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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
 Posted - 08 Apr 2022 : 14:55:06
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Gambia elects parliament tomorrow
The Standard: APRIL 8, 2022
By Tabora Bojang
https://standard.gm/gambia-news/gambia-elects-parliament-tomorrow0/
Elections for The Gambia’s 53-seat National Assembly will be held tomorrow between 8am and 5pm. Some 247 candidates are in the run for the 53 seats. The IEC said all logistics are in place and the process would be free and fair. The biggest parties, the governing National Peoples Party and the United Democratic Party sponsored the largest number of candidates, 40 and 48, respectively, while the rest are competing about half and far less.
Meanwhile, the Clerk of House has announced that the 6th legislature would be sworn-in on 14 April.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 08 Apr 2022 : 23:56:43
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Thought Provoking ?
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https://foroyaa.net/the-resting-day-before-elections/
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Today is the rest day. Those who respect the people would simply leave them to digest all the messages given by the candidates and weigh their practices in order to make informed choices.
Those who put their pockets above the national interest would hide at night to go house to house to offer cash or kind for a vote.
Some would even require the voter to swear to deliver on the promise.
One would wonder whether one would be considered a holy person by swearing to do an evil thing and then proceed to do precisely what one had sworn to do.
Common sense teaches that one who swears to do evil and fails to do it would be considered to be more honest and righteous than one who swears and does evil. A doer of evil can never ever be considered a righteous person.
Hence all voters must never swear to do evil or proceed to do evil just because of swearing. To swear to do evil and back down at the last hour is more righteous than to proceed to do it.
Any voter who takes a bribe is guilty of an unrighteous and evil act under one religion and a criminal act under the law of the state.
Hence, as we prepare for tomorrow let us refuse to do evil and be indicted by history as our children recollect what we have done to make the Gambia worse than we found it rather than better than we found it. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 10 Apr 2022 : 19:42:55
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2022 Parliamentary Elections: 33 New NAMs Elected and 20 Re-Elected
BY YUSEF TAYLOR ON APRIL 10, 2022
The Gambia’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has announced the results of the 9th April 2022 National Assembly Elections indicating that 33 new National Assembly Members (NAMs) have been elected and 20 incumbent NAMs have retained their seats.
According to the results, President Adama Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP) has won 18 seats while Ousainou Darboe’s United Democratic Party (UDP) has won 15 seats. Tourism Minister Hon Hamat Bah’s National Reconciliation Party (NRP) has retained 4 seats while Fabakary Tombong Jatta’s led Association for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) won 2 seats.
Both NRP and APRC went into an Alliance for the 2022 Parliamentary Elections. Hon Halifa Salah’s People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) won 2 seats while Independent Candidates won 12 seats signalling the biggest change in Gambia’s Parliamentary Elections. In 2017 only one Independent Candidate won a seat in Parliament, Hon Muhammed Magasey of Basse. Hon Magasey who has served two terms as an independent candidate was ruled out of the Parliamentary Elections after losing an NPP Primary.
After comparing the election results from 2017 and 2022 it can be seen that the biggest increase is by the NPP who has accumulated a total of 17 new NAMs. NPP’s first NAM, Hon Birom Sowe who was elected after a By-Election in November 2020, brings the total number of NPP NAMs to 18. NRP and APRC have gone into an Alliance with NPP, however, both of them combined lost a total of 4 seats.
APRC is going through a transition after the Party aligned itself with President Barrow’s NPP against the approval of former President Yahya Jammeh currently in exile in Equatorial Guinea. This has led to a breakaway APRC group known as the No to Alliance Movement. Foni, which was previously an APRC stronghold has been taken over by five Independent Candidates including one of the three winning women candidates, Amie Colley of Foni Brefet Constituency.
The remaining two winning women candidates are Hon Fatoumatta Njie of Banjul South who went Independent after a fallout with the People’s Progressive Party. Completing the list is UDP’s Fatou Cham who defeated Hon Baba Galleh Jallow of the NPP in Sanneh Mentereng. Hon Baba Galleh Jallow was one of 8 UDP NAMs who defected to the NPP. The lone person living with a disability, Lamin Sanneh also lost in Sanneh Mentereng.
Similarly, another three UDP NAMs who defected to the NPP have also been voted out and replaced with UDP candidates. The NPP NAMs who lost their seats include Hon Alagie Jawara of Lower Badibu, Hon Fatoumatta Jawara of Tallingding Kunjang and Hon Saikou Marong of Latrikunda Sabijie. Hon Saikouba Jarju of Busumbala also lost his seat to independent candidate Muhammed Kanteh who is affiliated to the UDP.
PDOIS lost two seats, most notably Hon Sidia Jatta of Wulli West and Hon Ousman Sillah of Banjul North. However, the PDOIS maintained their Serekunda Constituency seat with Councillor Musa Cham replacing now-retired PDOIS Party Leader Hon Halifa Sallah.
The UDP who won 31 seats in 2017 has lost a total of 16 seats this year while GDC lost all the 5 seats they won in 2017. Both UDP
(8) and GDC (2) had a total of 10 NAMs defect to President Barrow’s NPP. Out of those candidates who defected only 5 of them retained their seats. NAMs who retained their seats include two former GDC NAMs in Kebba Jallow of Jarra Central and Salifu Jawo of Jokadu who both won for NPP. Meanwhile, three former UDP Parliamentarians in Hon Abdoulie Ceesay of Old Yundum, Hon Omar Darboe of Upper Nuimi and Hon Billay Tunkara of Kantora have all retained their seats for the NPP.
Source: Gainako
Assan Touray is missing on the sheet
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 10 Apr 2022 : 19:54:06
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SUMMARY OF OFFICIAL RESULTS OF THE 2022 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ELECTION:
By Ndey Jobarteh
NPP: 18 seats
UDP: 15 seats
NRP: 4 seats
APRC: 2 seats
No To Alliance: 5 seats
PDOIS: 2 seats
Independent candidates: 7 seats .
Total: 53seats.
Source:KERR FATOU
Total No. of Registered votes 962,157
Ballots cast: 492,754
Voter Turnout: 51.2%
Congratulations Gambia for another Peaceful and successful election. Now over to you The Elected Parliamentarians. |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 10 Apr 2022 : 21:30:06
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2022 National Assembly Election Results Of All 53 Constituencies
1. UPPER FULLADU WEST
Ismaila Cham GDC=2,377 Votes
Bakary Kora NPP=4,078 Votes
Numukunda Kanyi UDP=2,789 Votes
Amadou Jallow Independent=732 Votes
Ousman Ndimballan Independent=3,318 Votes
Yerro Mballow NUP=239 Votes
2. LOWER FULLADU WEST
Gibbi Mballow NPP=6,047 Votes
Ngarry B.A. Jobe GDC=1,426 Votes
Karambo Fatty UDP=2,296 Votes
Ebrima B.Jallow Independent=987 Votes
3. NIAMINA EAST CONSTITUENCY
Omar Ceesay GDC=2,056 Votes
Dawda Jeng NPP=3,265 Votes
Alhaji Mamadi Kurang PDOIS=2,044 Votes
Alhagie Madi Ceesay UDP=830 Votes
Madi Gaye Independent= 889 Votes
4. TUMANA CONSTITUENCY
Nfally Kora NPP=6,559 Votes
Foday N.M Drammeh UDP=2,229 Votes
5. SANDU CONSTITUENCY
Ebrima Jaiteh NPP=3,658 Votes
Muhammed Mahanera UDP=3,407 Votes
Saikou T.Drammeh Independent=1,878 Votes
6. FONI KANSALA CONSTITUENCY
Musa Amul Nyassi APRC=1,057 Votes
Abdoulie Bojang Independent=386 Votes
Landing Bojang Independent=469 Votes
Musa A .Nyassi GDC=351 Votes
Almameh Gibba Independent=3,513 Votes
7. FONI BEREFET CONSTITUENCY
Ebou Colley APRC=1,898 Votes
Amie Colley Independent=3,034 Votes
Salieu Barry Independent=971 Votes
8. LATRIKUNDA SABIJI CONSTITUENCY
Ebrima Nyang GDC=944 Votes
Saikou Marong NPP=4,019 Votes
Aminata Correa PDOIS=1,516 Votes
Yaya Sanyang UDP=6,866 Votes
Omar Colley Independent= 2,205 Votes
Ebrima Fatty Independent=584 Votes
9. TALLINDING KUNJANG CONSTITUENCY
Fatou K.Jawara NPP= 2,358 Votes
Ebrima K.Ceesay PDOIS=371 Votes
Musa Badjie UDP=5,026 Votes
Ebrima Sonko Independent=2,491 Votes
Alieu Sanneh Independent=838 Votes
Ousman N.L Njie Independent=274 Votes
10. BAKAU CONSTITUENCY
Assan Dampha NPP= 2,686 Votes
Assan Touray UDP= 4,566 Votes
11. SEREKUNDA WEST CONSTITUENCY
Nenneh Freda Gomez CA=2,526 Votes
Modou Jane GDC=521 Votes
Mustapha Lowe NPP=4,981 Votes
Fatou Sowe PDOIS=2,845 Votes
Madi M.K Ceesay UDP=5,021 Votes
Modou Lamin Sanneh Independent=1,643 Votes
12. JIMARA CONSTITUENCY
Alhagie H.Sowe GDC=3,504 Votes
Essa Conteh NPP=6,861 Votes
Mama Salieu Jallow Independent=1,296 Votes
13. WULI EAST CONSTITUENCY
Ebrima Conteh GMC=506 Votes
Nafa S.Jabai NPP=2,472 Votes
Suwaibou Touray PDOIS=4,822 Votes
14. WULLI WEST CONSTITUENCY
Mai Ahmad Fatty GMC= 1,235 Votes
Nfamara Sabally NPP=3,359 Votes
Sidia S.Jatta PDOIS=2,165 Votes
Tida Kijera UDP=958 Votes
15. JESHWANG CONSTITUENCY
Sheriff S.Sarr APRC=5,019 Votes
Modou I.Cham GDC=2,707 Votes
Buba Jadama UDP=4,571 Votes
16. KANTORA CONSTITUENCY
Billay G.Tunkara NPP=4,446 Votes
Ansu T.S Sonko PDOIS=361 Votes
Sulayman Ceesay GDC=1,997 Votes
Hagie Bajaha Independent=1,206 Votes
Muhammed Fatty UDP=1,197 Votes
17. BASSE CONSTITUENCY
Saikou Bah NPP=5,613 Votes
Haji Suwareh UDP=1,666 Votes
Kebba J.Baldeh GDC=806 Votes
Yusupha Baldeh Independent=882 Votes
Dawda Neneh Galleh Jallow Independent= 896 Votes
18. FONI JARROL CONSTITUENCY
Alhagie Sankung Jammeh APRC=233 Votes
Sainey Bah Independent=558 Votes
Momodou Bah Independent=658 Votes
Abdoulie Bondi UDP=596 Votes
Momodou A.Bah Independent=457 Votes
Kebba Tumanding Sanneh Independent= 1,059 Votes
Tumani B.Sambou Indep.=214 Votes
19. FONI BONDALI CONSTITUENCY
Kaddy Camara APRC=795 Votes
Pa Dembo Sanneh Independent=1,034 Votes
Ousman Marcus Nyassi Independent=894 Votes
Ousman Jallow Independent=523 Votes
20. SABACK SANJAL CONSTITUENCY
Samba Faal GDC=896 Votes
Ousman Touray NOP=3,495 Votes
Maimuna Gaye UDP=624 Votes
Alhagie Babou Ceesay Independent=,4,036 Votes
Ebrima S.Bah Independent= 366 Votes
21. BUNDUNGKA KUNDA CONSTITUENCY
Sulayman Jammeh APRC=5,534 Votes
Famara Mamburay CA=587 Votes
Samba Touray Independent=489 Votes
Bakary Njie UDP=3,988 Votes
Yusupha Jaiteh Independent=578 Votes
22. ILLIASSA CONSTITUENCY
Sankung Dampha NPP=4,752 Votes
Dembo K.M Camara UDP=4,579 Votes
Alhagie Hydara Independent=2,353 Votes
23. LOWER NUIMI
Alpha M.K Lowe CA= 1,666 Votes
Modou Bobb GDC=2,062 Votes
Tamsir Cham NPP=6,331 Votes
Ebou Lowe Independent=325 Votes
Hamadi S.Leigh PDOIS=1,458 Votes
Mahtarr M.Jeng UDP=2,087 Votes
Musa Keita Independent=363 Votes
24. JOKADU CONSTITUENCY
Baboucarr Chune GDC= 869 Votes
Salifu Jawo NPP=2,422 Votes
Cheena Bah NUP=526 Votes
Modou K.A Ndure PDOIS=461 Votes
Momodou Marr UDP=1,220 Votes
Bai Saine Independent=2,410 Votes
25. CENTRAL BADDIBU CONSTITUENCY
Mustapha Dukureh GDC=309 Votes
Momodou Jobe NPP=2,835 Votes
Sulayman Saho UDP=3,766 Votes
26. UPPER NUIMI CONSTITUENCY
Samba Nying CA=1,999
Momodou S.Wan GDC=1,290
Mamadou M.Jallow GFA=479
Omar Darboe NPP=4,044
Ali Cham PDOIS=510
Momodou L.Dibba UDP=2,746
27. KOMBO SOUTH CONSTITUENCY
Abdoulie Falie Jallow GDC=1,111 Votes
Malang Sanyang GMC= 790 Votes
Baboucarr F.M Colley Independent=5,254 Votes
Momodou Bojang NPP= 8,670 Votes
Kebba K.Barrow UDP=10,616
28. KOMBO SOUTH CONSTITUENCY
Abdoulie Falie Jallow GDC=1,111 Votes
Malang Sanyang GMC= 790 Votes
Baboucarr F.M Colley Independent=5,254 Votes
Momodou Bojang NPP= 8,670 Votes
Kebba K.Barrow UDP=10,616
29. BRIKAMA SOUTH CONSTITUENCY
Buba Manneh Independent=1549
Momodou King Colley GDC=1,348
Mansour Sowe Independent=2,517
Malanding B.Jabang NPP=3,946
Lamin J.Sanneh UDP=6,322
Lamin Jarjue Independent= 913
30. SANNEH MENTERENG CONSTITUENCY
Ba Landing Jatta CA=569
Baba Galleh Jallow NPP=4,565
Victor P.Jatta PDOIS=792
Fatou Cham UDP=10,749
Lamin Manneh Independent=413
Abdou Badjie Independent=1,455
31. BUSUMBALA CONSTITUENCY
Saikouba. Price NPP = 5,998
Deny Lisa to vote for PDOIS = 1,354
Samuel Mendy Independent= 1,085
Jerreh Sanyang Independent=2,916
Muhammed Kanteh Independent=10,100
Buba Sarr Independent=522
32. BUSUMBALA CONSTITUENCY
Saikouba. Price NPP = 5,998
Deny Lisa to vote for PDOIS = 1,354
Samuel Mendy Independent= 1,085
Jerreh Sanyang Independent=2,916
Muhammed Kanteh Independent=10,100
Buba Sarr Independent=522
33. KOMBO EAST CONSTITUENCY
Essa Dampha NPP=3,908 Votes
James S.Mendy Independent=1,379 Votes
Abdou Sowe UDP=6,135 Votes
Tairu E.B Badjie Independent= 2,268 Votes
34. OLD YUNDUM CONSTITUENCY
Alieu Nyang CA=559
Alagie Faal GDC=1,384
Abdoulie Ceesay NPP=5,411
Pa Alieu Njie PDOIS=1,395
Lamin Sabally UDP=4,744
Maimuna Tamba Independent=2,518
Alpha Ousman Jallow Indepen.=776
Momodou M.Njie NUP=186
35. BRIKAMA NORTH CONSTITUENCY
Lamin K.B Bojang GDC=2,226 Votes
Lamin Bojang NPP=4,135 Votes
Alagie S.Darboe UDP=8,466 Votes
Samsideen Badjie Independent=847 Votes
36. NIANIJA CONSTITUENCY
Muhammed Lamin Leigh CA=100 Votes
Hammet S.K Manneh GDC=203 Votes
Amadou Camara NRP=2,014 Votes
Momodou Cham UDP=1,016 Votes
Abdoulie M.K Jallow Independent= 387 Votes
37. NIAMINA DANKUNKU CONSTITUENCY
Samba M.P Bah CA=173 Votes
Essa Jamanka GDC=573 Votes
Bakary N.S Jallow Independent=87 Votes
Samba Jallow NRP=1,132 Votes
Essa Saidykhan UDP= 299 Votes
Alieu Ceesay Independent= 533 Votes
38. UPPER SALOUM CONSTITUENCY
Alhagie Mbow NRP=3,948 Votes
Momodou K.F Ceesay UDP= 377 Votes
Cherno Gaye Independent=1,351 Votes
Barra Janneh Independent=1,591 Votes
39. LOWER BADDIBU CONSTITUENCY
Ebrima Jallow Independent=710 Votes
Alhagie Jawara NPP=2,775 Votes
Kemo Gassama UDP=2,894 Votes
40. KIANG CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY
Fafa Sanyang NPP=1,184 Votes
Bakary Camara UDP=1,533 Votes
Yunusa N.Bah Independent=1,976 Votes
41. KIANG WEST CONSTITUENCY
Lamin Kambai Marong GFA= 555 Votes
Lamin Drammeh NPP=1,610 Votes
Lamin Ceesay UDP=3,669 Votes
Ismaila Kanteh Independent=627 Votes
42. JARRA CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY
Salifu N.Dem GDC=272 Votes
Kebba Jallow NPP=1,719 Votes
Wandifa Wuyeh Sanneh UDP=1,170 Votes
Samba Baldeh Independent=986 Votes
43. JARRA WEST CONSTITUENCY
Alieu Baldeh NPP=4,007 Votes
Kajali Fofana UDP=3,655 Votes
Musa Wally Independent=1,177 Votes
44. JARRA EAST CONSTITUENCY
Yankuba Sanneh CA=186 Votes
Mamadou Dem GDC= 1,039 Votes
Haruna Barry NPP=2,775 Votes
Sainey Touray UDP= 2,334 Votes
Pateh Baldeh Independent= 551 Votes
45. BANJUL CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY
Aminata T.B Jarra GFA=117 Votes
Lyndon B Johnson Independent=450
Baboucarr Mboge PDOIS=550 Votes
Muhammed Ndow PPP=1,168 Votes
Momodou Cherno Jallow UDP=988
Alhagi Jah Independent Independent=260 Votes
Abdoulie Njai independent=1,262 votes
46. BANJUL SOUTH CONSTITUENCY
Ousman Abou Wadda NPP= 1,364 Votes
Muhamadou Mansour Foon PDOIS =572 Votes
Yaya Kuyateh UDP=393 Votes
Fatoumatta Njai Independent=1,538 Votes
47. BANJUL NORTH CONSTITUENCY
Samba Njie NPP=1,147 Votes
Ousman Sillah PDOIS=1204 Votes
Modou Lamin Bah UDP= 1658 Votes
48. KIANG EAST CONSTITUENCY
Lamin Sanneh NPP= 1,534 Votes
Yaya Gassama UDP= 1,925 Votes
49. JANJANBUREH CONSTITUENCY
Ebrima B.Trawally Independent: 177 Votes
Ebrima M.Sarjo NPP=345 Votes
Jarai Fayenkeh UDP=236 Votes
Omar Jammeh Independent=359 Votes
50. NIANI CONSTITUENCY
Anty Rohey Ceesay NPP= 2,711 Votes
Omar Bah GDC=1,332 Votes
Alhagi S.B Sillah UDP= 2,001 Votes
Omar Jobe Independent=3,179 Votes
Pa Modou Sillah Independent= 425 Votes
51. SAMI CONSTITUENCY
Gibbi Dem CA=317 Votes
Alpha Omar Jallow GDC=1,346 Votes
MusuKebba Keita NPP=2,712 votes
Alfusainey Ceesay UDP=3,692 Votes
Haruna Jallow Independent=1,070 Votes
52. LOWER SALOUM CONSTITUENCY
Ebou k.Gaye APP=294 Votes
Sainey Jawara NRP=3,564 Votes
Halimatou Sadia Sowe UDP=337 Votes
Biran Saine Independent=1,772 Votes
Kebba Kanteh Independent=332 Votes
Amat Secka Independent=140 Votes
53. NIAMINA WEST CONSTITUENCY
Yerro Jallow GDC= 617 Votes
Birom J.S Sowe NPP=1,038 Votes
Ousman D.Jallow NUP=306 Votes
Kemeseng Sanneh PDOIS=464 Votes
Basiru Ceesay UDP:676 Votes
Abdou Aziz Sowe Independent: 568 Votes
Out Of the 53 seats, *NPP won 18*; *UDP 15*; *PDOIS 2*; *APRC 2*; *NRP 4*; and *12 seats won by Independent Candidates*. GDC, CA, GMC, NUP and GFA did not win any seat.
*Source*: obtained from a different platform |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 10 Apr 2022 : 22:10:50
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By Dr. Karamba Touray
Voters have manifestly opted for an immediate and substantive course correction . By giving a clear mandate to political opponents of the government in last night’s parliamentary elections , they have indicated the country is heading in the wrong direction and things must therefore change for the better . The president should see opportunity in the outcome of the vote and see both the urgency and necessity of putting the country on the right track .
The policy of division and toxic polarization he had doggedly pursued the last five years have not helped the country and it is time for him to self instruct on the danger and futility that strategy entails . It is time we come together as a country and address the big challenges we face . The president should pivot and strive to manage a government of cohabitation. That would require a total revamp of the executive branch for which he has constitutional direct responsibility. He should without delay fire his entire cabinet without exception and look for competent , experienced and totally politically unaffiliated professionals who can help him reorganize and revitalize his government. I know that is a difficult decision but one that is in the best interest of the country . These new appointees can then convene a substantive consultative process with all the political factions newly elected yesterday to craft a new way forward that would prioritize the most urgent needs of the Gambian people and the reforms needed to make our government what it should be . A grand consensus can be reached on the crucial matters like the budget ,national security, government reform , healthcare , education and agriculture. This will lay a solid foundation of cooperation and a more people centered way of governing . By the time things come to parliament it would have reflected the considered opinions of both sides and all the attendant sausage making that comes with democratic politics would have been done in ways that advance the greater good . For example if the president were to appoint someone like Muhamadou Manjang as finance minister , Gambians of all persuasion would be confident that he will manage the nation’s finances with the utmost level of competence because his education, experience and track record speaks for itself . We all saw how he took on the crooks at social security administration, beat them to a pulp and turned around that critical institution within a very short period only to have the president remove him to appease the crooks . He must try to have a second bite at the Manjang apple and ask this able man to come and help him steady the ship of state . We have a deep bench of independent professionals like Manjang out there who can come help us all work together as citizens of our small country . We are not condemned to our current fate . We can and must work together for the good of our country . The president must lead this effort by publicly demonstrating an intention to turn a new page . Start with the small but important symbolic step of inviting the leadership of all the political parties to Statehouse for a public informal chat to show the country that we belong together not apart . Second invite all the newly elected MPs for a similar informal chat and tell them and the nation that they are the peoples representatives and the President congratulates and respect each and everyone one of them and wants to work with them on the priorities important to them and the people who elected them . The president should say he seeks cooperation and not confrontation or attempts at co-option with elected MPs. This will make compromise which is an important vehicle in a competitive plural democracy easier to reach and it will help him govern .
I hope he sees wisdom in the need to change . If on the other hand he opts for less than total cabinet change and retains the absolutely corrupt and useless cabinet he has saddled himself with by cashiering some and retaining others , he would misread yesterday’s election and continue his current path of division , economic hardship and a parliament that would refuse to let him have his way . It is in the supreme national interest that the President embrace change and the new realities of yesterday’s vote . |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 10 Apr 2022 : 23:48:22
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National Assembly Election Postmortem
By D. A. Jawo
Gambians have spoken through their ballots by electing those they want to represent them in the National Assembly for the next five years. It had been an election full of anticipations as well as surprises.
In view of President Adama Barrow's landslide victory in the last presidential elections, most members and supporters of his National People's Party (NPP) and indeed many other Gambians had anticipated that they were going to sweep clean the legislative elections and dominate the next National Assembly. However, even though they managed to scrape a slight majority, but obviously, President Barrow and his supporters are no doubt quite disappointed with the results. One would therefore wonder what had become of their acclaimed strategists who helped them win the presidential elections barely three months ago. There is no doubt that the NPP hierarchy would meet to analyze the results and find out what went wrong.
Among the numerous surprises is the fact that this is the first time in the history of the Gambia that a ruling party has not won a single seat in the Greater Banjul Area and virtually annihilated in the populous West Coast Region as well. The party has been consigned to be a 'Bolongkono' party. It is quite unprecedented that President Barrow lost even in the very constituency that he cast his vote, which is Banjul Central, and that is quite symbolic.
One would therefore wonder how the NPP lost all the seats in Banjul, despite all the noise and capital they were making out of the Banjul rehabilitation project. We will now eagerly wait to hear what explanation those who gave President Barrow the solemn promise that the people of Banjul were grateful for what he had done for them and that they would accompany him all the way, would give for their dismal performance in Banjul. It is a similar situation with his vocal militants in the West Coast Region who had promised to deliver the whole region to the NPP, while ending up with a single seat out of the 12 constituencies of the region.
While the jury is still out as to why the NPP performed far less than expected, but the overwhelming evidence is that many Gambians are disappointed with the performance of the Barrow administration, especially in the face of the daily price hikes of basic commodities and the mounting corruption perception, and the apparent failure of the government to be seen to do much about it. Just as President Barrow himself is often quoted saying; “You can say you own your party but the people own themselves”. Therefore, the people have clearly demonstrated that they own themselves and make their own decisions as to whom to support.
Another possible reason why the NPP performed poorly is the selection criteria for their candidates. It is alleged by some NPP supporters that instead of following the dictates of their constituency committees, most of the candidates were imposed on them by the top echelons of the party. That eventually led to some aspirants rebelling and contesting as independents, thus causing some confusion within the party's ranks.
Among the many surprises of the results of the elections is no doubt the failure of two veterans of the People's Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS); Sidia Jatta and Ousman Sillah, to get re-elected. The most shocking of them was no doubt the defeat of Ousman Sillah in Banjul North, who everyone had thought would be re-elected with a landslide, and he ended up being defeated by a virtually unknown quantity.
Therefore, just like the NPP, PDOIS also need to sit down and do some soul searching as to what may have gone wrong with their strategies. However, while five other new parties; the Gambia Moral Congress (GMC), Citizens Alliance (CA), Gambia For All (GFA), All People's Party (APP) and National Unity Party (NUP) contested and failed to win a single seat, but the two parties that seem to have suffered the most humiliation are the People's Progressive Party (PPP) and the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC). They have not only failed to win any seat, but they also failed to defend the seats that they held before the elections.
Another group that has been humiliated is no doubt the APRC (Fabakary Tombong Jatta faction) who lost all their five seats in the Fonis to their bitter rivals, the 'No to Alliance Movement,' who they had always branded as an insignificant group of rebels who had no effect on the APRC power base. However, now that those 'rebels' have wrested the whole of Foni from the APRC, one would wonder how Fabakary Tombong and his group would continue to demand some political concessions from President Barrow when the results in Foni have shown that they have minimal control over the APRC general membership and as such, they have little to bring to the dining table. It is probably time for President Barrow to re-assess the weight of his numerous allies to see whether they add any value to the relationship between them and the NPP.
While the United Democratic Party (UDP) lost quite a lot of ground as they were not able to maintain all the seats that they won in 2017, but under the circumstances, they seem to have a cause to be satisfied with the results, especially when they succeeded in not only warding off a strong NPP assault, but even went on to defeat five of their former recalcitrant members who were among those who gave the UDP leadership a tough time.
Now that the National Assembly elections are over and no doubt President Barrow has a good idea about the weight of some of his allies, we now expect him to go ahead and form his new cabinet. There is now hardly any reason why he should continue to keep members of his interim cabinet in suspense, wondering whether or not they would be re-appointed in the new cabinet.
Another significant outcome of the elections was the fact that five of the most vocal opponents of the draft Constitution in the National Assembly; Fatoumata Jawara of Tallinding Kunjang, Saikouba Jarju of Busumbala, Saikou Marong of Latrikunda Sabiji, Baba Galleh Jallow of Sannementereng and Alhagie Jawara of Lower Baddibu, have all been defeated, apparently as a punishment for their part in voting out the draft Constitution that cost the Gambian tax payers millions of Dalasis, without any remorse. We can all recall how they were seen dancing and jubilating after they voted to throw away the draft, to the chagrin of many Gambians.
We expect that prior to the swearing in of the new members of the National Assembly, President Barrow would reveal the list of five nominated members that the 1997 Constitution empowers him to do. However, we have seen that in the past, the letter and spirit of that provision of the Constitution was not given the merit it deserved. Instead of nominating people to represent certain marginalised groups, which include the women, the youth, the disabled and also members of the Christian community, President Barrow instead has the tendency to use it to compensate his political allies. For instance, the last legislature was the very first in the history of the Gambia which did not have a single member of the Christian community. While President Barrow had the opportunity to address that in his nominations in 2017 by nominating at least one Christian, but he failed to do it. There are even speculations that he may nominate some of those who failed to get elected during the elections, which would definitely tantamount to disrespecting the wishes of the Gambian electorate who rejected them at the polls.
This time round also, as there is not a single Christian among those elected, and unless he uses his prerogative to nominate at least one member of them, there will again be none.
Therefore, rather than nominate NPP militants, we expect him to use the opportunity to pick those who deserve it most. |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 12 Apr 2022 : 09:16:04
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H.E President Adama Barrow’s Congratulatory Remarks on the National Assembly Elections
Fellow Gambians,
After weeks of intense political activities in the country, I am happy to congratulate all Gambians on the successful and peaceful conclusion of the National Assembly elections held on 9th April 2022.
Exercising their rights in what was clearly very keenly contested legislative elections, Gambians made their choice of National Assembly representatives from an unprecedented number of candidates from political parties to Independent candidates.
On behalf of my government and family, and on my own behalf, I express deep gratitude to all the peace-loving Gambians who contributed to this historic achievement.
With warm sentiments, I also congratulate the Independent Electoral Commission, the security services, political parties, Observers, the media and all other stakeholders for the roles they played throughout the electoral process.
The election of diverse political party representatives and independent candidates from different backgrounds is an indication of a vibrant democracy.
Yet again, Gambians have fulfilled a vital constitutional mandate in an amicable manner, thus demonstrating that our democracy is thriving.
It was another test of the credibility and viability of our institutions and the mechanisms and processes we are strongly determined to safeguard and strengthen. To our credit, as Gambians, we have got over the event with remarkable success.
Fellow Gambians, during the political campaigns leading to the 2021 Presidential election and the recently concluded National Assembly elections, the citizens of this nation loudly expressed and showed their passion for efficient public services that would improve their lives and livelihoods. They have demonstrated the desire for stability, sustained good governance, and infrastructural development to boost the performance of all sectors.
It is clear that our people wish to maintain an environment that is peaceful, stable, and secure enough for all citizens, which is one of the top priorities of my government.
These aspirations can be achieved much faster if we work as a united force. In doing so, we need to be service-oriented and committed to the betterment of the people, strive to advance and strengthen our democracy, and observe the principles of peace and justice for all. These are essential elements for good governance and progress, which we cannot ignore.
Ladies and gentlemen, based on party affiliation and trust for some independent candidates, Gambians have duly elected their representatives; none-the-less, we expect all the successful candidates to work together as a legislative body to promote and serve the national interest.
At this point, I must congratulate all the successful candidates on their victories, and call on the remaining contestants to join forces with us and work in the best interest of the nation.
The fact that you were eligible to contest is an achievement in itself. So, bravo to everyone!
In a democracy, we must embrace diversity, and it is significant that, as a country, the Legislature works independently; however, it has to be in partnership with the Executive and the Judiciary to ensure that, jointly, we serve and fulfil the development aspirations of our citizens, within a just environment.
Ladies and gentlemen, I expect all Gambians and non-Gambians alike to realise that these are challenging times. This is a period when global politics and instability continue to impact negatively on our local context. We must be ready, therefore, to take up the challenge of working harder, re-dedicating ourselves to duty, and committing enough time and resources to serve the nation, both in the public and private sectors. We are blessed with a youthful population and should explore and utilise its potential to the fullest.
I will not conclude without emphasising the need for us to continue to nurture our democracy, protect all rights, and respect the freedom of association and speech, as required by law. As mature and cultured people, we must realise that, once elections end, we are duty-bound to unite and serve the country as one people.
Whenever we exercise our political rights and compete in national elections, we do so as actors with different viewpoints, and not as enemies.
It is now time to put behind us the divisive politics and hate speeches that seem to divide the nation. This is the time to re-energise ourselves for nation building so that every citizen becomes a winner.
To reassure everyone, regardless of the results of the elections, the affairs of the entire country and the welfare of every citizen and resident here will remain central in my concerns and focus. Hand in hand, let us all move on.
I pray for the continued peace, progress, prosperity, and security of our people.
Long live The Gambia!
I thank you for your attention. |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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National Assembly Elections 2022
