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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
 Posted - 25 Oct 2007 : 23:45:03
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"Every party selects a cnadidate who they believe can win. Its that simple."
1) Can Darboe/UDP win next election?
2) Don't brush information on: FORMATION OF UDP, NOMINATION & ELECTION OF LAWYER OUSAINOU DARBOE AS PARTY LEADER! This is part of our POLITICAL HISTORY?
Repeated again:- Tell me a brief overview of how UDP was form? Where was it launched and when if you have some information please? How was Darboe originally selected as party leader? What was the criteria or his POLITICAL credential to hand him the party leadership?
I can assure you I blindly supported him & UDP (i.e SO EAGER FOR CHANGE OF THE SYSTEM BY POPULAR VOTE!) and casted my VOTES for him whenever he contests the elections as Presidential candidate (except time of his/UDP boycout!). That can be translated that I am UDP supporter 100% since existence.
Anyone can share information with us
Search the archives that UDP might be sitting on Kons if you cannot dilate on it? You are a reknown historian for this forum!  |
Edited by - kobo on 25 Oct 2007 23:54:28 |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 26 Oct 2007 : 02:08:40
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| I think arguing how the party was formed will only lead to very trivial issues not worth talking about. |
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 26 Oct 2007 : 08:10:24
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quote:
Originally posted by kondorong
I like to see our past presidents living in the Gambia providing moral support and wisdom to the generations to come. Its almost a rare occurrence in Africa where a former president is found at home. They either die in office or die in exile. The effect is a lack of institutional memory for a new party to transition and take off from where the other stopped. That’s same problem is what is making our public institutions suffer due to frequent hirings and firings with no handing-overs.
Kon. I usually like the way you put forward your points, but honestly this time you seems to be all over the place argueing with yourself with issues that are contrary to your points of arguement.
First, I will address the quote above on former Presidents not living at home. May be you need to ask yourself that question why they die in exile or in jail. That statement of yours speaks volume on the very problems in our political leaders which is our point of arguement. If they fail, brutalize their people, live like kings in the poorest of states and hang on to power for life, then anything they get they deserve.
You talked about a member of parliament introducing one party system in the Gambia. Where were you when Jawara was being paraded as a life time President/king in the house of representatives during PPP regime? Ain't we seeing a copy cat of Jawara politics in the Jammeh regime?
Were there serious opposition/multiparty during Jawara's days when the state controlled every medium of communication and election machinery?
Another point you keep making is your characterization of Jammeh's victory into office as genuine democracy and clean cut electoral process. Come on brother Kon. Is this the least kind of democracy we expect and deserve in the Gambia? Many of us want to vote, are we allowed to vote like other decent democracies around the world?
It always kills me when we often lower the bar to the lowest of the low for our people. Am saying we deserve better either we fight for it, get it or not.
The final beleive you have to overcome in the case of Darboe is that he could have done better. You had the same line of arguement with Jawara where you keep beating the same drum. Did you not see or realize the trap the UDP found itself by depiching Darboe only or no one else? Would you not expect blood flowing from UDP supporters' eyes if Darboe steps aside just like when Jawara falsely announced his Departure at Mansakonko? When shall we look in the mirror and say, we deserve better?????? |
Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 26 Oct 2007 : 11:16:40
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quote:
Originally posted by kondorong
I think arguing how the party was formed will only lead to very trivial issues not worth talking about.
What trivial issues do you have in mind? Don't pre-empt the situation? Thats prejudicial Kons!
Its very very important on this topic amonsgt others. We need as much information and records as possible about UDP; political background, structures, its leadership, mandates and party manifesto amongst other things. |
Edited by - kobo on 26 Oct 2007 11:44:41 |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 26 Oct 2007 : 18:52:28
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quote:
Originally posted by dbaldeh
Kon. I usually like the way you put forward your points, but honestly this time you seems to be all over the place argueing with yourself with issues that are contrary to your points of arguement................
Lets dissect your arguments
1."..Kon. I usually like the way you put forward your points, but honestly this time you seems to be all over the place argueing with yourself with issues that are contrary to your points of arguement..."(Baldeh)
I think you are just playing to the gallery. Can you be more specific. Dont beat about the bush or rush to the phalut.
2."....First, I will address the quote above on former Presidents not living at home. May be you need to ask yourself that question why they die in exile or in jail. That statement of yours speaks volume on the very problems in our political leaders which is our point of arguement. If they fail, brutalize their people, live like kings in the poorest of states and hang on to power for life, then anything they get they deserve..."(baldeh)
They stayed in power because we allowed it as a nation. Like i said in my last posting, the right to associate is also intertwined with the right to not associate at all, and in the last elections, Gambians exercised the right to not vote but at a price which only entrenched the APRC at the detriment of others. But you know what, that is also allowed in a democratic system for citizens to not associate with any party. To force people to vote is the same as a de facto dictatorship. Voting is a personal choice.
3."You talked about a member of parliament introducing one party system in the Gambia. Where were you when Jawara was being paraded as a life time President/king in the House of Representatives during PPP regime? Ain't we seeing a copy cat of Jawara politics in the Jammeh regime?"(baldeh)
You want to know where I was?. I was busy campaigning for PDOIS. I am a true democrat who believes in the sovereignty of the people. I knew i was in the minority and needed a lot of work to convince people to vote for my party PDOIS. In a democracy, the majority votes dictates what happens in society. Sometimes the majority is wrong but that’s one of the shortcomings of a democratic system and I respect that. If you searched the old pages of the Gambia Echo, you might see me at the old court house showing my patriotism to defend democracy.
I campaigned for a PDOIS candidate who unfortunately lost the election. I dont believe in force and it looks like those who get easily frustrated, should perhaps just join the army where force and order is their signature. In a democracy, it takes a long time for its principles to sink in especially in a society that thrives on personality cult and patronage as the African continent is. Just check one thing. The first independent presidents in Africa have all traced their lineage to ancient times royalty except for Jawara.
There was nothing wrong in Jawara staying in office because he did not break any of the political laws of the land. There was no term limit nor was there a referendum which approved a term limit. So the majority is fine with him in office and he continued to win. Thats is democracy for you Mr. baldeh. DEMOCRACY IS ABOUT THE MAJORITY IMPOSING ITS WILL ON THE MINORITY.
4. “Another point you keep making is your characterization of Jammeh's victory into office as genuine democracy and clean cut electoral process. Come on brother Kon. Is this the least kind of democracy we expect and deserve in the Gambia? Many of us want to vote, are we allowed to vote like other decent democracies around the world?”(Baldeh)
I have never said the jammeh victory is clean cut democracy. Infact in my posting earlier isaid the following
“….Darboe has only one vote just like you and me. If we did not vote for him, he cannot force his way to statehouse. That will be treasonable act, I will be more than happy to defend the constitution by volunteering in a civil defense force to preserve and protect multiparty democracy with all the teething problems we have at the moment…” (Kondorong)
From the above I emphasized the word “teething”. Can you open a dictionary to understand what I am saying here. Clearly this word is not a confirmation of an all clear siren to come out of the bunkers after an air raid.
If you cannot vote, then change the laws by voting in the opposition in the house who speak your principles of “democracy”. Don’t blame jammeh. APRC has a manifesto which fortunately or unfortunately seems to be a magnet to many Gambians. Blame the Gambian majority who voted in to office a government that denies you your right to vote. At least the majority seems happy to return the APRC into office with all the problems you have raised above. That is democracy my brother. The majority imposing their will on the minority. The Gambian majority do not want those overseas to vote and that is why you cannot vote because they selected a government that does just that.
5. “It always kills me when we often lower the bar to the lowest of the low for our people. Am saying we deserve better either we fight for it, get it or not…”(Baldeh)
No one is lowering the bar for Gambians. Gambians are setting their pace and standards by selecting a government that the majority thinks is in their best interest. You can take the horse to the river, but you cannot force it to drink. Like Lincoln said, if he were asked to cut a tree, he would most of his time sharpening his axe. Lets sharpen our political campaigns and win more votes to have our party(ies) in office. NO ONE IS LOWERING ANYONE’S STANDARDS. GAMBIANS IN THE MAJORITY HAVE SIGNED A POLITICAL CHEQUE AND APRC IS CASHING IT.
6. “ ….The final beleive you have to overcome in the case of Darboe is that he could have done better. You had the same line of arguement with Jawara where you keep beating the same drum. Did you not see or realize the trap the UDP found itself by depiching Darboe only or no one else? Would you not expect blood flowing from UDP supporters' eyes if Darboe steps aside just like when Jawara falsely announced his Departure at Mansakonko? “(baldeh)
I like this last quote best. Lets dissect it further.
Yes Darboe could always do better and so could PDOIS, NDAM, APRC etc. There is always room for improvement and that’s why the founding fathers in the U.S. have put an incomplete pyramid on the back of the one dollar bill to indicate that nation building is an ongoing process and never complete.
If you look at my profile, its says " The best could always be bettered"
Wait a minute. Darboe is the leader of UDP and therefore its ok for the party to show and be proud of their leader. There cannot be two captains on a ship. Leaders lead. Like Tony Blair told John Major in the British House of Commons in 1995, “.. the difference between me and the honorable member is that I lead my party and he follows his party…”. This was when Blair was in the opposition and there were leadership contest in the Tory party against John Major from back Benchers like John Redwood. Leadership is not about what we know in the Gambia as MASHLAHA.
Every party has leaders. PDOIS is synonymous to only two people: Halifa and Sedia period. Today when the two leave, PDOIS will be dead. That’s what happened to NCP with Sheriff, and will happen to Hamat Bah, PPP with Jawara and even APRC with Jammeh. They will all bite the dust if their leaders leave the party. Succession planning is very new in our culture. One village alkalo rules for life and never prepares any of his son for office leading to fights in the families. A similar fight was in Fulladu with the chieftaincy just recently where one brother was appointed and the other fired and then reversed again in a twinkle of an eye.
Its from an old Gambian tradition of personality cult and patronage that we always knew. I dont think Darboe is building a cult here. As the curent leader, he "either pusts up or shuts up" if i may quote John Major again in 1995 when was referring to John Redwood to either come forward and chanlellenge him in the leadership contest than hide behind criticising. Draboe is putting himself forwad as his party's leader just like Halifa is doing and they should rightly do so unless if they are not sincere.
7. “When shall we look in the mirror and say, we deserve better??????...”
I have always looked in the mirror for many years, but I have always been in the minority to change the course. But that not made me loose sight of my target and still as focused as a bullet in flight.
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“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 26 Oct 2007 : 21:11:26
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Good exchanges between dbaldeh & Kons. Well done guys please maintain the momentum? I ve really enjoyed it and learned alot!
Thanks comrades in our struggles! |
Edited by - kobo on 26 Oct 2007 21:12:27 |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 26 Oct 2007 : 22:44:18
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quote:
Originally posted by kobo
quote:
Originally posted by kondorong
I think arguing how the party was formed will only lead to very trivial issues not worth talking about.
What trivial issues do you have in mind? Don't pre-empt the situation? Thats prejudicial Kons!
Its very very important on this topic amonsgt others. We need as much information and records as possible about UDP; political background, structures, its leadership, mandates and party manifesto amongst other things.
I think thats trivial. A party was formed because some felt the need to have one. The idea could even start in the shower and become a big mountain. It does not matter where the idea is conceived but what you do with it. |
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 27 Oct 2007 : 01:55:36
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Thanks Kons for the intelligent reactions. I need not follow the trivial issues then.
However I was just enquiring about the original founders, patrons and elders who gave their blessings to support Lawyer Ousainou Darboe as party leader. One of them was proprietor of Banjul odeon cinema; Papa Dodou Jange a stalwart & big Banjul patron of United Party (U.P) who rally behind Lawyer and gave moral support to mobilised Banjul city at that crucial time of formation. Thats all I can remember and don't know the rest of the story behind formation and mobisation of U.D.P, its structures and constitution. |
Edited by - kobo on 27 Oct 2007 01:58:13 |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 27 Oct 2007 : 18:36:51
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Kondorong, I wish I am a farmer with some cattle. I would have surrendered the entire herd to you. You know why? Anytime I want to come in, you just write things I exactly want to post. That is remarkable.
As for Demba Baldeh, You know that he is a lair. Even his newly born daughter will grow up and realise that her father is a notorious lair. He has previously represented in this forum that UDP have no programmes, that they survive on Darboe's personality, and made some people here to believe that. But when I came up with UDP's programmes, he ran away for a while in shame. Do you know why he returned to this topic? He is suffering from a disease of mind called 'Mandinkaphobia' and this disease has made him to shun on any mandinka that aspires for political leadership and other Mandingos who support his/her bid. This is his beef with Darboe. Whenever he talked about tribalism, he doesn't mean it in the wider sense. He actually meant no mandinka should either aspire or support the candidature of another in any given case. That is why he hated me too because I supported Darboe in the 2006 President Election, against all odds, on the basis of his qualifications and electoral credentials.
What I would like you to do therefore, Kondorong, is to please avoid addressing Demba liar Baldeh's tribal/Mandinkaphobic venom. He is spreading a very dangerous sentiment, something that has undermined national security and resulted to war in Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. I do not want to see anything close to that in the Gambia because it would be catastrophic, and I know you don't want to see it happen either. As a matter of fact, Mandingos do not own Gambia but I do not think we can be easily cleansed from the territorial map of the Gambia.
Food for thought.
I salute you Kondorong.
Thanks
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I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
Edited by - Nyarikangbanna on 27 Oct 2007 23:55:18 |
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dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 28 Oct 2007 : 01:33:17
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quote:
Originally posted by Nyarikangbanna
As for Demba Baldeh, You know that he is a lair. .......
I bow not to engage in exchange of insults when nothing absolutely nothing can be gained from insulting or name calling. However, I have also learned that it is better to engage the evil mind that to let it rot into even more disarray.
It takes two to fight and if you want to fight in the field of intellectual exchanges and mature debates through which our readers can learn and join the debates, then you are more than welcome to the challenge.
Your writings shows you are so bitter and angry at yourself that you cannot even open your eyes and see anything different. The readers are the judges who habors hatred between you and I.
I have said here and stands by my assertions that UDP did not present any new alternative to the status quo in the Gambia during the last elections. In effect that their manifestor shows was a copy cat of the Jawara days which Gambians abandoned for a military junta. If you think that was a lie you are entitle to it.
As for the tribal discussion, you are still defending your records and I will let you defend that because you sounded it and got caught with your pants down.
May be it will help you if I tell you who I am, where I grew up, and my life time circle of friends and neighbors. 95% of my friends and associates are all mandinkas. I was born and brought up among mandinkas and grew up with them. If I speak unless you are told my last name you asume am mandinka.
Those things should be irrelevant in a decent society. But people with narrow vision that have nothing to offer always resorts to the tribal or race cart.
By reading my previous postings on this topic, can any independent reader tell me if I offered anything worth discussing or I did sound like someone with mandinkaphobia?
One more thing and that should be enough for you to dissect, do me a favor and speak or email one of Darboe's own blood brothers now living in Maryland a long time trusted friend of mine and ask him who the hell is this Demba Baldeh? That may help you grow up a little bit. Just a food for thought.
Again, you are invited to the debate and if you are confident of what you have to offer, the forum is open for you.
Am off to debate Kon. Catch you when you are sober again. |
Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
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dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 28 Oct 2007 : 02:15:25
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Kon. Am glad you were campaigning for a PDOIS candidate. Atleast we have one thing in common here, we all campaigned for PDOIS at some point. I don't know about you, but am a student of PDOIS and will always be grateful for the knowledge and humble leadership style I have seen in them. I call them government out of office.
Anyway I wanted to disect further some of your assertions or points of arguement. Am not sure if you have been convinced by Nyarikang to stay away from me, but I suspect you would rather deal with a reasonable arguement than name calling...
the call is yours to make..
They stayed in power because we allowed it as a nation. Like i said in my last posting, the right to associate is also intertwined with the right to not associate at all, and in the last elections, Gambians exercised the right to not vote but at a price which only entrenched the APRC at the detriment of others. But you know what, that is also allowed in a democratic system for citizens to not associate with any party. To force people to vote is the same as a de facto dictatorship. Voting is a personal choice. (Kon)
Kon. this is where I think you and I disagree in our debate. My contention is that Gambians have not been allowed to exercise their voting power freely and independently. Yes, they have been handle a tocken to vote, and give boxes with names to choice from, but their state of mind, level of thinking and civic decisions are not done in a free environment.
The repercussion and social agony that comes with even contemplating about going to an opposition meeting alone is enough to keep voters away from freely supporting their candidates much more physically voting for someone other than the status quo.
You make is sound like Gambian voters have free equal access to all the candidates and what they have to say.
Would you agree with me that the single most important in any political campaign is access to audience? What is the level of access to the voters through the media, sphere of influence or grass roots in the Gambia communities? Would you agree that whoever have more access controls the minds of the voters?
This is my line of arguemnt. That Jawara or Jammeh voters have not been given the opportunity to be educated on differenct candidates or programs. Where that is lacking, there is only one results election of one candidate over and over. There is something terribly wrong with our democracy which is causing people to vote the same way over and over again and for the wrong candidate.
Let me take you further into this point. Although Gambians continued to vote for Jawara over and over again which you called their free will, but when he and the PPP were chased out, even the little kids celebrated why? It is simply because people were not given enough information to allow them to choose an alternative to Jawara.
Do you call Iraqis voting 100% for Saddam Hussien as their free choice during his election exercise. No. they were allow to vote but only one way the only way they were made to know.
There was nothing wrong in Jawara staying in office because he did not break any of the political laws of the land. There was no term limit nor was there a referendum which approved a term limit. So the majority is fine with him in office and he continued to win. Thats is democracy for you Mr. baldeh. DEMOCRACY IS ABOUT THE MAJORITY IMPOSING ITS WILL ON THE MINORITY. (KON)
I agree that Jawara did not violate the political laws of the land. However, he violated every law that has something to do with a civilize and decent democracy which will allow a healthy multi party system with equal chances of changing candidates.
What do I mean?? It is the responsibility of government to introduce term limits, formulate electoral politicies where the citizenry can be well educated on their civic rights. It is the responsibility of government to appoint an independent I mean independence electoral commision that can effectively administer elections without fear of reprisal. How about equal access to the media and resources to campaign?
Was it not the governments responsibility to make sure voters were free from being oppressed by their local chiefs for voting for the opposition? How would you expect any voters to vote against the ruling party and go home to face hell in every way.
Am saying kon. our people have not been accorded the opportunity to freely and fairly vote their consent. This is a fact that explains why we have so many voter apathy and as a result a one party system by default.
No one is lowering the bar for Gambians. Gambians are setting their pace and standards by selecting a government that the majority thinks is in their best interest. You can take the horse to the river, but you cannot force it to drink. Like Lincoln said, if he were asked to cut a tree, he would most of his time sharpening his axe. Lets sharpen our political campaigns and win more votes to have our party(ies) in office. NO ONE IS LOWERING ANYONE’S STANDARDS. GAMBIANS IN THE MAJORITY HAVE SIGNED A POLITICAL CHEQUE AND APRC IS CASHING IT. (KON)
Yes, we are lowering the bar by validating that the sytem we have is has given our people what they need to vote educatively. I am condemning the system and not necessarily to faces administering the system.
I got to run but will find time to continue. Thanks for the fruitful discussion.
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Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 28 Oct 2007 : 04:10:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Nyarikangbanna
Kondorong, I wish I am a farmer with some cattle. I would have surrendered the entire herd to you. You know why? Anytime I want to come in, you just write things I exactly want to post. That is remarkable.
As for Demba Baldeh, You know that he is a lair........
Kondorong! Any reactions from you on these INSULTS, HYPOCRITICAL COMMENTS AND INSTIGATING TRIBAL HYSTERIA from a so-called LUNATIC, RUDE & ARROGANT PERSON? Is it necessay to go this far to BULLY SOMEONE in a forum which encourage tolerance, diversity & fair debates. This is addressed to you (from opening & closing remarks) and I expect FAIR ASSESSMENT & COMMENTS (without fear & favour) on them.
1) "Kondorong, I wish I am a farmer with some cattle. I would have surrendered the entire herd to you."
2) "I salute you Kondorong." |
Edited by - kobo on 28 Oct 2007 04:18:07 |
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Ebra
Gambia
268 Posts |
Posted - 28 Oct 2007 : 04:19:58
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| Avoid name calling and other forms of abusive language guys. Remember "sticks and stones can break bones", words may not literally break people's bones, but they are powerful weapons that can leave psychological scars as surely as sticks and stones can leave physical scars. Lets maintain constructive debates and put ethical principles into practice and no name calling please. |
Edited by - Ebra on 28 Oct 2007 04:40:23 |
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 28 Oct 2007 : 14:33:59
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Baldeh et al;
Good job on these debates about our political leaders. It help us know our political leaders. I am sure if any of them, Halifa or Darboe were to rejoin on these topics, they can only thank those trying to tell who they are. It also gives us an opportunity to learn from errors that were committed in the past. It is rather the focal being the real issue. Meeiiin. it's a long way to go.
Demba & Kondorong, i now see as the PDOIS-
once more, thanks Demba et al for some insight.
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"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 28 Oct 2007 : 20:02:18
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quote:
Originally posted by dbaldeh
quote:
Originally posted by Nyarikangbanna
As for Demba Baldeh, You know that he is a lair. .......
I have said here and stands by my assertions that UDP did not present any new alternative to the status quo in the Gambia during the last elections. In effect that their manifestor shows was a copy cat of the Jawara days which Gambians abandoned for a military junta.
Demba Baldeh, the Mandinkaphobic lair, if you still stand by the above claim, please produce the 1992 PPP manifesto [ the last one under Jawara ]. I have reproduced below the UDP Manifesto of 2006 to allow people to compare. If you fail to do this, then it means your statement is not based on any reasonable belief. Inother words, You are spreading a malicious lies to further your mandinkaphobic agenda.
'He who asserts must prove'. See below UDP 2006 manifesto. Naalerri Sai. Please be reminded that What you have said before was that UDP have no programme. I you contest this. I shall be producing more evidence.
Thanks.
UDP 2006 Party Manifesto
This note contains the manifesto of the United Democratic Party (UDP) which it intends to present as a policy guideline in the forth-coming Presidential/Parliamentary elections.
It is a statement of intentions in respect of socio-economic development as well as institutional and constitutional arrangements it proposes to put in place during its terms of office in the second Republic. The party intends to be identified with the pronouncements in this manifesto the overall aim of which is “The Transformation of the Gambia into a heaven of peace and prosperity.”
In this regard, major policy areas have been identified across the board and are carefully examined to reflect their relevance to the realization of the above objectives. The range from strengthening democracy and sound governance, security matters, economic policies in which free market economy, trade liberalization and monetary and fiscal development to provide an enabling environment for a balanced and sustainable economic growth and development. A pragmatic foreign policy has also been highlighted.
Reforms in the civil service have been mentioned and special emphasis has been placed in National Unity, Social Justice, Poverty Alleviation, economic management, and empowerment of women and good governance. This is consistent with the UDP Government’s thematic areas will usher in national unity, social justice and more importantly fundamental and positive changes in attitudes. Mention has also been made of drugs abuse and program envisaged for the rehabilitation of drug addicts.
The transformation of the Gambia into a heaven of peace and prosperity through the realization of our economic objectives for a balanced and sustainable economic growth and for self-reliance is the hallmark of our national policy. In our view this will guarantee Poverty Alleviation through an uplifting in our agricultural productivity, industrialization of the economy and the development of the country. Consequently the UDP is determined to mobilize all resources both internal and external for the fullest development of the country. We have opted for a free market economy as point of departure in our economic strategy. We are opted for a free market economy as point of departure in our economic strategy. We are determined that with the co-operation of our development partners we achieve this goal of improving the well being of the Gambian people. The potential is available and in place and we are not wanting in the will and determination to forge ahead.
a.) INTRODUCTION
We the people of the Gambia have arrived at cross roads. The transition period has come to an end and the military, contrary to initial promises, have declared their desire to perpetuate themselves in office. The choice that we have to make is clear, between a military government disguised in civilian consume and a genuine democratic civilian policies to place the Gambia among the progressive nations of the world. We will provide such a government.
Important though is the choice between policies these elections are also a choice between values. At the heart of our conviction is the belief in the freedom of the individual. We believe that for freedom to have real meaning, standards of public service must be high and widely accessible.
That the rights of the individual, like all others in a free society, are the same for all men and women irrespective or age, ethnic origin and class.
Finally for these rights and responsibilities to be exercised fully and fairly, the Government of the Gambia must work hard to promote the general well-being of the Gambian people by adequately supporting initiative, research and innovation, the improvement of skills, infrastructure and industrial development.
Guided by these values, we will make the Gambia more competitive, productive and just, more secured against crime and more conscious of the danger of environmental degradation. The government must serve the whole nation. We will provide such government.
The realities of current world order require that the government provide; a stable economic environment; that lays firm emphasis on productive investment in both the public and private sectors, education and training to develop the skills of young people and adults.
The UDP will implement these policies as vital for improvement in living standards of the people. We have confidence in our country and its people. We want to create a society to provide equal opportunities for all and promote development of the people’s potentials and the exercise of their rights. We shall therefore introduce constitutional and other changes that will give renewed vigour to our democracy.
These policies like demonstrating our practical commitment to freedom. We will strive to revive a cordial relationship with our neighbours, in particular Senegal; strengthen our participation in ECOWAS, OAU, the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations.
We will respect and implement the UN Charter, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and all other treaties ratified by the Gambia.
It is time for change, time for fresh start a new beginning in our lives and in the life of our country. The Choice is clear. An APRC government would mean the perpetuation of economic stagnation, political isolating and a repressive social environment. The military in Africa have proved beyond doubt what they are capable of doing while in government.
They have no policies, which would mean sustained development, better health care or improved educational standards.
The UDP government will give a fresh start for the Gambia. It will mean action to rebuild confidence, fair taxation and incentives for enterprise and support for essential services. It will mean greater freedom, security and Opportunity.
STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE
Abraham Lincoln in 1863 described Democracy as “Government of the people by the people and for the people”. We are committed to the concept of a representative democracy in which people choose based on informed decisions who they want to represent them and defend their interest and conduct the affairs of the state on their behalf.
The present Constitution was tailor-made to suit the members of the AFPRC, which was preparing to turn themselves into politicians. Despite popular demand the AFPRC ignored the wishes of the Gambian people. A UDP government will introduce Constitutional amendments, which would amongst others include:
a.) limiting the term of the Presidency to 2 terms of 5 years;
b.) limiting the term of local government executives to 3 terms of 4 fours;
c.) making the office of chiefs an elective one;
d.) entrenching provisions relating to the Independent Electoral Commission
e.) making provisions, which would enable organisations other than political parties to sponsor candidates for elections.
COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS
The UDP has a fundamental belief in and is committed to democracy and respect for human rights. There can be no sustained and meaningful development in the absence of a genuine democracy. The people of this country have an inalienable right to participate in all decision-making process on all issues affecting their lives and the conditions of their existence.
Fraud waste and embezzlement are absolutely no reasons for the seizure, abuse and demolition of the rights of the citizens of this country or any other country. All citizens of the Gambia must be treated equally as human beings in the eyes of the law.
Everyone has the fundamental right to be listened to and be heard when accused or found to be in breach of the law.
The UDP will ensure the establishment of an Independent judiciary as the executive arms of the law to take all legal actions necessary to preserve the rights and privileges of the society.
We are strongly committed to the protection of the rights of the citizen at all times as reflected in the constitution of the Gambia, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and similar legal instruments that seek to protect the individual against the might of the state. We shall also give full support to the individual against the might of the state. We shall also give full support to the strengthening of the democratic institutions in the country. These will include:
i. Political Parties
Political parties will be recognized as the vehicles for expressing the political will and aspirations of the citizens. As one of the pillars of democratic practice, political parties shall provide the necessary framework for the effective participation of the citizenry in the political process. We shall support and encourage the operations of a multi-party environment that will subscribe to the process of affecting a change of government. Any law that weeks to restrict the operations of such political parties shall be abrogated. As important agencies in the political educational process, the UDP government shall provide support to political parties in carrying out their civic education programs.
ii. The Press
The press has a particularly important role to play in strengthening democracy. It has the responsibility of informing and educating the citizens as well as the government on the concerns, needs and possibilities of the ship of state. To fulfill this role effectively calls for an active press and committed journalists whether from the public or private sector.
We will support and encourage a free press as a pillar or democracy. We will abolish all unjustified restrictions on the press. We shall also ensure that individual privacy and personal information are protected for all citizens.
iii. Civic Education
Civic education can only take place effectively in an atmosphere devoid of authoritarianism. We will encourage and support civic education through the national committees, the schools and the political parties so that the citizens can play a more active and enlightened role in the political development of the country. An enlightened population will be a bulwark against political abuse of power and a defence against military interference in politics.
iv. Judiciary
We shall regard to the Commissions of Inquiries set up by the AFPRC we welcome their existence and the outcomes of their proceedings will be respected. However, we are committed in the name of justice to providing all people who feel unjustly treated an opportunity to appeal before an independent judicial commission for a review of their cases.
v. The security of the Gambia
The role of the Armed Forces, Police and other security agents is to defend the sovereignty of the country and maintain peace and stability for all citizens.
We will provide adequate resources and needed equipment for the effective defense of the country. The Police force will be strengthened to deal with crime and drug trafficking that is becoming a national embarrassment.
We will provide improved professional military and other training facilities to allow the army to play a useful role in the development process especially in constructing roads bridges; and gully erosion control and forest management during peace time.
GETTING THE ECONOMY MOVING
The Gambia successfully implemented a number of bold macro-economic policies in the latter half of the 1980s that have released the productive sectors of the economy from crippling control of the Government. The liberalization of the economy and the encouragement of private sector development constitute a necessary first step on the road to macro-economic policy reforms already undertaken with the support of the World Bank and IMF.
Economic Policy and Management
Our economic policy shall be based on a free market principle, which will aim to secure maximum economic growth through private sector initiatives and development. The UDP government will provide a sound economic environment using prudent fiscal and monetary policies that will aim to achieve the following:
i. Taxation
The current subjective nature of Gambian tax policies giving rise to uncertainties and demotivation for investment and private sector initiatives will be reviewed.
This reduces the current level of taxation for both individuals and companies. The tax system and laws shall be reviewed fully and consolidated to provide the highest level of motivation for services and investments to generate growth. In particular:
- The bore hole tax of D50,000.00 for agricultural enterprises is a serious impediment for development in that sector and we shall remove such levies;
- The high level of operational fees and charges on hotels and businesses serves as a disincentive for development of industrial business properties shall be reviewed downwards;
- The high level of expatriate tax shall be reduced especially for skilled workers from ECOWAS countries to encourage competence in economic management. Training opportunities shall be opened up to nationals to improve capacities.
- The sales tax on insurance premiums goes on to aggravate the already very low savings position of the country and the UDP will exempt insurance premiums so as to encourage the development of the insurance industry and generate capital accumulation for investment.
ii. Monetary Policy
The object of our monetary policy will be to encourage investment and reduce inflation in the economy. The capacity of the central bank to manage and direct the monetary policy of the economy shall be enhanced.
The regulation and supervision of the financial services sector shall be strengthened to ensure its efficient and prudent operation and maximize protection of depositors’ funds.
A full liberal exchange rate policy will be maintained.
Private Sector
We fully recognize the potentials of the private sector as an engine for growth. We shall support and encourage their activities through the provision of an enabling environment with minimum government intervention.
In view of its pivotal role in the socio-economic development of this nation, the growth and development of the private sector will be an essential and integral component of our overall economic policy.
To ensure the growth and development of this sector as an engine of growth, the UDP administration will:
Ensure regular consultation with the private sector through its umbrella institutions on all issues of concern to put in place policies friendly to the private sector, in a bid to facilitate the achievement of private sector growth.
Always strive to take the views or the private sector as essential inputs in the overall economic policy formulation.
Put in place institutional structures and mechanisms for private sector capacity building to make the sector more proactive and efficient in the execution of its functions.
Encourage and support a healthy private sector partnership for speeding up the achievement of our micro-economic objectives. This will be done through active and positive participation of the private sector.
Small business Development
The culture small business development is not new to the Gambia. Our priority will be to strengthen the institutional support for this sector. In this, we will work with the relevant agencies and organizations the country. We shall update current sectoral surveys and a small business award scheme will be instituted to encourage competition.
Promoting Investment
We shall place a special emphasis on the promotion of investment by providing the necessary tax and other incentives. Investment in the service sector as well as other sectors that are labor intensive shall be encouraged. Current bureaucratic procedures encountered by investors in the processing of claims under the development act shall be streamlined and simplified to eliminate subjectivity and uncertainty.
A special investment promotion body shall be established for the implementation of an aggressive investment policy aimed bringing direct foreign investment, encourage the local enterprises initiative. and facilitate the transfer of technology and expertise.
Power Supplied
Power supply remains a major constraint to our development effort. We need power for our industries, hotels and houses yet we know electricity to be unavailable, or where available irregular and expensive.
We shall increase the generating capacity and thus the supply of electricity; improve the quality of service in distribution and management and to reduce the high cost of electricity charged to industry and also domestic consumers. This policy will improve the competitiveness of Gambian industry. Alternative energy sources will be evaluated and exploited to diversify our options and reduce our dependence on diesel engines, components and fuels, which we imperatively have to import. The bridge barrage project will be revisited with a view to establish its feasibility for implementation. Thus the Gambia can gain the potential for becoming a net exporter of electricity.
The current policy of charging duty on generation fuel shall be reviewed with a view to exempting it from all director taxes.
Human Resource Development and Employment
Our policy will be to invest in the human resources to provide the necessary skilled labor force required for our economic take-off. Employers will be obliged to invest a minimum amount in training their own work force to make a contribution to the national training effort. People will be trained to acquire skills relevant to every aspect of the economy - agriculture, manufacturing, and trade and service industries.
We shall give women real and equal opportunities to work and all employees will be given equal rights and status under law.
Civil Service
The civil service is the largest institution in the country. It has gone through a lot of changes that has robed it of its drive and efficiency. In its present state it needs rehabilitation and reorientation to enable it to cope with the new demands of society, business and industry.
Employment
The UDP government will provide an enabling environment for employment creation. In this regard the reforms envisaged in the agriculture as well as anticipated investment in manufacturing and tourism will lead to the creation of new jobs especially for young people. A culture of self-employment will also be promoted.
Transport and Communication
For a vibrant and sustainable economic development business people need good roads and reliable communication facilities. The road and communication conditions of Gambia today are unacceptable. The road networks have remained all the time largely seasonal; the radio hardly covers the entire country satisfactorily.
The UDP government will open the country by developing a road reconstruction program, which will provide permanent all-season roads for business and communities. Initially, priority will be given to the north bank of the river, which has endemically I suffered from getting less than its fair share of the country’s paved road network.
Radio and telecommunication services will be upgraded and given greater autonomy in programming and operations. Private investment in this sector shall be accorded the enabling policy environment it deserves.
Banjul International Airport and the Seaport shall be developed to maintain the Gateway concept for the Gambia. Government, International Donors and private sector partners will be encouraged to participate in order to realize this greater dream.
INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY IN AGRICULTURE
One of the important handicaps to our development is the low productivity, especially in the agricultural sector where the overwhelming majority of the population is engaged. Raising the productivity of farmers would help raise not only their living standards and thereby reducing poverty, but also create a healthy and well-off rural population who will provide an important domestic market.
- We will develop a national agricultural policy to tackle the low productivity and address the constraints faced by our farmers. This will lead to programs and actions in the following areas.
i. Increasing the yield of the land under cultivation. This will require improved technological packages and efficient extension services. Timely access to credit and other related inputs will be encouraged. .
ii. Increasing the land area under cultivation. This will entail bringing more land under cultivation. In this regard we shall pursue an active policy of more swamp lands rain-fed rice cultivation through the cultivation of dams and other protective structures against salinization and for water conservation. We shall support construction of causeways and footbridges to ease access and movement inputs to, and produce from swamp rice fields.
iii. Improve Credit Service. Access to credit is an important determinant in increasing productivity. Today the credit needs of the farmers have not been addressed satisfactorily. We shall develop a differentiated and responsive credit system that addresses the various credit needs of the various categories of the farming community.
Provision of Agricultural Inputs. The UDP Government will take bold and innovative steps to ensure that agricultural inputs are delivered on a timely basis and in adequate quantities to farmers at reasonable prices. Availability of good quality seeds will be given special attention through, among other things, encouragement of government and private seed production institutions. Village seed banks will be established. The party will address issues relating to farmers at the grassroots level by providing back-up support services in the form of training and other incentives.
iv. Marketing Services. Increased productivity will require market outlets. A network of markets will need to be developed especially for the food crops and horticultural produce that will ensure fair prices for the producers. We shall encourage and support development of such markets at national, sub-regional and international levels. Appropriate technologies will be evaluated on processing and preservation of seasonally available agricultural products to increase incomes and availability during other times of the year.
v. Research and Development. We will develop effective programs to improve on the quality and yield of produce, The successful results of these researches shall be introduced nationwide through efficient and strengthened extension services. Participatory, multidisciplinary and demand driven research strategies, through which sustainable crops and livestock management systems could be put in place, will be adopted.
vi. Institutional Reform and Adaptation. To support the objective of greater agricu1tural productivity the institutions in the agricultural sector will be reviewed and adapted to face the new challenges.
In this respect the Gambia Co-operative Union shall be recorganized and strengthened with greater autonomy in the discharge of their duties. The National Agricultural Research Institute will be capacitized and strengthened in order to enable it to generate agricultural technologies that are environment-friendly and adapted to our socio-economic conditions.
vii. The Soil and Water Management Unit (SSWMU) shall be upgraded and expanded with the object of opening up more land for rain-fed rite and irrigation cultivation in supporting the policy of food security. Also, this unit will be enabled to expand its capacity for tackling the increasing upland soil erosion and degradation problems.
viii. Agricultural Diversification. Agricultural diversification provides another opportunity to raise farm income. In addition to the traditional tree crops, we shall promote the introduction of improved varieties of fruit trees and vegetables. The planting of these trees will not only generate revenue but also improve the vegetation cover. The annual tree planting season will be reinstated but
Fisheries
The UDP government fully recognizes the potential of this sub-sector both interms of food and foreign exchange earnings and shall implement appropriate polities for its sustainable development. We shall encourage diversification and efficient management of our fishery resources with a view to optimizing utilization in order to improve the diets and incomes of the cross section of our society.
DEVELOPING EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS
Education, both basic as a right of an individual and a means of achieving personal fulfillment, will be a major policy objective. Furthermore education is closely related to the economy, as it is a major partner in development. In view of this the development of our human resources through education and training is a necessary step in achieving economic growth and development.
We believe that the development of our human resources can contribute to the attainment of such objectives as poverty alleviation, social and economic development. We arc committed to providing universal access to primary education, and improve the intake for secondary and vocational education. This will ensure the full participation or all group in society in the process or economic growth and development in line with our national program of skills training and development.
Provision of Quality Basic Education
The current Education Policy shall be regularly reviewed with the objective of providing quality basic education for all Gambian children with improved teaching standards and material resources: The conditions or teachers shall be improved to attract more Gambians to the teaching profession particularly in the middle and high schools.
Basic education will provide facilities for all citizens to be literate and numerate, and help them to cultivate knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enable them to earn a good living, improve their social and health circumstances, be patriotic citizens, and. understand the complexities and opportunities of the modern world.
Secondary Education
We shall increase and consolidate the number and quality of secondary schools in our country to give an increased level of opportunity for children passing the primary level examinations. Our objective is to minimize and eventually eliminate the wastage of potential skills through dropouts because of insufficient secondary schools and national qualified teachers.
Tertiary Education
Tertiary education will be fully supported but a more comprehensive and thought out university development program that addresses our needs shall be developed instead of the current ad-hoc arrangement. We shall have a policy of promoting vocational and skills training needs of the economy.
Training of education sector personnel
The effective implementation of our education policy requires a comprehensive and coordinated policy for the professional development of all education personnel. This is important and critical for teachers at all levels of our education system. Training shall either be internal or external according to need. Careful attention shall be given to I devising low-cost training strategies like school-based training and the use of distance learning.
In addition to training educational managers, the implementation of our educational. system as manifested in the national education plan, shall require improved co-ordination of all education services and, in particular enhance capacity to develop policy, to understand long-term planning. Monitor and evaluate all education programs and projects.
Financing of education
To achieve the aims and objectives of our education policy for improved access to basic education and to enhance its quality and relevance, the educational system shall require increased level of funding from domestic as well as extena1 sources. This shall entail:
a. Increase in central government funding to education with more support to basic education.
b. Local governments shall be required to commit substantial support to education.
c. Development of self-help schemes for funding education shall be encouraged.
d. External assistance to basic education through investment and recurrent expenditure shall be encouraged.
e. Non governmental agencies and intergovernmental organizations’ contributions to education shall be solicited
Youth, Sports and Cultural Development
It is our belief that the Gambian youth have great potentials that need to be explored and developed as resource for our national advancement. The current pathetic state of neglect of this sector, which is considered as a vital industry that positively impact on other sectors, will be addressed. We shall review the National Youth Policy with a view to giving the youths of our country a more meaningful opportunity to participate and compete in the world arena.
We will in particular:
- Giving the youths a much better opportunity to participate fully in the decision-making process by strengthening the independence and democratic operation of the Federations.
- Improve and expand the arena available for sporting activity. It is important that every administrative region has al least a standard functional sporting , field.
- We will give sports the resources and recognition it deserve and encourage other participators to contribute.
- We shall identify and prioritize national sporting activities in order to optimize the use of available resources.
- The UDP will formulate comprehensive cultural policies and programs to enhance our cultural heritage in all its aspects.
HEALTH AND POPULATION
Over the past years the Gambia has developed a very good primary health care system. Our party shall consolidate the achievements in this system and actively promote reproductive and preventive health initiatives. We shall encourage family planning, immunization of children and promote sound environmental management in order to improve the overall health of the population.
Another important constraint in the health sector is the extent of centralization of health services in the Greater Banjul Area. In keeping with the Bamako initiative, health Ii administration and financial needs to be decentralized at divisional leve1s to allow greater participation of the community in the health management and delivery system. The UDP Government shall carry out a systematic decentralization program of the health management and personnel to ensure accessible and affordable health services to all Gambians.
Drug Abuse and Control
The UDP recognizes the danger that drugs pose to our society and economy. We shall prepare appropriate policy measures to prevent drug abuse and institute rehabilitation of drug addicts. We shall ensure that our country does not become the save heaven and springboard for national and international drug traffickers.
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
Currently the Gambia faces serious environmental problems, which range from natural resource degradation to the disposal of household waste in urban and peri-urban areas. Erosion, especially along the riverbanks and the marine coastline, pose a serious threat to infrastructure and human settlements.
The UDP views these environmental problems as serious requiring a more focused and concerted effort on the part of Government to ensure ecological balance and rational exploitation of our natural resources.
Improving Waste Management and Sanitation
The current population of the Greater Banjul Area is about 300,000 and growing at a rate of 8.1% per annum. The large amount of waste especially household waste and other non-biodegradable substances calls for an improved collection as well as disposal system to ensure that no hazard threatens the peoples and their environment.
In the rural areas it is estimated that 50% of the rural population have access to the most rudimental sanitation facilities. The implications of this with regards to communicable diseased arc serious. The UDP shall promote the improvement of waste management as well as improve the sanitation facilities in the rural areas.
Rural Water Supply
The various rural water supply programs in the past have substantially improved rural water supply in terms of the provision of concrete-lined and covered wells fitted with hand pumps. The various programs came to halt after the 1994 military take-over. In spite of the good work undertaken in all these programs, 50% of the rural population are still without any safe drinking water. The UDP considers water supply in the rural areas a nation priority that will be reviewed and strengthened, as appropriate.
TOWARDS SOCIAL JUSTICE
The UDP strongly believes in social justice it shall therefore strive consistently to ensure that disparities in economic and social conditions are reduced in the interest or social justice and harmony. The UDP shall adopt a systematic policy to improve the social condition of the disadvantaged groups in our society who arc largely farmers, women, urban unemployed etc by narrowing the gap in the life chances, employment opportunities and real incomes. We shall in this regard insist on the following priority Issues:
Poverty Alleviation
It is estimated that 60% of the Gambian population suffer from absolute poverty. In terms of food poverty about 65%1 of the Gambian population arc food poor. What is particularly lamentable is that women constitute the majority of this deprived segment of the population. The UDP is therefore committed to collaborate with development partners in embarking poverty eradication programs with particular emphasis on food security. Of equal importance, is the development of cottage industries and medium scale enterprises. In this regard, emphasis will be placed on income generating employment opportunities, establishment of skill centers and the development of national capacity for employment creation.
The UDP is equally committed to providing sound health for all Gambians with particular emphasis on safe motherhood, family planning, child survival, proper nutrition, control or common endemic diseases, health promotion, protection and provisional of essential drugs and vaccines.
The ultimate objective is to, among other things, provide the environment for a reduction in infant and maternal mortality rates whiles simultaneously ensuring significant improvements in the quality of service as well as their efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability. In the context of education, the UDP will solicit the assistance of NGOs and self-helped communities, organizations to the educational system.
Area councils will be involved in educational investment decisions. Parents will be expected to contribute within their means to the cost of their children’s schooling through user charges. The importance of the contribution of technical and vocation training to the economy will continue to be recognized through the provision of adequate financing and support to the sector.
UDP will foster the autonomy of national training institutions through a policy of decentralization, which will allow them to seek their own solution to their problem and to forge closer link with their Iabor market. By the same token, UDP will place emphasis on non-formal education as a means of assisting early school leavers, women and adults in need of marketable skills. The UDP will equally facilitate development of national capacities to initiate and manage programs as well as projects at local community and national levels.
PROTECTING WOMEN AND CHILDREN
Women and children constitute two of the most vulnerable groups in our society and they experience the more acute forms of social ills of society such as poverty and deprivation. In the interest or social justice and harmony the constraint raced by these groups’ needs to be addressed as a national priority.
We arc committed to protecting all the rights of women and children and increase the level of opportunities as a national priority.
EXTERNAL RELATIONS.
We are living today in a very small world where the interdependency of nations has been so great. In this simple big family no one nation can afford to stand all by itself. This is even truer in the ease of small countries to which external relations provides a further strength to national independence and sovereignty. We shall strive to maintain and protect the independence of the Gambia and protect and promote Gambian interests in all international forums in keeping with our constitution and the rights and aspirations of the Gambian People.
We shall encourage and support friendship with all nations in support of democracy and in the promotion of human, social and economic rights of all people. The UDP shall strive for the Gambia to gain the respect and admiration it has lost in the international community.
Good Neighborliness in the Sub Region
We the UDP shall endeavor to maintain good fraternal relations with all countries in the sub-region particularly Senegal with which we share an unparalleled affinity in all aspects of our existence. It shall be our policy to work with them to establish a framework for regular consultation to review relations between the two countries with special attention on any difficulties that may arise.
Regional, Sub-Regional and International Organizations
The UDP strongly believes in sub-regional co-operation in the interest of peace, stability and development. The existing regional and sub-regional organizations such as ECOWAS provide a valuable framework for the realization of greater integration and development within the sub-region.
We believe ECOWAS needs to be strengthened and given the necessary resources to perform its mission objectives.
With respect to the plethora of small sub regional organizations that in many cases duplicate each other’s efforts, it shall be our policy to seek to reduce the number of such organizations in the interest of efficiency and resource savings.
As regards international organizations such as IOC, UN, GATT, Commonwealth, World Bank and IMF, we shall continue to play an active part to promote Gambian interest in the organizations.
Partnership with Donors
The Gambia has depended a lot on the generous assistance of the donor community in pursuit of its development objectives. Without their assistance the country would have been a lot poorer that it is today. The UDP shall build on the support of our development partners within the context of a renewed national commitment to serving the interest of the Gambian people.
PLEDGE
We as a party pledge ourselves to the presentation and protection of the principle of democratic pluralism and the rule of law. We consider their principles as the fundamental basis for the socio-economic development of our nation.
Through this pledge, we invite the Gambian people to join us to put an end forever, to Militocracy and its manifestations. Hands of solidarity to all Gambians to join us create a bright prosperous and pluralistic society second to none on the continent.
THE END
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I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
Edited by - Nyarikangbanna on 28 Oct 2007 21:02:14 |
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