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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
 Posted - 08 May 2010 : 13:13:03
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United Democratic Party [UK] – Mission Statement
The United Democratic Party [UK] is a not for profit organisation founded on the 27th February 2010 as an affiliated body to the Gambia’s main opposition United Democratic Party [UDP], by concern citizens of the Gambia living in the United Kingdom, whose primary aim and objective is to help end the reign of tyranny and despotism in their beloved country, the Gambia, through lawful and peaceful democratic means, and in partnership with the local political opposition, help substitute it with a vibrant democratic, responsive, accountable, transparent and law abiding government; a government that will be sensitive to the plight of ordinary citizens and upholds the values of human dignity and the constitution of the republic.
Country's Political History
The Gambia lies on the Western coast of tropical Africa, occupying an area of 11,295 sq km, making it one of the smallest countries in Africa, and it is a semi-enclave into Senegal. The Gambia has a population of about 1.5 million people and its capital city is Banjul.
The Gambia attained independence from Britain on the 18th February 1965 amidst doubts about its economic viability as a modern democratic sovereign state. The first president of The Gambia was Alhagi Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara who ruled the country from independence until 1994 when he was ousted in a military coup headed by the then Lt. Yaya A.J. J Jammeh, who is now the president. The coup was widely condemned by the international community particularly the Commonwealth and the European Union.
Following the 1994 coup, Lieutenant Jammeh dissolved parliament and replaced it with a military council called the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council [AFPRC]. The constitution was also suspended and a ban on political parties and political activity imposed.
In October 1994, the AFPRC announced a programme for transition to democratic constitutional rule which provided for the restitution of elected civilian organs of the state in four years. Both the local civic groups and the international community condemned the length of the proposed transition. The AFPRC responded to these pressures by establishing a National Consultative Committee [NCC] to review the issue. The transition was later reduced to two years but the ban on political parties and political activity remained in force.
In April 1995, the AFPRC established a Constitutional Review Commission and decided that the draft Constitution had to be submitted to a referendum first before the ban on politics was to be lifted. Meanwhile, the junta [AFPRC] had already formed its own 22 July Movement which manifested all the features of a political party and was fully utilised to help Lieutenant Jammeh [now Rtd. Colonel] contest the subsequent presidential election from an advantaged position of incumbency. The transition process included the compilation of a new electoral register, a referendum on a new constitution and the presidential and parliamentary elections in 1996 and 1997 respectively.
In 1996, the ban on political parties and political activity was lifted but the People’s Progressive Party of former president Jawara, the National Convention Party and the Gambia People’s Party –the three main political parties in the country prior to the coup – were banned from contesting the forthcoming elections, as were all holders of executive office in the 30 years prior to the 1994 military takeover [the latter under Decree 89]. The only pre-coup party authorised to contest the elections was a fringe party called The People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism [PDOIS]. These restrictions provoked strong criticism from the international community particularly the Commonwealth, and eventually gave birth to the United Democratic Party [UDP] in August 1996, exactly two weeks before the presidential election. The UDP is headed by a prominent human rights lawyer and former Vice President of The Gambia Bar Association.
Human Rights and Political Governance
In September 1996, the AFPRC transformed itself into a political party and contested the presidential election which it won but the process was rejected by the main opposition United Democratic Party as well as the international community as neither free nor fair. Since then, the Gambia has been faced with serious governance and human rights violation issues. The regime continues to commit serious human rights violation with impunity thereby creating a repressive environment and a culture of fear in the country.
Although the constitution provides for the protection of most human rights and civil liberties, there are continuing cases of arbitrary arrests and detentions without warrants or trial particularly against political opponents and perceived opponents of the regime, and journalists -See US Statement Department Human Rights Report 2009. Detainees also face prolong pre-trial detentions and are normally held beyond the 72 hour constitutional limit without charge.
On the 10th & 11th April 2000, 14 student demonstrators were shot dead in broad daylight. A government own appointed Commission of Enquiry held the security forces responsible for the killings but no prosecution has so far being brought against anybody.
The 2008 & 2009 Amnesty International Reports also highlighted some disturbing cases of suspected enforced disappearances. The fate of Kanyiba Kanyi, an opposition activist arrested in 2006, remains unknown as the government continued to deny knowledge of his where about despite repeated ruling by the Gambian courts for his release or for a cause to be shown as to why he should not be.
In July 2008, the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice [CCJ] ordered the Gambian government to release Chief Ebrima Manneh, a former reporter from the Daily observer arrested in 2006. The government ignored the ruling and continues to deny that he was in their custody.
The regime restricts freedom of speech and press through intimidation, unwarranted arrests and detentions, and restrictive legislation. The restrictive media environment that exists in the country has forced many journalists into self imposed exile or out of business.
Although the constitution provides for an independent judiciary, the regime continues to fire judges particularly those who made unfavourable decisions against it, without the due process being followed. The most recent case being the removal of the country’s Chief Justice, Justice Abdou Karim Savage.
The lower courts tend to be corrupt and many a times subject to executive pressure.
A recent report by the Millennium Challenge Corporation indicates that the Gambia falls short in a number of governance indicators such as management of state assets, government effectiveness and accountability. In addition, the National Parliament is not effectively performing its oversight roles and responsibilities particularly in the area of budget formulation and public expenditure control.
Aims and Objectives
The United Democratic Party [UK] recognised that the UDP is inter alia;
1. By far the biggest opposition party in the Gambia.
2. Intends to make credible political and constitutional reforms that would nurture a vibrant democratic society based on respect for the rule of law and fundamental principles of democratic representation, and in which citizens are able to exercise their fundamental rights and freedoms without undue state interference.
3. Intends to introduce a presidential term limit into the constitution [this is expected to be an entrenched clause] as a way of ending the culture of self perpetuating rule
4. Intends to strengthen and safeguard the independence and integrity of the judiciary particularly the criminal justice system.
5. Is committed to making tangible investment in the productive sectors of the economy so as to stimulate growth, and to the judicious appropriation of taxpayers’ money.
6. Will persevere to improve the quality of state delivered social services particularly in the health and education sectors.
7. Intends to create conducive environment for attracting the much badly needed foreign investment into the country.
8. Have the political will to tackle the perennial issue of youth unemployment head on.
9. Despite being the biggest opposition party, have serious capacity issues. This is attributed to inadequate funding.
10. Lacks sufficient visibility on the ground due to limited campaign tools i.e. T-Shirts, Billboards, Posters and political souvenirs.
11. Lack of funds hinders the party’s ability to conduct regular public political activities.
12. Lack of regular public political activity tends to make their upcountry structures dormant.
13. Communication between the executive and the upcountry structures seems to be periodic and not robust.
14. The party’s overall political communication strategy and mechanisms need improving – There has to be in place an effective and more robust communication media outlet i.e. a website that could be regularly updated with high quality information.
15. The party needs to take a proactive and more vigilant stand towards the upcoming National Voter Registration to ensure that the integrity of the process is guaranteed and safeguarded.
16. Campaign for the 2011 presidential election must begin in earnest.
The United Democratic Party [UK] intends to raise sufficient funds from within the Gambian communities in the Diaspora to;
a) Help address the capacity issues confronting the party thereby making it more competitive in the face of a wealthy incumbent.
b) Acquire enough campaign tools, i.e. T-Shirts, and posters among other things, to create enough on the ground visibility for the party before the 2011 presidential election.
c) Help improve the party’s political communication strategy and mechanisms
d) Help finance party leader’s nationwide tours and public meetings [rallies].
e) Help strengthen the party’s local structure nationwide, and encourage more grass root support and participation.
f) Help fund the party’s 2011 presidential and 2012 parliamentary elections campaign.
The United Democratic Party [UK] urges every Gambian, particularly those in the diaspora, to dutifully support this venture by making generous donations to the organisation, and together we can build a just, democratic and prosperous Gambia.
Prospective donors can register their interest with the coordinator by email; gambiaforall@googlemail.com. Alternatively, you can make payment[s] into our NatWest bank account, details of which are as follows; Account Name: KD/UDP UK, Account No. 23644079, Sort Code; 602479. For those living outside the UK, our International Bank Account Number [IBAN] is; GB07 NWBK 60247923 644079.
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Do not settle for another five years of APRC misrule; Donate money to the UDP-UK, and secure a real change for The Gambia.
S.S Daffeh
Secretary-General
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I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
Edited by - Nyarikangbanna on 09 May 2010 17:40:39 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 08 May 2010 : 22:55:33
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Please review mission statement as there are lots of errors there; particularly under Aims & Objectives? CONSTRAINTS OR PROBLEMS & ANYTHING THAT HINDERS ACTIVITY SHOULD BE ADDRESS BUT NOT ATTAINABLE.
Mission statement compliments & summarised issues being addressed by Halifa Sallah & Foroyaa.
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2010 : 13:26:08
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Nyari, thanks for sharing this mission statement of the UDP-UK branch. 2011 is very near and I hope you achieve those aims stated in the statement.
I believe funding is a problem for all political parties in the Gambia apart from the APRC who of course have a monopoly on all state resources. Let’s hope others follow your footsteps in providing account numbers where contributions could be sent.
I hope you don’t mind that I add the following Bantaba poll results from last year on Funding Political parties. Let me know if adding these is off topic and I shall remove them.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2010 : 14:52:46
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Yes Momodou, funding is a big problem for the opposition but the bigger problem is the cynicism and pessimisms of Gambians. If we can fight off those two isms[s], there is a good chance that we can do something to change our politics for good.
For your information, the UDP-UK account is doing very well, and we hope that continues all the way to the 2011/2012 elections.
I do not have problem with you bringing up bantaba poll results.
Kind regards
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I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2010 : 21:06:57
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Yes cynicism, pessimism, tribalism, back stabbers, betrayals, hatred, slanders, self-interests, LACK OF TOLERANCE, APPRECIATE DIVERSITY, inter alia.
Carry on UDP ON VENTURE TO SEEK DONATIONS & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
THAT'S THE THIRD ONE CIRCULATING ON-LINE
1st For UDP CONGRESS
2nd SUPPORTING FEMI OR HIS FAMILY
"GAMBI SUNU REW SOPA NEIGN LAA NDAH FEE LENG JUDO!"
"GAMBIA NA BANKO ; SO ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE TOWARDS THE COMMON GOOD BUT NO DIVIDE & RULE POLICIES
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Edited by - kobo on 09 May 2010 21:41:37 |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2010 : 23:08:29
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"Yes cynicism, pessimism, tribalism, back stabbers, betrayals, hatred, slanders, self-interests, LACK OF TOLERANCE, APPRECIATE DIVERSITY, inter alia."
Reads a little like UK politics at the moment
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 09 May 2010 23:08:58 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2010 : 12:50:49
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Yes UDP -UK are based in UK but haven't learn anything from UK politics at this crucial moment
Tories/Conservatives was the LARGEST/MOST VIBRANT OPPOSITION PARTY ="The United Democratic Party [UK] recognised that the UDP is inter alia;
1.By far the biggest opposition party in the Gambia."
Prior to UK General elections there has been optimism, Tory hype/popular gutter journalism, media domination financed by Billionaire so that by now David Cameron (Tory Leader) is at No 10 Downing street = Optimism that DECAPITATED UDP WITH ALL ITS PROBLEMS HIGHLIGHTED UNDER MISSION STATEMENT can became successful or make it alone 2011/2012
Note also that APRC is the LARGEST POLITICAL PARTY IN THE GAMBIA; therefore there is no need to contest with them & think about winning Its a futile exercise
SARCASTIC DESCRIPTION FOR A "FRINGE PARTY"
" The only pre-coup party authorised to contest the elections was a fringe party called The People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism [PDOIS]."
That is what happen in UK elections for opposition parties were at each others throat. They started selling ideologies, programmes & policies. After failing to win a majority they are working on EXECUTIVE POWER SHARING DEALS and compromising what they sold to the electorates Here we have a HUNG PARLIAMENT; TO BE A KIND OF COALITION GOVERNMENT! The biggest opposition bragging to swept power (i.e. Tory) is at the the MERCY of the smallest opposition (Liberal Democrats) asking the key to No. 10; although their manifestos did not harmonise Likewise Gordon Brown (Labour party leader) is offering proportional representation & assurance of implementing all those areas they agree with under their policies; as they harmonise more on policies with them (Liberal Democrats & Labour)
PDOIS the party castigated as fringe party has more resounding ideals! They are always in the forefront of Gambian politics on issues that affects Gambians. They don't linger in the shadows. They have very courageous intelligent leaders to defend the party. That's why they fought not to accept being banned by military junta. They fought and earn it. They were the only party that challenged that the coup was illegal & its leaders faced prosecution & persecution with energetic efforts AS FREEDOM FIGHTERS FOR THE COMMON GOOD OF GAMBIANS.
They are FOR THE PEOPLE; DEMOCRATIC, & ARE GUARDIANS OF SOVEREIGNTY & INDEPENDENCE
"14. The party’s overall political communication strategy and mechanisms need improving – There has to be in place an effective and more robust communication media outlet i.e. a website that could be regularly updated with high quality information. PDOIS Foroyaa online newspaper is doing the job for opposition parties & addressing issues for grassroots
PDOIS had organised congress with their meagre resources and has tabled that "THERE IS A BASIS FOR OPPOSITION....FOR THE PEOPLE TO MOBILISED NOT OPPOSITION LEADERS OR PARTIES TO DICTATE THEM BUT ALL GAMBIANS TO CONSIDER AGENDA 2011"
I WILL NEVER FORGET THE CARDINAL SINS OF THOSE WHO CAUSE DIS-INTEGRATION OF NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR DEMOCRACY & DEVELOPMENT (N.A.D.D). SAVE THE GAMBIA DEMOCRACY PROJECT GOT IT RIGHT 2006 BUT "JAMFA"/BETRAYAL BLEW IT & ITS UNFORGIVABLE
MY MONEY, ENERGY & RESOURCES IS FOR NATIONAL CAUSE; I SUPPORT DEMOCRACY NOT A "DUMB" DEMOCRATIC PARTY
UNITED WE STAND! DIVIDED WE FALL!
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Edited by - kobo on 10 May 2010 13:10:14 |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2010 : 13:34:53
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UNITED WE STAND! DIVIDED WE FALL!
Where have I heard that saying before? remind me KOBO 
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 10 May 2010 13:35:25 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2010 : 14:24:44
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RESEARCHED AND GOT THESE!
"United We Stand, Divided We Fall," a favorite toast, in varying forms, of political orators from Benjamin Franklin to Abraham Lincoln. It gained currency after John Dickinson's "Liberty Song" was published on 18 July 1768, in the Boston Gazette. The work contained the lines:
Then join in hand, brave Americans all—
By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall!
The slogan regained widespread usage three-quarters of a century later when the popular writer George Pope Morris's "The Flag of the Union" appeared. The poem quoted the sentiment as given above, from the motto of Kentucky, which had been adopted in 1792. Gaining new currency during times of national crisis, the phrase was most recently a popular slogan after the attacks upon the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on 11 September 2001."
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Senegambia
175 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2010 : 15:10:53
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Kobo, Please SABARI :)
quote:
Originally posted by kobo
Yes UDP -UK are based in UK but haven't learn anything from UK politics at this crucial moment
Tories/Conservatives was the LARGEST/MOST VIBRANT OPPOSITION PARTY ="The United Democratic Party [UK] recognised that the UDP is inter alia;
1.By far the biggest opposition party in the Gambia."
Prior to UK General elections there has been optimism, Tory hype/popular gutter journalism, media domination financed by Billionaire so that by now David Cameron (Tory Leader) is at No 10 Downing street = Optimism that DECAPITATED UDP WITH ALL ITS PROBLEMS HIGHLIGHTED UNDER MISSION STATEMENT can became successful or make it alone 2011/2012
Note also that APRC is the LARGEST POLITICAL PARTY IN THE GAMBIA; therefore there is no need to contest with them & think about winning Its a futile exercise
SARCASTIC DESCRIPTION FOR A "FRINGE PARTY"
" The only pre-coup party authorised to contest the elections was a fringe party called The People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism [PDOIS]."
That is what happen in UK elections for opposition parties were at each others throat. They started selling ideologies, programmes & policies. After failing to win a majority they are working on EXECUTIVE POWER SHARING DEALS and compromising what they sold to the electorates Here we have a HUNG PARLIAMENT; TO BE A KIND OF COALITION GOVERNMENT! The biggest opposition bragging to swept power (i.e. Tory) is at the the MERCY of the smallest opposition (Liberal Democrats) asking the key to No. 10; although their manifestos did not harmonise Likewise Gordon Brown (Labour party leader) is offering proportional representation & assurance of implementing all those areas they agree with under their policies; as they harmonise more on policies with them (Liberal Democrats & Labour)
PDOIS the party castigated as fringe party has more resounding ideals! They are always in the forefront of Gambian politics on issues that affects Gambians. They don't linger in the shadows. They have very courageous intelligent leaders to defend the party. That's why they fought not to accept being banned by military junta. They fought and earn it. They were the only party that challenged that the coup was illegal & its leaders faced prosecution & persecution with energetic efforts AS FREEDOM FIGHTERS FOR THE COMMON GOOD OF GAMBIANS.
They are FOR THE PEOPLE; DEMOCRATIC, & ARE GUARDIANS OF SOVEREIGNTY & INDEPENDENCE
"14. The party’s overall political communication strategy and mechanisms need improving – There has to be in place an effective and more robust communication media outlet i.e. a website that could be regularly updated with high quality information. PDOIS Foroyaa online newspaper is doing the job for opposition parties & addressing issues for grassroots
PDOIS had organised congress with their meagre resources and has tabled that "THERE IS A BASIS FOR OPPOSITION....FOR THE PEOPLE TO MOBILISED NOT OPPOSITION LEADERS OR PARTIES TO DICTATE THEM BUT ALL GAMBIANS TO CONSIDER AGENDA 2011"
I WILL NEVER FORGET THE CARDINAL SINS OF THOSE WHO CAUSE DIS-INTEGRATION OF NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR DEMOCRACY & DEVELOPMENT (N.A.D.D). SAVE THE GAMBIA DEMOCRACY PROJECT GOT IT RIGHT 2006 BUT "JAMFA"/BETRAYAL BLEW IT & ITS UNFORGIVABLE
MY MONEY, ENERGY & RESOURCES IS FOR NATIONAL CAUSE; I SUPPORT DEMOCRACY NOT A "DUMB" DEMOCRATIC PARTY
UNITED WE STAND! DIVIDED WE FALL!
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Tesito
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dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2010 : 21:13:32
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I think my friend Nyari and others must be commended for putting forward such an ambitious plan for the UDP. This is certainly a step in the right direction and I think they should help transcent the same spirit to the actual executive body of the UDP.
Many of the points highlighted are a good recognition of the short comings of the party. Privately many of us who are interested in seing genuine change in the Gambia have discussed with party loyalist some of these initiatives especially in the areas of communication and written materials.
The ability to communicate effectively to the electorates is always a key for a political party to make head way. Written communications are crucial and it helps others understand where the party stands and what its goals are.
Running political parties as a loose cannon is no longer viable in the 21st century. The increasing intellectual sophistication of the electorates and the general citizens' demand for party's to put their objectives on paper and not wait to come up with a party manifestor few months before elections has been eloquent.
The honest observation of the goals is that it needs a broader inclusion and willness to work with opposing sites. Being the largest opposition party should enable the UDP to reach out to any side or citizens who yearn for positive change. Our way or the high way is not practical and counter productive.
Overall, good moves and I hope this is not being run as a sedo party with disconnect to parent the main party.... if you are able to get the party to execute these ideas, I think you can certainly see positive things for the UDP.
More comments on other party's shortcomings coming up as well.... |
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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turk
USA
3356 Posts |
Posted - 06 Aug 2010 : 15:52:33
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quote:
Prospective donors can register their interest with the coordinator by email; gambiaforall@googlemail.com. Alternatively, you can make payment[s] into our NatWest bank account, details of which are as follows; Account Name: KD/UDP UK, Account No. 23644079, Sort Code; 602479. For those living outside the UK, our International Bank Account Number [IBAN] is; GB07 NWBK 60247923 644079.
What is the process of verifying the donation is done by Gambians? And how is verified by the Gambian authorities? |
diaspora! Too many Chiefs and Very Few Indians.
Halifa Salah: PDOIS is however realistic. It is fully aware that the Gambian voters are yet to reach a level of political consciousness that they rely on to vote on the basis of Principles, policies and programmes and practices. |
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