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Momodou
Denmark
11739 Posts |
 Posted - 01 Oct 2007 : 23:46:13
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PRESS RELEASE
Local Government Elections 2008
The Independent Electoral commission, in exercise of its mandate under Section 40 of the Election Decree, wishes to inform the general public that election of the Mayors for the Banjul and Kanifing Municipal Councils and Councillors for the 114 Wards in the 8 Local Government Areas of the Republic of The Gambia shall take place on Thursday 24th January 2008.
Nomination of candidates for the said elections according to Section 42(1) of the Elections Decree shall take place from Thursday 3rth to Saturday 5th January 2008 between the hours of 8 O’clock and 4 O’clock in the afternoon in the offices of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in Banjul, Kanifing, Brikama, Kerewan, Mansakonko, Janjangbureh, and Basse, respectively.
Public scrutiny of candidates’ nomination documents will take place on Sunday 6th January 2008 at the aforementioned IEC Regional offices.
In exercise of its powers given in Section 85 of the Elections Decree, the IEC wishes to announce that the campaign period for the said election will be held from Wednesday, 9th to Tuesday 22nd January 2008.
Nomination papers could be collected from the IEC regional offices countrywide from Thursday 13th December 2007 to Wednesday 2nd January 2008.
The general public is also hereby informed that there will be an exercise to replace lost, destroyed or mutilated voters’ cards or the transfer of voting cards from Thursday 1st to Friday 30th November 2007. This exercise will take place in the IEC regional offices countrywide. A fee of 50.oo will be levied on any transferred or replaced card.
Signed
Alhajie Mustapha L. Carayol
CHAIRMAN
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 09 Oct 2007 : 16:24:44
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As the opposition parties are not organised, without prospect of making it, effects of voter aparthy appear to be counter-productive, polical harassment & victimisation, no freedom of expression, role of civil / public servants, the electorate, independent of IEC, voter registration / reliable voter records, dis-enfranchisement amongst other political issues in terms of levelling the field; why can't they boycot by default
NO. 1 STRATEGY is to boycot, mobilised themselves to debate on their CONSTRAINTS (few highlighted above), formulate and forward ANY PETTITIONS, QUERIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE ELECTION PROCESS, DEFINE LEGITIMATE ROLES AND THE CONSTITUTIONAL RULES TO EXECUTE LEVELLING THE FIELD FOR ALL CONTENDERS & POLITICAL PARTIES AND TO CONDUCT FREE & FAIR ELECTIONS (WITHOUT ANY FEAR OR FAVOUR) BEFORE NEXT GENERAL ELECTIONS; TOWARDS THE COMMON GOOD!
If SIGNS OF SOLIDARITY (UNIFICATION OF EFFORTS), SACRIFICE, GOODWILL & TRUST BETWEEN ALL THE OPPOSITION PARTIES EXISTED they became more EFFECTIVE TO DICTATE & INFLUENCE THE RULES AND POLICIES UNDER A UNITED FRONT!.
Forward The Gambia Our Homeland; that all may live in UNITY! FREEDOM! & PEACE! EACH DAY!
LET JUSTICE GUIDE OUR ACTIONS!
TO THE GAMBIA EVER TRUE! |
Edited by - kobo on 09 Oct 2007 17:23:52 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 10 Oct 2007 : 17:10:23
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I can recalled after the General elections and during the Parliment elections I proposed /advocated for a boycout on STRATEGIG GROUNDS to avoid further emrassment against the oppostion.
Again I would repeat that boycout is political strategy just like strikes, picketting, pettitions to make your voices heard, for a change and challenge the authorities. Let them realised the THREATS AND WEAKNESSES IN THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM AND FORMULATE HOW TO COUNTER THOSE CONSTRAINTS inorder to levelling the field before next general elections. Now is the time to bargain for what they want, forward representations to improve and guarantee them (opposition parties) favourable conditions for a TRUE & FAIR ELECTIONS.
Is the PARTY POLITICS AND ELECTION PHOBIA gone under Gambian politics |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 11 Oct 2007 : 11:48:26
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There are series of debates (considered "GRAND NATIONAL DEBATE") and only your votes count in party politics but this topic is not taken seriously. I don't know why its being ignored
There are lots of challenges and I have not seen STRATEGIC OPTIONS of opposition parties to make great impact, success and dawn of a new era under Gambian politics / democracy; with all the POLITICAL EFFORTS, intellectual exchanges and so-called networking operations through certain on-line forums of GAMBIAN ELITES, THE VAST AMOUNT OF POTENTIALS, INTELLIGENTIA AND HUMAN RESOURCES1. 
Have they (opposition parties) lost the battle. Let them make effort to maintain the momentum that they are credible forces and vibrant. I expected anyone against the current repressive regime foward sound COMMENTS, PROPOSALS & RESOLUTIONS to help out on ESCAPE ROUTES OUT OF OUR (GAMBIAN) POLITICAL QUADMIRE!!!
Hope they are not going to be tempted again to file candidates (who are bound to loose, may succumb to political harssment, abuse & victimisation) for Local Government elections.
A general boycout and PETITIONS can help improve the stakes and general political atmosphere to exercise ones' constitutional & democratic rights!
Any ACTION PLANS /STRATEGIC /TACTICAL please to FORWARD THE GAMBIA OUR HOMELAND! THAT ALL MAY LIVE IN UNITY! FREEDOM! & PEACE! EACH DAY! AND JOIN OUR DIVERSE PEOPLE TOWARDS THE COMMON GOOD!LET JUSTICE GUIDE OUR ACTIONS! TO THE GAMBIA EVER TRUE!
TALK! TALK! TALK! on probity, accountability & system change all the time! ACTION SPEAK LOUDER THAN VOICES
Refer Bantaba Gambian Politics topic Cyber Terrorists!!! under http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4577
Following quotes Extracted from Daily Observer's editorial; The 'Cyber terrorists' under http://www.observer.gm/africa/article/2007/10/5/the-cyber-terrorists
Is the GREEN REVOLUTION O.K!A CHALLENGE TO GAMBIAN NATIONALS, CITIZENS & PATRIOTS from DO quoted below:- "If they feel that the current government is not living up to their expectations, then they should join the existing registered political parties or form their own political organisations to sell their progarmmes and policies to the electorate for them to decide instead of engaging in malicious propaganda and slander.
The Gambia is a fully democratic state where legitimate opposition to the goverment in conformity with the principles of democracy and the rule of law is entrenched. So what need is there for these people to engage in such heinous acts? "
Those quotations may be interpreted as a POLITICAL PROPAGANDA by DO but they can also be a CHALLENGE TO ENAGAGE current regime on party politics, the constitution, use democratic means strategically & tactically to boot them out of office; in my opinion.
OH MOTHER GAMBIA! |
Edited by - kobo on 11 Oct 2007 20:24:03 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 12 Oct 2007 : 21:10:40
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Updates on interesting develoments between The Point and Daily Observer on the editorials to sell Local Government Elections 2008; Bantaba Gambian politics topic:Shame on DO! Ref: The Point's Bite under http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4603
The point Newspaper published the press release Local Gov’t Elections Slated for January 24 under http://www.thepoint.gm/headlines2355.htm |
Edited by - kobo on 12 Oct 2007 21:21:30 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2007 : 16:42:29
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Update from The Point Newspaper As Local Government Elections Near IEC Boss Calls For High Voter Turn-Out under http://www.thepoint.gm/headlines2410.htm
Typical nature of Gambian politics as Local Government Elections is being promoted with COUNCILOR RAMBO CASE cited as classic example. Test case for these rhetorics:-
1) Quotes extracted from Daily Observer editorial 'Cyber Terrorist!'“If they feel that the current government is not living up to their expectations, then they should join the existing registered political parties or form their own political organizations to sell their progarmmes and policies to the electorate for them to decide instead of engaging in malicious propaganda and slander”.
The Gambia is a fully democratic state where legitimate opposition to the goverment in conformity with the principles of democracy and the rule of law is entrenched. So what need is there for these people to engage in such heinous acts? "
2) Quotes extracted from reactions by Freedom Newspaper on-line:- "They very well know that that is not feasible because the climate doesn’t exist. We all see how intolerant this Government is to opposition parties. There is no level playing field and many bottlenecks would tactically deny us from contesting."
I)Courtesy of foroyaa and allafrica.com posted on the web; Gambia: Rambo Narrates His Ordeal under http://allafrica.com/stories/200710181033.html
II) Courtesy of Foroyaa news with latest developments featuring Rambo Asked To Appear In Court under http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4652 |
Edited by - kobo on 19 Oct 2007 21:03:28 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 10 Nov 2007 : 00:39:22
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Updates from other related and VERY IMPORTANT Bantaba Gambian politics topics:_
I) Legislators Split Over Amendment of Local Government Act under http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4793
II) Amendment Puts Jammeh in-charge of Area Councils,
Municipalities under http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4773
III) THE END OF DECENTRALISATION under http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4819
IV) Another Death Knell For Democracy under http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4824
V) AS LEGISLATORS GIVE POWERS TO PRESIDENT JAMMEH Aspiring Council Candidate Changes Course under http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4863
Gambians and fellow compatriots! Get up! Stand up! Fight for your Rights! No one don't even bother to discuss the importance of this local government elections. There is the Pakistan's political crises and state of emergency in the media; followed by demonstrations, solidarity from Lawyers, politicians and students, making patriotic citizens making their voices heard around the world to restore democracy and empowerment of the people. Why are Gambians mute on this very important IISUE? I concur with Karl on STRATEGY NO.1 - 'SOLIDARITY & BOYCOTT!'
TOPIC'S BEST QUOTES:
quote:
Originally posted by Karl
The consequences of this amendment can only bring about serious decline in peoples power and strengthened the bull's case to takeover our sovereignity. I agreed with Karamba, Gambians are to be blamed for this. In my view, accepting this kind of polical hijack for any longer without collective popular objection and outright boycott to this regime will be the biggest single betrayal of our generation. There is need for swift and sweeping changes in out political stands from all sectors, the oppositions, civil service, media and legal associations and the entire citizenry in the diaspora to get out acts together inorder to avoid a catastrophic political turmoil that Jammeh is selfishly driving us through.
Keeping mute with this situation can only expose our Gambian weakness further and we have to only blame ourselves considering the current political and social conditions we're facing at home and abroad. The facts are there for us to make that self assessment and look into what we already knew about this man's self-centred political manipulation of our peoples rights. Lets come out of this self-denial and deception. Our collective action is becoming long over due and for that matter far below expectation and the only outcome will be collective doom for our generation and that is going to be a total downturn for even the next generations to follow us. They shall never forgive us.
quote:
Originally posted by Karl
I am not suprise at all, this parliament has just done what they do best. Being a Rubber Stamp Parliament, they are there for the private interest of their tyrannical dictator. I don't think this is ignorance alone, but through malice, the so called Law making authority once again robbed the nation with a senseless law, looking more to just one man's interest rather than the masses. With this law at hand Yahya Jammeh, as ever before will remain a threat to Gambian's liberty. Because political participation at all levels is an essencial condition of personal liberty but with such amendments to our constitution means just for him to dominate and enslave citizens whoes sovereignity is being hijacked in a broadday light.
quote:
Originally posted by patrick
In my opinion, I think the opposition parties are to blame if they should sit by and see such undemocratic amendments take place in our constitution. I see no reason why any Gambian would ever cast their votes for such people, because they are the right people to organise their supporters and take to the streets regardless the price. True freedom comes with sacrifice.
It is high time the opposition parties start to take their rightful places in our society and stop the care-free attitude to happenings in our dear motherland.
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Edited by - kobo on 10 Nov 2007 01:57:27 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 14 Nov 2007 : 16:25:46
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Cast Your Opinion Vote Courtesy of Senegambianews.com website on;
Should Gambian opposition parties boycott the forth comming Local Government elections?
See webpage 'Cast Your Vote' under http://www.senegambianews.com/ |
Edited by - kobo on 14 Nov 2007 16:29:57 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 27 Nov 2007 : 14:36:32
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REPEATED INFORMATION with courtesy of:-
1) Senegambainews.com Is Transnational Civil Society keeping The Gambian leader on his toes? under http://www.senegambianews.com/article.cfm?articleID=2027
2) Freedom newspaper under http://www.freedomnewspaper.com/Homepage/tabid/36/mid/367/newsid367/2528/IS-TRANSNATIONAL-CIVIL-SOCIETY-KEEPING-THE-GAMBIAN-LEADER-ON-HIS-TOES/Default.aspx
Quoted from above
"To succeed in strengthening the aforementioned gains, the domestic opposition in collaboration with Diaspora opposition must change strategy by challenging the legitimacy of the Jammeh regime and boycott any form of elections until the following conditions are met:"
STRATEGY NO. 1 - SOLIDARITY FROM ALL OPPOSITION PARTIES INORDER TO BOYCOTT AND ALWAYS MAKES THEIR VOICES HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR! Thats how I see it also and it should be in VERY STRONG TERMS, RESOLUTIONS, PETITIONS, PROTESTS, CASES AND APPEALS TO INTERNATIONAL LEVEL!
Am totally disappointed; wondering why some opposition parties are always sluggish, indecisive, lack visions and good leaderships |
Edited by - kobo on 27 Nov 2007 15:25:44 |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 13 Dec 2007 : 01:49:33
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Kobo,
You have put forward very useful links. The case of Gambian opposition parties is one of naivety and selfishness. They have the ambition to REPLACE Jammeh and not to REFORM the type of politics. Jammeh's politic is a leader-centered mix. Even the normal services provided by government play on the leadership plate. Our politicians have failed and continue failing because they don't relate to people in a shared interest. It is not enough to UNSEAT a president. More important of all is to involve the citizenry in assuming shared responsibility. What obtains now is a situation where politicians like to take votes but feel too good seeking people's genuine opinion. That is an occasion for conflict needing attention. There may be other reasons. |
Karamba |
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jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 13 Dec 2007 : 09:11:39
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| KARAMBA, some good points |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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Janyanfara
Tanzania
1350 Posts |
Posted - 27 Dec 2007 : 23:50:00
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| If he so request from his rubber stampoed mps, Am sure they would pass it in parliament |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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