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Momodou
Denmark
11644 Posts |
Posted - 22 Sep 2016 : 17:09:59
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THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES AND THE CALL FOR UNITY
Foroyaa Editorial: September 21, 2016 http://www.foroyaa.gm/archives/12156#more-12156
2016 is different from all other election years. The interest generated in the election has never been so intense. Despite the silence of the state on all the happenings on the side of the opposition information is spreading like wild fire throughout the country through the social media.
The candidates are known and people are beginning to form opinions about them. There is demand for them to sit down and reach an understanding to have one candidate to contest the election in 2016. Hope has been generated when it was revealed that negotiation has started among the five opposition presidential candidates. The candidates so far are: Adama Barrow, Dr Lamin Bojang, Mamma Kandeh, Halifa Sallah and Dr Isatou Touray.
Who is going to be selected to take on Jammeh on 1 December 2016 is the question occupying the minds of the electorate. Unfortunately there are no pollsters to find out who among the candidates would have the best chance to unseat Jammeh on 1 December 2016. People should speak their minds to encourage the candidates to make the best of decisions for the country.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11644 Posts |
Posted - 30 Sep 2016 : 08:53:42
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“Consensus could be made from the talks because there is progress” Says Dr Isatou Touray
By Kebba Jeffang Foroyaa: September 30, 2016 http://www.foroyaa.gm/archives/12248
The first Gambian female aspiring presidential candidate, Dr. Isatou Touray, said she is hopeful that the ongoing opposition coalition talks could reach a consensus because there is progress in the discussion which is Dr Isatou Tourayrescheduled to take place next week Wednesday, 5th October.
Dr. Touray was speaking in an exclusive interview with this reporter in her office in Burusibi, West Coast Region.
Responding to a question on how hopeful she is as an aspiring presidential candidate to the ongoing talks among the opposition candidates and parties, she said “I’m an independent candidate that has come to support the oppositions to facilitate a transition in a non-violent way to usher in a third republic. There is a process going on right now which is towards building a coalition so that we come out with a single candidate that is going to be supported by all the political parties. So we hope that by the time we finished all the conversation because the dialogue is still going on, there is progress and I hope that by the end of the day we would reach consensus as the outcome.”
Dr. Touray added “However, I cannot singularly tell you this is the outcome so far because we have not concluded the discussion. I think there will be consensus because we are talking, although I cannot give you anything definitive unless we reach the conclusion but the logical steps have been taken towards that direction.”
She assured that she will be present at next week Wednesday’s meeting for the continuation of the discussion among the opposition parties in building the alliance to face the current government during the 1stDecember presidential election.
Dr. Touray said they rescheduled the meeting of the presidential candidates as three out of six presidential candidates were present so that all of them will make it by the next meeting.
The independent aspiring presidential candidate said she did not blame the absentees for they may be engaged at the time but expressed hope for a significant turn out next week.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11644 Posts |
Posted - 30 Sep 2016 : 09:02:42
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Should Star FM take note of Dr. Lamin Bojang’s presence at coalition talks?
Foroyaa Editorial: September 30, 2016
QUESTION OF THE DAY http://www.foroyaa.gm/archives/12232
Should Star FM take note of Dr. Lamin Bojang’s presence at coalition talks?
The confidentiality surrounding the coalition talks makes it difficult for journalists to get the information that they need. It would be best for reporters to take note of the six people whose presidential candidature has been announced. It would be best to always call each of them to find out about their attendance and positions during talks to get correct information.
It is reliably learnt that among the six presidential candidates, Dr. Lamin Bolongnding Bojang, Dr. Isatou Touray and Halifa Sallah were present in person. Adama Barrow, Hon. Hamat Bah and Hon. Mamma Kandeh were represented. The meeting was adjourned to 5 October so that all the six candidates would be present. After their discussion, a meeting of opposition parties and the independent presidential candidate is proposed to be convened on Friday, 7 October.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11644 Posts |
Posted - 01 Oct 2016 : 21:47:51
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Gambia Opposition Coalition Talks Rescheduled For Next Week
By Fatoumatta K. Jallow & Kebba Jeffang Fooyaa: September 30, 2016
http://www.foroyaa.gm/archives/12218#more-12218
The talks among the opposition presidential candidates and parties, with the objective of identifying a Halifa Sallahsingle candidate for the 1 December 2016 presidential election, held yesterday, Monday, 26th September, at Kairaba Hotel have been rescheduled for Wednesday next week so as to get all the six presidential candidates present.
In yesterday’s meeting, being the second time which was also held behind closed doors, three of the six presidential candidates were present namely Dr. Lamin Bolonding Bojang of the National Convention Party (NCP), Dr. Isatou Touray Independent and Mr. Halifa Sallah of the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and SOCIALISM (PDOIS).
The other three i.e. Mr. Adama Barrow of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Hon. Hamat Bah of the National Reconciliation Party (NCP) and Hon. Mamma Kandeh of the Gambia Democratic Party (GDC) did not attend but were represented by Mr. Alagi Darboe, UDP Administrative Secretary, Mr. Musa Sonko, deputy party leader NRP, and Mr. Yusupha Jaiteh, deputy party leader GDC.
However, the NRP Participant and Observer as well as the GPDP Observer came late.
The opposition parties that sent observers were, in alphabetical order, GDC, GPDP, NRP, PDOIS, PPP and the Independent.
Emerging out of the conference room after two hours of discussion, the waiting journalists asked Mr. Halifa Sallah to shed light on the outcome of their close door meeting. He disclosed that they could not proceed and that the meeting is rescheduled for Wednesday, 5 October, as some of the presidential candidates were not present. He said the meeting is rescheduled with the demand for all presidential candidates to attend.
“Twelve days ago when we met we’ve made progress and agreed to reconvene to talk on the means and method of identifying an alliance candidate. Unfortunately some of the presidential candidates did not come and because of this, we could not proceed and left with no choice but to reschedule it to Wednesday, 5th October, with the demand for all the candidates to attend,” said Mr. Sallah.
Mr. Sallah said this meeting was a conference of presidential candidates meant for the six opposition candidates, including the independent, who are supposed to present and discuss their respective positions regarding coalition building for the selection of one opposition flag bearer. He said the consensus from this structured meeting will then be presented to the broader and expanded grouping of all the opposition parties, including the independent, which is called the Gambia Opposition for Electoral Reform (GOFER) for finalisation and adoption. He said the candidates and the representatives that were present at yesterday’s meeting have all agreed for this conference of presidential candidates to be held on Wednesday, 5 October, and for the GOFER meeting to take place on Friday, 7 October.
Dr. Isatou Touray, the Independent presidential candidate, however, asked these reporters to meet her in her office.
However, Foroyaa will be talking to all the presidential candidates again for each of them to share with the public what their position is regarding the present talks and their expectations as to whether an opposition coalition around one candidate will be finally achieved. |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11644 Posts |
Posted - 05 Oct 2016 : 08:50:42
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Halifa Sallah believes coalition talks will finalise this week
By Kebba Jeffang Foroyaa: October 4, 2016
http://www.foroyaa.gm/archives/12287
Halifa Sallah, the Secretary General and the Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), is optimistic that the ongoing talks among the six opposition Halifa Sallahpresidential candidates and the independent candidate will be finalised on Wednesday, 5th October, 2016 as part of their agreement at the last meeting held at Kairaba Hotel.
He said this to Foroyaa during an interview held at PDOIS office in Churchill Town on Saturday, October 1, 2016.
However, Sallah noted that since the discussion among the candidates is ongoing, he would not predict the outcome in order to avoid the result to be influenced in any direction.
“As far as I am concerned, clearly the meetings are on and we should wait to see the outcome. So I will not predict the outcome,” he said, when asked to share with the public his confidence on the outcome.
Mr. Sallah however believes that the negotiation process is correct, tactical and in line with the national interest and not personal or serving party interest as the idea is not contested by any member party.
Responding to the question as to how long the discussions will last considering that many people are eager to know the outcome, Sallah said there is no need for the prolongation of talks. He said “In fact at the last meeting some participants insisted that we should continue after it was demanded that we should reschedule it due to the absence of other presidential candidates. But in a process like this, we don’t adventure. We need unanimity and not just consensus because once you ignore a particular concern the participants will have a problem. It is prolonged but I believe at the next meeting everybody should come and state positions and we negotiate. If we don’t agree, we agree to disagree and will then go to Gambia Opposition for Electoral Reform (GOFER) and tell them this is what we’ve agreed and tell the Gambian people how far we have gone.”
On what will happen if there is no quorum at the next meeting on Wednesday, Mr. Sallah said they have all agreed that they will continue regardless of whether a presidential candidate or representative turns up. “That’s the agreement we had,” he emphasized, adding that there should be no blame game when talks are ongoing.
The former minority leader of the National Assembly commenting further on the necessity of the ongoing talks said, “all Gambians who are interested in change and even those who may not be interested should call all the political leaders to put the national interest ahead of their party or personal interest. What brought about the talks is because of the fact that the Gambia does not have a leadership which is committed to the absolute majority principle in election but simple majority principle.”
He said in any society where democracy is yet to be entrenched it is better to utilize two principles – to ensure that the expansion and consolidation of the absolute majority principle and the setting up of a term limit are realised. He said since the absolute majority principle has been removed and the opposition has been calling for its restoration and they know that it is not going to be restored before the 2016 election, it becomes necessary to recognise that the opposition will be disadvantaged. This, he said, is because many of them with absolute right to seek for mandate will face challenges and therefore should consider the national interest and put up tactics that will enable them to achieve the change they want.
“So, therefore to sit down and discuss how to avoid being disadvantaged is a rational decision. So this is for any opposition party or candidate who feels the need to sit down to discuss so as to address the issue of not being disadvantaged so that we can achieve the goal and that’s why we’ve engaged in a very proper and rational action. So, to PDOIS, we commend all those who came to discuss the disadvantages and brainstorm the tactics in order to overcome those disadvantages,” said Sallah.
He said it is also important to sit down to start the discussion after addressing a letter to all the parties and the candidates to request for them to consider two approaches to the talks. He said the first is to have the conference of the Presidential Candidates as they have already been selected by their parties. He noted that it is logical for those who have considered themselves as presidential candidates to be brought together to sit down and look at the disadvantages so that the opposition will win the presidential election.
“To us these are the people with the highest stake and consequently they are the people who should be interested than anybody to sit down to look at the demerit of the simple minority principle and put up strategies to overcome them,” said Mr. Sallah.
He added that the second phase after the discussion of the candidates is the expansion of Gambia Opposition for Electoral Reform (GOFER) to include the new parties such as GDC and NCP and independent candidate Dr. Isatou Touray in order to review together the outcome of the conference of presidential candidates. He said this is what is proposed to all the parties and the candidates.
“All the parties are also allowed to send observers at the meeting so that they can be well informed among their camps as political parties and independent candidate. As far as we are concerned, these are logical steps because they are not contested by anybody at the meeting. During the second meeting everybody attended and those who did not attend sent representatives,” he said.
In conclusion, he recommends to the whole Gambian people to engage all the political leaders about what they hold for the interest of the country and not party or personal interest and take charge of their responsibility to throw any party in the ocean whose view is not seen in the country’s interest. He also advised people to avoid collective blame and find out and blame who is responsible, adding that each and every Gambian should find out from all the parties and expose whoever is found wanting in terms of serving the national interest and which, he describes, as fair play. He said once people do this, the nation will then decide and the political figure must follow.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11644 Posts |
Posted - 05 Oct 2016 : 08:52:41
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GDC deputy leader hopeful coalition talks will bear fruit
By Kebba Jeffang Foroyaa: October 4, 2016
http://www.foroyaa.gm/archives/12285
Yusupha Jaiteh, the deputy party leader of Gambia Democratic Party (GDC), has expressed the hope that the ongoing discussion among the presidential candidates in the opposition for the selection of one flag bearer to contest with the incumbent in the 1 December 2016 election will bear fruit and that his party is committed to the talks.The GDC deputy party leader was speaking to this reporter in an interview held in Manjai Kunda on Friday, 30th September, 2016.
“These talks are providing the right thing because it is about building a consensus. Building that consensus will work towards making the serious decisions in selecting the rightful candidate. People and party leaders will have to understand the necessity for it and in every selection there are ways and means to go by. So I think the way it has started will bear fruit. This has been the best approach among other approaches in bringing parties together. It is about let’s come together and build a consensus,” said the GDC deputy leader.
Mr. Jaiteh said he is hopeful that everything will bear fruit depending on what right thing is put in place.
Asked on whether his representation as deputy leader carries weight in terms of taking decisions on behalf of his party, Mr. Jaiteh said the meeting is about building a consensus which is not the final decision and as such the deputy can attend. He added that the outcome of the talks will be subjected to a review by their party executive.
“Building up doesn’t mean that leaders must be here to decide. If you are building up something you don’t need the leaders around; it can be representatives or anybody and after building up a structure at the final torches leaders can come and decide on which one and who. Consensus doesn’t mean a final decision making. The leaders have to come on the final day to see whether what we have built up is fine or not but at the moment anything we are discussing is subjected to further review by the leaders,” he said.
Mr. Jaiteh said he has spoken to Mamma Kandeh, the presidential candidate of GDC, who is willing to cut his trip short in order to take part in the next session on Wednesday, 5 October, 2016.
“Hopefully he will be coming and he is committed to the discussion.”
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11644 Posts |
Posted - 07 Oct 2016 : 10:10:54
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Opposition Presidential Candidates to present coalition options to GOFER
By Kebba Jeffang Foroyaa: October 6, 2016 http://www.foroyaa.gm/archives/12319#more-12319
The aspiring presidential candidates on Wednesday, 5 October, 2016 agreed to present their various coalition options to the Gambia Oppositions for Electoral Reform (GOFER) on Friday, 7 October, in a bid to reach a consensus on the best method for the selection of one flag bearer for a united opposition to challenge the incumbent, President Yahya Jammeh, in the 1 December Presidential election.
What is agreed, in essence, is for each of the presidential candidates to put in black and white (written form) their coalition options for formal presentation before the larger opposition instrument called GOFER for consensus.
The presidential candidates who were present at yesterday’s coalition talks at the Kairaba Beach Hotel are Dr. Lamin Bolongding Bojang of National Convention Party (NCP), Dr. Isatou Touray, the independent presidential aspirant, and Halifa Sallah of the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS). Two other presidential candidates namely Adama Barrow of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and Hon. Hamat Bah of the National Reconciliation Party (NRP) were not present at the talks but were represented by Alagie Darboe, the deputy admin secretary, and Musa Sonko, deputy party leader. The presidential candidate of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), Mamma Kandeh, was neither present nor represented.
As has been the practice since the coalition talks began three weeks ago, yesterday’s conference of presidential candidates, like the previous two successive sessions, was held behind closed doors and restricted to only the aspiring candidates and the observers representing the opposition parties and independent candidate.
Speaking to the waiting journalists outside of the conference room, Mr. Halifa Sallah, the PDOIS Presidential Candidate, said the objective of the meeting was to review all the coalition options which, according to him, was done despite the absence of some key presidential candidates. He said they have agreed now to convene a meeting of the Gambia Opposition for Electoral Reform (GOFER) and each of the Presidential candidates will present a coalition option for that gathering so that they can build a consensus.
When asked to elaborate on the coalition options presented by the candidates, he responded “I can speak for my party (PDOIS) on those options. We have told them that you need over 443, 200 votes to be seen as the candidate who can win an election. We have not seen any particular political party who can stand and say we have empirical evidence that we get this. So our option is to get 5000 and put them together and let’s have a primary so that they select and whoever wins we support the person. But since time has been mentioned all the time, under the Constitution, if you are to be nominated, you must have 200 registered voters in each of the regions, which is another option, because we are concerned with building a wave. The Presidential candidates would all have travel with a caravan to all parts of the country which will build a wave and serve as a focal point. Our plan B is to have each party to be represented by 200 people in each region and hold regional conventions to decide who is to lead by voting,” he said.
Sallah said this process will bring all the presidential candidates, including the Independent, together and mobilise many people to support it.
On how this convention would proceed, he said each of the presidential candidates will make a presentation to convince the voters why one believes he/she could mobilize the vast majority of people to effect the change that is needed because that is what all the Gambians are looking for. He said these 200 supporters of each of the candidates will proceed to vote. He said PDOIS is ready to support whosoever is elected in this process as the Presidential Candidate of the united opposition. He added that these regional conventions could be done in a period of seven days. “This is not just about simply mobilising the political leaders but the mass Gambian people as a whole,” added Sallah.
He concluded “So we have all agreed now concretely and in a written form and it will be presented at a meeting of GOFER. What we have agreed here is for each individual party to go back and formulate their coalition option concretely before GOFER which is likely to be on Friday (tomorrow). It could be made public if the arrangement is being made on Friday at the same place, but I could not confirm that at the moment.”
Dr. Isatou Touray, the Independent Presidential Candidate said she is very hopeful of a consensus.
“Let’s just give a chance for democracy to thrive and I think these dialogues going on are opportunities for people to reflect because it is about choosing a leader and you want to choose the best. And choosing the best requires people to reflect very well. Let them all present what they have so that people have the option of reflecting on the presentation and know what is in the best interest of the nation,” she told the press after the talks.
The aspiring independent presidential candidate noted that each of the presidential candidates is part of the whole and that she thinks it is not a bad idea and Friday could be a decisive day. She said time is considered and it is their guiding principle in the process.
Samba Baldeh of the GDC who was there as an observer told the press that “the GDC is not represented in the talks because they were told that it is meant for the leaders to make decisions and not about reporting and waiting for the party’s response to whatever demand is made in the talks.”
He said since their presidential candidate is not in town they have decided not to send a representative because it has no use. “They felt that if they make a decision the party leader may not accept it. They want the political parties’ candidates to represent themselves. We are expecting him back at any time,” he said.
The observers present were Amie Sillah and Suwaibou Touray from PDOIS, Awa Bah and Pa Touray Bajinka from NRP, Alhaji Saja Jarju and Kebba Singhateh from GPDP, Musa Jeng from PPP, Samba Baldeh and Modou Bah from GDC and Amie Bojang and Ramzia Diab for the Independent Candidate.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11644 Posts |
Posted - 12 Oct 2016 : 14:26:46
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Opposition to choose flag bearer on Friday
Wednesday, October 12, 2016 http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/opposition-to-choose-flag-bearer-on-friday
After six meetings at the Kairaba Beach Hotel in their quest to form a coalition for the forthcoming presidential election, the country’s opposition parties are yet to agree on any solid result.
Yesterday’s meeting at the Kairaba Beach Hotel did not, yet again, produce any solid result, as the opposition representatives re-scheduled the meeting until Friday 14 October, at 4pm.
Speaking to journalists, Alhagie S. Darboe, representing the United Democratic Party (UDP), said for them to get their party executives informed to sign the agreement was “difficult”, as this was due to the tour they embarked on.
“I, therefore, requested the talks to be adjourned till a later date, when all the party leaders will be present, and in that way we will finally come out with something agreeable and solid for all of the opposition parties,” he said.
Omar Jallow (OJ) of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), who was so furious about the adjournment of the meeting, said: “Today the world is waiting for us and, if we did not agree today, what are we going to say to people who are waiting and watching us?”
He said: “I will leave this room today as a very sad man, because what I cannot understand is that on Sunday we all agreed on something, and we said today that thing will be unveiled. So what has happened, and why we cannot agree today?”
Representatives of other opposition parties at the talks expressed similar sentiments.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11644 Posts |
Posted - 20 Oct 2016 : 08:43:12
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GDC ON REFUSAL TO SIGN COALITION AGREEMENT
Foroyaa: October 19, 2016
http://www.foroyaa.gm/archives/12458
Following the refusal of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) to sign the landmark agreement reached by seven opposition Mamma Kandehparties and the independent aspirant to hold a national convention to select one flag bearer for the 1 December 2016 presidential election, the party issued a press release to further explain its reasons for doing so.
Below is the full text of the press release issued by the GDC and signed by its Press Secretary:
PRESS RELEASE ON GDC’S REFUSAL TO SIGN THE DOCUMENT ON A COALITION OPTION OF OPPOSITION POLITICAL PARTIES
The Gambia Democratic Congress opted out of the coalition option adopted by opposition political parties based on the following reasons: The document that was circulated to the press bearing signatures was extracted from another document which was a DRAFT AGREEMENT ON COALITION AND MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH BY MEMBERS OF GAMBIA OPPOSITION FOR ELECTORAL REFORM (GOFER), INDEPENDENT PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANT AND INVITED PARTICIPANTS FROM CIVIL SOCIETY. GDC is not a signatory to GOFER and therefore the document completely excluded GDC and was not aware when that document was adopted. GOFER existed well before GDC was formed and GDC was never represented in any of the meetings that scripted that draft document. GDC was invited to coalition talks by People Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) in which we participated and presented a coalition building proposal along with other parties. That meeting according to PDOIS was meant for flag bearers of the opposition political parties. That later changed in subsequent meetings allowing all opposition political parties to take part following an objection by the Independent Presidential aspirant. Those talks were inconclusive and were later handled by GOFER of which GDC is not a signatory. GDC however continued to participate in the talks because it was important for all parties to take part in the negotiations. To our dismay the document presented to us to sign was prepared by GOFER and GDC was completely excluded from it. Apart from our objection to the clause that says ten regional representatives selected by each signatory party and Presidential aspirant to elect a candidate, as the general public was made to believe was the only reason, we had issues with other clauses as well. GDC has functioning structures across the country from regional to ward levels with working regional offices in every region while most of the parties have only one functioning office. Therefore the method of primaries being proposed is open to abuse and corruption. An open primary is a fairer method of selection. Out of the five committees proposed GDC is not represented in any of them demonstrating that GDC was not aware when those decisions were made. One particular clause that favoured one political party which we objected to and triggered our withdrawal from an earlier talk organized by Kebba Singhateh was included. Kebba Sighateh claimed at the time that he was neutral only to come round and sign on behalf of a political party this time a clear demonstration of double standard. The document was hastily prepared and is not a true representation of all the political parties. We believe we were being lured into a well calculated plan to exclude us. GDC as clearly stated in our proposal believe that a coalition of opposition political parties can appeal to a broader constituency beyond individual parties considering the unfavourable electoral laws in place. Therefore GDC has always been willing to forge a coalition in order to put up a stronger challenge against the incumbent. The formation of a viable coalition should not be based on party and individual sentiments while deliberately sidelining a major player like GDC. If the conditions remain the way they are GDC is willing to contest the election on its own. GDC regret that even at the time of the negotiation, other opposition elements were busy spreading false messages about our flag bearer. GDC has always been consistent in focusing its attacks on the incumbent and encouraging APRC supporters to defect to the opposition and will continue to do that. Our efforts to break the incumbent’s strength is unprecedented and GDC is responsible for psyching the general public again into elections as our best option to unseat the incumbent. Our ability to attract large number of ruling party supporters is the catalyst for any election victory.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11644 Posts |
Posted - 20 Oct 2016 : 08:44:42
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7 Opposition Parties, Independent Sign Coalition Agreement
By Kebba Jeffang & Muhammed S. Bah Foroyaa: October 19, 2016
http://www.foroyaa.gm/archives/12446
Friday, 14 October 2016 witnessed a landmark development in the political history of the Gambia as seven opposition parties and the independent presidential aspirant unveiled their agreement on adopting a national convention as the method of selecting one presidential candidate to challenge the incumbent in the 1 December presidential election.
The seven opposition parties that agreed to sign the statement issued to the press are namely, in alphabetical order, Gambia Moral Congress (GMC), Gambia Party for Democracy and Progress (GPDP), National Convention Party (NCP), National Reconciliation Party (NRP), People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), People’s Progressive Party (PPP), United Democratic Party (UDP) and the Independent Candidate (IC). However, the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), which was represented at the signing ceremony by its deputy party leader, Yusupha Jaiteh, decided not to sign as it was opposed to using the convention as a method of selection while its last minute proposal for an open primary was rejected by the other party representatives.
The signing ceremony held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel, which preceded the press conference, was attended by three presidential candidates namely Dr. Lamin Bojang of NCP, Halifa Sallah of PDOIS and Adama Barrow of UDP and they all signed the agreement. Pa Touray Bajinka signed on behalf of Hon. Hamat N.K. Bah while Madam Ramzia Diab signed on behalf of Dr. Isatou Touray. Mrs Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang and Mr Singhateh signed on behalf of civil society.
In her introductory remarks, Madam Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang, the chair of the session, informed the gathering that the meeting is expected to witness two main activities namely the signing of the agreement on the agreed method of selecting a single candidate and the presentation of the signed copies to the press. She then invited the leaders and representatives of various parties and the independent to take the floor before proceeding with the signing ceremony. All the parties and representatives that were present commented on the document with suggestions for the incorporation or removal of certain aspects which were eventually fine tune and agreed on before their signatures were appended on the document.
However, Mr. Jaiteh, GDC deputy leader, who came with two other representatives of his party, asked the chair to consider their proposal for the amendment of the method of having a national convention which allows each of the parties and the independent to select 10 delegates from each of the seven regions in the country to select the united single candidate. He said the GDC is suggesting for the adoption of an open primary in which everybody (voter) should take part in voting process without any restriction on the numbers participating. He said GDC can only continue to be part of the alliance if their suggestion is adopted.
However, all the other parties presented their position on the GDC proposal which they unanimously considered as coming too late in the day after all of them, including the GDC, have extensively discussed in the past weeks and already reached a consensus on how to proceed. It was noted that the GDC was among the leading parties that argued for and supported the method they have now agreed to adopt and that proposal represents a change from their earlier position. It was indicated that the initial proposal before them was for each of the contenders to bring 5000 delegates, as required by the constitution, but was rejected. This number was then reduced to 200 which did not also receive unanimous until a consensus was reached on 10 delegates per administrative region as captured in the agreement.
With the exception of GDC, all the other parties and the independent proceeded to sign the document which was later issued to the press for publication.
The seven opposition political parties and the independent agreed to meet on Sunday (yesterday) to elaborate on the modalities on how to proceed with the convention which was tentatively scheduled for 30 October 2016 and have set up a technical committee to work on the process.
In her closing remarks, Madame Jallow Tambajang, thanked all the parties that were signatories to the agreement which kick starts what she described as “a democratic process that comes to salvage the Gambia as a country and Gambians as a people”. She noted that the event is a historic one which every stakeholder should be proud of. She concluded by urging the GDC to reconsider their position and come back to rejoin the opposition alliance for the general interest.
Below is the press release signed by the seven opposition parties and the Independent:
PRESS RELEASE ON COALITION OPTION ADOPTED BY OPPOSITION PARTIES INDEPENDENT PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANT AND INVITED PARTICIPANTS FROM CIVIL SOCIETY
We, the signatories of this memorandum comprising the representatives of member parties of The Gambia Opposition for Electoral Reform (GOFER), the aspiring Independent Candidate from Civil Society and the invited participants from Civil Society, putting their differences aside, in pursuance of the supreme National interest, do hereby agree: 1.To hold a National Convention comprising 10 delegates from each region selected by each signatory party and Presidential aspirant from Civil Society, who are accorded the key mandate to elect one of the aspiring presidential candidates to be the flag-bearer of the Coalition for the 1st December 2016 Presidential Election; 2.To this end, we further agree to set up Technical Committees that are charged with the mandate to work out the modalities required to hold the National Convention.
POLITICAL PARTY SIGNATORIES:
Gambia Moral Congress (GMC),
Gambia Party for Democracy and Progress (GPDP),
National Convention Party (NCP),
National Reconciliation Party (NRP),
People’s Democratic Organisation for independence and Socialism (PDOIS),
People’s Progressive Party (PPP),
United Democratic Party (UDP) and
Independent Candidate (IC).
CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS:
Committee of Concerned Gambians for Democracy and Peace (CCGDP),
Interparty Committee for Opposition Unification (IPCOU)
THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES:
Hon Hamat NK Bah (NRP),
Mr Adama Barrow (UDP),
Dr Lamin Bojang (NCP),
Mr Halifa Sallah (PDOIS) and
Dr Isatou Touray (IC).
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Bantaba in Cyberspace |
© 2005-2024 Nijii |
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