Gambians need to utilise not just to unseat Jammeh in the most civilised manner, but to ensure that none like him ever step that direction. Nobody stops wild dreamers like Jammeh to declare an ambition for a flight to Mars. What we can all do is get set on our marks and move the way we want and not what any deluded person seeks to derail us. |
Karamba |
Edited by - Karamba on 24 Apr 2007 01:21:14 |
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serenata
Germany
1400 Posts |
Posted - 24 Apr 2007 : 14:45:52
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A lifetime president in a democracy? 
I fear that the day Jammeh declares himself president for life will be the day he signs his own death sentence. Presently his critics or enemies hope to change the government by the ballot. After, they could think that only the bullet is left to them.
Not a nice idea. I am sure Jammeh knows about this danger. So, why should he take a risk when it is so easy to manipulate elections - even in a country like the USA? With a little 'corriger la fortune' he can stay president as long as he wishes... |
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serenata
Germany
1400 Posts |
Posted - 24 Apr 2007 : 14:45:52
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A lifetime president in a democracy?
I fear that the day Jammeh declares himself president for life will be the day he signs his own death sentence. Presently his critics or enemies hope to change the government by the ballot. After, they could think that only the bullet is left to them.
Not a nice idea. I am sure Jammeh knows about this danger. So, why should he take a risk when it is so easy to manipulate elections - even in a country like the USA? With a little 'corriger la fortune' he can stay president as long as he wishes... |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 25 Apr 2007 : 00:35:02
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| Jammeh wanting to stay life president is not propelled by his personal hunger for power alone. Those around him have hands in the move. Call them sycophants or opportunists. What is clear and part of common knowledge is that these sycophants and/or opportunists stay feeding on Jammeh in big ways. Under normal process of life, these are people who commit nothing in terms of hard work or productive capacity building. All they know is to raise Jammeh on the high grounds of flattery. That has been a sure means of earning. Recently, Jammeh denounced his schmoozers and sycophants by telling them he is no fool to be flattered. It remains to be seen if they continue or Jammeh stands by his word. Pushing Jammeh on the road to life presidency is a gain for opportunists like that. |
Karamba |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 25 Apr 2007 : 00:35:02
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| Jammeh wanting to stay life president is not propelled by his personal hunger for power alone. Those around him have hands in the move. Call them sycophants or opportunists. What is clear and part of common knowledge is that these sycophants and/or opportunists stay feeding on Jammeh in big ways. Under normal process of life, these are people who commit nothing in terms of hard work or productive capacity building. All they know is to raise Jammeh on the high grounds of flattery. That has been a sure means of earning. Recently, Jammeh denounced his schmoozers and sycophants by telling them he is no fool to be flattered. It remains to be seen if they continue or Jammeh stands by his word. Pushing Jammeh on the road to life presidency is a gain for opportunists like that. |
Karamba |
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serenata
Germany
1400 Posts |
Posted - 25 Apr 2007 : 13:31:29
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| Thanks Karamba, probably this is also an important aspect! |
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