PDOIS’ REACTION TO CORDEG’S PRESS RELEASE
Halifa Sallah
For the Central Committee 11th March 2015
The Gambia is at a crossroads. The party in power has demonstrated its total incapacity to free the people from impunity and poverty. However, its administration cannot end peacefully unless a process is put in place which would enable the vast majority of people, who do not want impunity or poverty to vote for change.The combined opposition in the Gambia has never had 50 percent of the vote. Hence the task of bringing about change is not one of simply unifying opposition supporters. That would not suffice. Change would only come when the vast majority of people, irrespective of party affiliation, are drawn by a process they have faith and confidence in, to vote for change. Those who want change should have open minds to listen to all views, consider all shades of opinions and subscribe to what they have discerned, in their own mature judgment, to be workable at each given moment, as dictated by reality, times and circumstances. PDOIS has respect for every sovereign Gambian and the exercise of right to freedom of association to promote any democratic cause as one deems fit. We have no qualms with CORDEG. What then is the point at issue?
When Dr Saine communicated with the Secretary General of PDOIS to express the desire to hold a discussion some months ago he was told that PDOIS was engaged in a village to village tour to exchange opinion with the people in order to know what they want and what they think of PDOIS’ programme on how to end impunity and poverty.
He was told that unless we complete this exercise the party would not be able to engage in any dialogue on the political situation in the Gambia. There was no ambiguity in our position. It was as plain as noon day. The meeting of 23rd February was news to us which we gathered after it happened. Nobody informed us of such a meeting.
The point At Issue
ON 1 March 2015 CORDEG issued a Press Release indicating that its executive members met “with UPD, PPP Leaders and PDOIS Representative.
The Press Release added: “Hon. Ousainou Darbo, Hon. Omar Jallow (OJ) and Malik Kah of PDOIS’s European Chapter, met on 23 February 2015 with CORDEG executive members to discuss important matters relating to the scheduled 2016 elections.”
PDOIS has since clarified that it had no meeting with CORDEG. We have conducted our investigation and are satisfied that all PDOIS members are fully in agreement that no PDOIS member could represent the party in any negotiation without a mandate from the Central Committee. We have put our house in order and could assure everyone that such development would never arise again. For the avoidance of doubt it needs to be reiterated that Malick Kah had no mandate to represent PDOIS and did not represent PDOIS at the meeting. Hence CORDEG should adjust its records and its Press Release by expunging PDOIS from the pact it formed with the two party leaders. PDOIS upholds the principle of unanimity in decision making. Even the members of the Central Committee, the Secretary General included cannot issue any statement without vetting by each member of the Central Committee. This is why all take ownership of decisions. The PDOIS branches are fully conversant with the principle of unanimity and that of subsidiarity when it comes to the functions and relations of party organs.
That however is not the end of the matter . According to CORDEG “The meeting lasted one hour and thirty minutes and brainstormed on the following pertinent issues:”
On Electoral Reform
“1. Electoral reforms, the political party leaders emphasised the imperative for a root and branch reform of Gambia’s electoral system in order to create a level playing field and to guarantee the credibility of any polls prior to the next Presidential and National Assembly elections in 2016/17. CORDEG has agreed to jointly design a comprehensive advocacy strategy to address the deadlock that ensued since the opposition parties tabled a set of reform demands to both the government and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in 2012.”
PDOIS’ OPINION
The Press Release conveys in black and white that the two leaders have reached an agreement with CORDEG to jointly design a comprehensive advocacy strategy to address the deadlock that ensued since the opposition parties tabled a set of reform demands to both the government and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in 2012.
Suffice it to say, If the two opposition party leaders had indeed entered into a venture with CORDEG to jointly design a comprehensive advocacy strategy to address a dead lock on electoral reform as mentioned in the release, then their act would constitute a breach of confidentiality.
Since , CORDEG issued its Press Release none of the Opposition party leaders mentioned had issued any clarification on the wrong notion given to the public by CORDEG which cannot be allowed to shape public opinion. Hence we take it that they have exercised their sovereign right to take their own stand on advocacy for electoral reform in collaboration with CORDEG.
In that vein,we are compelled to point out that, before the meeting of the 23rd and the issuing of the Press Release by CORDEG, six opposition parties did expend high grade intelligence, energy, money and time, for months, in order to collectively produce a high grade comprehensive programmatic document on constitutional and electoral reform and did go further to agree to meet on 7th March 2015 to set the date for signature as well as, to formulate an advocacy strategy geared towards propelling and accelerating our common initiative to fruition. We had agreed not to discuss any subject matter on electoral reform until we dispatch the document to the relevant stakeholders.
This is why CORDEG’s Press Release motivated PDOIS to address the following letter to our colleagues:
6,March 2015
P/OPPFECR/(1)
Dear Colleagues
The Central Committee of PDOIS has reviewed a Press Release issued by an organization called CORDEG ,which gives the impression that some Party leaders have discussed with CORDEG ,what we have been discussing for months and have gone as far as to assign CORDEG the responsibility of doing advocacy for electoral reform for the opposition, which is precisely a main agenda in our discussion scheduled for Saturday, 7th March 2015.
The Press Release indicated among other things that three parties were involved in a meeting with CORDEG. Since then PDOIS has dissociated itself from such an event. However, we have noticed that other party leaders mentioned have not done the same. We have tried to reach Mr Darboe by phone to request for postponement of the meeting scheduled for Saturday, 7th March 2015 until we get clarity on statements issued in CORDEG’s Press Release. In this regard , we have no option but to request for a postponement in writing.
For your information, the Press Release from CORDEG reads:
Press Release 01 March 2015 CORDEG meet with UPD, PPP Leaders and PDOIS Representative Hon. Ousainou Darbo, Hon. Omar Jallow (OJ) and Malik Kah of PDOIS’s European Chapter, met on 23 February 2015 with CORDEG executive members to discuss important matters relating to the
scheduled 2016 elections. The meeting lasted one hour and thirty minutes and brainstormed on the following pertinent issues.
1. Electoral reforms, the political party leaders emphasised the imperative for a root and branch reform of Gambia’s electoral system in order to create a level playing field and to guarantee the credibility of any polls prior to the next Presidential and National Assembly elections in 2016/17. CORDEG has agreed to jointly design a comprehensive advocacy strategy to address the deadlock that ensued since the opposition parties tabled a set of reform demands to both
the government and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in 2012.”
(Our emphasis)
2. United Front, there was also consensus around the vital need for a united front, to include all opposition parties, to contest the 2016 elections. CORDEG has been tasked by the opposition party leaders present, to make concrete proposals to all the opposition parties, on building a tactical and strategic alliance between opposition parties and we have agreed to do so in the next couple of weeks, following consultations with the wider Diaspora. All participants at the meeting agreed that a united front is crucial, in order to maximise the chances of the opposition to defeat the incumbent. A united front of the political opposition will also encourage the building of unity between and among the Diaspora opposition organisations. CORDEG has a series of planned meetings to engage with other Diaspora organisations in the coming weeks, in order to widen participation in the process and to strengthen unity around our common aspiration for democratic revival in the Gambia. A united front will allow every willing stakeholder to take an active part in the decisions leading to the building of a united front for 2016 and beyond. CORDEG aims to build an inclusive platform to achieve wider participation by the Diaspora.
3. Fundraising, the meeting also discussed the important matter of raising funds, to effectively address the chronic shortage of resources that has held back the ideas, activities and actions that can make meaningful impact in our struggle to restore democracy in the Gambia. The meeting agreed that with all the will in the world, and even following electoral reforms, a united front will fail, unless substantial funds and other forms of resources are mobilised to support and sustain the struggle. CORDEG will be submitting fundraising and other resource mobilisation proposals to stakeholders
for their consideration and possible adoption, following a comprehensive needs assessment that will include both the Diaspora and all the opposition parties.
4. Unity Summit; CORDEG proposed to host a London summit of all stakeholders in the summer of 2015. The meeting believes that such a summit of Gambia’s opposition leaders, in partnership with other strategic stakeholders, could agree to a united front by signing-off on the proposals for a tactical and strategic electoral alliance, as well as a Compact with the Gambian Diaspora to support, promote and provide funds for a sustained campaign against the Jammeh regime.
Further meetings are scheduled in the coming weeks and months which we envisage will include other opposition party and Diaspora leaders. In the service of the Gambian people James Bahoum Directorate Legal Affairs Directorate Media and Communication (interim Colleagues could observe that the first item discussed touched on electoral reform. The Press Release indicates that they have discussed about reform and have agreed to jointly design an advocacy strategy with CORDEG.
PDOIS is of the opinion that the efforts we have collectively made to formulate and advocate for an opposition party driven electoral reform agenda is being derailed, when we have already worked out all the modalities to make it possible. Saturday was set aside to plan when to give our final approval to the proposals and adopt the advocacy strategies necessary to pursue them to fruition. We are convinced that once our initiative is seen to be externally driven as portrayed by CORDEG in its Press Release we would have lost the battle before we even start.
The Central Committee of PDOIS is requesting for a postponement of the meeting so that it could engage in consultation with all concerned stakeholders in order to find ways of preventing our initiatives from being seen to be dictated by groups based outside the country. We will issue a statement in response to the CORDEG Press Release and may mention how far we have gone with the negotiation on electoral reform to confirm the genuineness of the unalloyed initiative of the collective opposition in the Gambia.
Please take note that any day on or after Saturday, 14th March 2015 would be ideal for us.
Halifa Sallah
For the Central Committee
DARBO’S MESSAGE ON THE LETTER-7TH MARCH 2015
Mr Touray provided me this number through which I can send this short message.
I note that you intend to issue a statement on the CORDEG Press Release on behalf of PDOIS which i believe is perfectly in order only as it relates to PDOIS representation at the meeting.
I request you not mention how far we have gone with the negotiations on the electoral reform. Any statement on this should be made by all parties that have been attending the meetings and not by PDOIS alone whatever its views may be on the “meeting.”
Darbo
While we respect Mr Darboe’s observations ,the PDOIS leadership would be disregarding national interest to consider itself bound by the principle of confidentiality which had circumscribed the two months negotiation of six opposition parties aimed at preparing a comprehensive programmatic document for constitutional and electoral reform, when the atmosphere necessary for the new initiative to sprout has been clouded by a new utopian agenda, which is similar to what derailed a similar initiative in 2013 , which PDOIS chose not to make an issue of public debate , at the time, to avoid being accused of trying to derail a viable Diaspora initiative. History will not pardon us if we repeat the same mistake.
Hence we will not hesitate to tell the whole world that a comprehensive programmatic document on electoral and constitutional reform has been prepared and is ready for signature. At least, we can say this much and not go into the details. This is the first point.
Secondly, we have decided to put our advocacy strategy in the public domain to distance ourselves from the agreement of the two leaders with CORDEG.
PDOIS’ POSITION ON ADVOCACY STRATEGY
Obviously, the authority to amend the constitution and electoral laws to ensure Electoral and Constitutional reform resides in the executive and the National Assembly. Only Cabinet and National Assembly members could introduce bill for constitutional and electoral reform. Hence PDOIS would recommend that proposals of the opposition be lodged with Cabinet and The National Assembly whose members are responsible of bringing bills to the National Assembly for their enactment into law.
KEY PARTNERS
Key partners are the International, multinational, continental and regional bodies that had played a role in monitoring elections or providing financial, technical, material or logistical support to the Independent Electoral Commission.
Hence copies of the proposals should be lodged with the UN, The AU , ECOWAS and The EU as the main partners as well as the Commonwealth as a matter of courtesy, Jesse Jackson who accepted to be a mediator and our neighbors, to promote good neighbourliness.
GOOD WILL AMBASSADORS OF THE OPPOSITION
PDOIS would propose that the two people who were given the responsibility to put together and table the proposals for adoption be appointed as good will ambassadors of the opposition since they are best equipped to explain and defend the content. They should be assigned the responsibility of delivering the proposals to all the stake holders without relying on any intermediary and hold press conferences where ever they go, to highlight the proposals of the opposition.
They should be made to subscribe to a code of conduct which would confine their terms of reference to the mere submission of documents to stakeholders and explaining the content of the proposals to the media without straying into any partisan or propagandist escapades in promotion of a political party or political ambition.
FUNDING
All parties should select one individual to represent them in a financial committee aimed at costing each trip in order to prepare a budget for the delivery of the proposals to the respective stakeholders . The total cost of the initiative and all pledges in kind by way of air tickets, economy class and hotel accommodation or cash for the same purpose, shall be published for public notice .The sum to be raised shall be restricted to the budget and once it is raised the fund raising exercise would cease. Monies received shall be accounted for by each of the party representatives in the financial committee and lodged in a bank. Credible financial measures shall be put in place to ensure public disclosure of funds received and used. The account established shall be audited and then published for public notice. Nobody other than the committee set up by the political parties will have the mandate to raise funds for the advocacy exercise.
Once all the proposals are delivered the mandate of the goodwill ambassadors would cease and political parties would continue their party advocacy activities on their own party platforms to sensitise the public on the content of our proposals and the progress made to further its realisation. This is PDOIS’ stand on the advocacy strategy for electoral reform. The content is for all the stakeholders to make public.
ON UNITED FRONT
According to the Press Release “2United Front, there was also consensus around the vital need for a united front, to include all opposition parties, to contest the 2016 elections. CORDEG has been tasked by the opposition party leaders present, to make concrete proposals to all the opposition parties, on building a tactical and strategic alliance between opposition parties and we have agreed to do so in the next couple of weeks, following consultations with the wider Diaspora.”
CORDEG proposed to host a London summit of all stakeholders in the summer of 2015. The meeting believes that such a summit of Gambia’s opposition leaders, in partnership with other strategic stakeholders, could agree to a united front by signing-off on the proposals for a tactical and strategic electoral alliance, as well as a Compact with the Gambian Diaspora to support, promote and provide funds for a sustained campaign against the Jammeh regime”
PDOIS ‘ OPINION ON A UNITED FRONT
It is interesting that CORDEG has been tasked to formulate and make proposals on how to form strategic alliance and convene a meeting in UK in the Summer. We would have thought that the parties would tell CORDEG what they need to do on the ground to make a United Front viable.
PDOIS has made it very clear that if Gambians do not want to engage in a political expedition which would lead them into the political marsh only to drown them into the sea of disappointment, they should move away from the top down approach to alliance building which has failed since 2006. We need to adopt the bottom up approach.
PDOIS has said that the surest way for change is for the political parties to spend their days and nights among the people so that they would build a support base which is larger than that of the ruling party and continue to work for electoral reform to restore the second round of voting among other reforms, which may or may not be realised .
It is the masses who are to bring about change. Hence their mobilisation and organisation to vote for change is what is of strategic significance. This is the decisive factor. Electoral reform is of tactical significance. Its effectuation or otherwise, may enhance or pose obstacles to electoral success. However, when the masses are determined no force on earth could stand on their way.
PDOIS has observed that if there is electoral reform and the second round of voting is restored, the opposition would not need to decide on a single candidate, the people would do that for them by depriving the incumbent of victory in the first round. The opposition leader with the highest or second highest number of votes could then be supported by all those who want change, as has happened in Senegal.
On the other hand if there is no electoral reform these strong opposition parties who combined would have attracted more than 50 percent support base among the electorate, could meet and select a candidate to face the incumbent.
Hence PDOIS’proposal is for members and supporters of political parties to lend a hand to the grassroots activities of their parties. These parties should proceed to prepare their primaries and select their candidates so that the public would know them.
This is what will get us closer to change. What we need are Gambians who are convinced that the parties they support are worth supporting.
Just imagine if 1000 Gambians give 1000 dollars each to the party they believe is worth supporting. The party would have a million dollars in its coffers to finance its campaign. This is 47 Million dalasis. Any party which cannot make a difference with such a sum should have its leaders exposed by its members and sent to the cleaners.
Hence we should go beyond Obama’s slogan that ‘we can’. We cannot make a difference until we become resolved. We must make a difference. “We must” is the slogan for our times and circumstances. Hence, make your choice of party that is worth supporting and do so to make a difference. Support what is worth supporting and make a difference! That is the clarion call.
On the Role of The Diaspora
Gambia has many knowledgeable and experienced daughters and sons in the Diaspora, academics, professionals in all fields ,technicians and seasoned workers.
Any party which could lead the country to build a middle income country would need their participation. In 2005 and 2006 remittances were considered to be the second largest source of foreign exchange amounting to 1.7 billion in 2005 and 1.8 Million in 2006. The Disapora is too important to be ignored, either by the government or by the opposition.
PDOIS has informed the Diaspora what it could do to take its legitimate stake in shaping the destiny of our homeland but no one appears to be listening.
Let us take this opportunity to conclude by reiterating our position again. We have said that the Diaspora should hold sovereign national conferences and prepare Diaspora based programmes for enfranchisement so that they could vote like all nationals living outside their countries, advocate respect for human rights in the country and promote electoral reform on their own Diaspora platform.
The sovereign national conferences could elect representatives who could also meet to select working groups based on competences. This would enable party members and supporters in the Diaspora to work in the working groups set up in their areas and serve both the Diaspora and their parties without any conflict of mandate.
The Diaspora should be able to send goodwill ambassadors to the Gambia to meet the ruling party, the opposition, civil society, The IEC and The Media and produce reports which could inform the opinions of all stakeholders. If the IEC says that money is the obstacle to the enfranchisement of the Diaspora, funds could be tapped to make that realisable.
In the same vein, if a United Front candidate becomes necessary the Diaspora could finance a Caravan where all the party and Independent Presidential Candidates could be given a platform in all the administrative areas and the level of public approval assessed before negotiation.
We could go on and on. We hope the Diaspora would reflect on this fundamental truth that power only concedes to superior power. No state could be changed without either superior military power or superior people’s power. There is no third road other than that of adventurism. Those who do not wish to kill their way to power should have faith in the people. No body can go against the people and win. We hope the Diaspora would listen.
We are not against any initiative. However, we have mapped our own programme. We intend to finish our village to village tour, hold our congress to adopt a manifesto, hold a primary to select a presidential candidate who will have the duty to issue a statement on every thing the current executive says or does and put those statements side by side with that of the executive for distribution to all schools in the country to promote informed choice.
When the executive is holding a jamboree in one part of the country we would be holding our sensitization concerts with progressive songs and drama.
Hence those who support PDOIS should be focused on its programme. This is the way forward.
THE END
TOO LATE, THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE IN 1995 /1996 REFERENDUM, NOT NOW; WE DO NOT HAVE TIME FOR THIS. GOD HAVE MERCY ON US ALL.
Never on earth will Jammeh reform and organize elections in which he stands to loose. Which power can force Jammeh to make electoral reforms? Even in the most improbable scenario where Jammeh looses elections, who will force him to relinquish power to a winner. We are not a former French colony to dream of France doing what she did in Ivory Coast. Will Senegal impose on Jammeh to go? Are the Gambian citizens ready to shed blood and face Jammeh to make him bow down? These are the serious questions that need our attention as key players for change.
When I listen or read party leaders statements and press releases fighting and talking about elections I could imagine and hear Jammeh laughing his heart off.
Reading Halifa Sallah relegating the Diaspora Gambians to a second position rank makes him another dictator in theory. For 20 years Halifa Sallah and PDOIS have been sensitizing, reporting, writing, and propagating for change whiles Jammeh continually and relentlessly beep up his security and his tight grip on the country’s resources, institutions and businesses without the slightest resistance from the ground. Who is fooling whom? Jammeh or Halifa. Halifa Sallah behaves as if he is operating in a democratic regime where Jammeh is a democrat who is open to democratic rules and reforms. In 2011, ECOWAS showed the opposition leaders the way forward denouncing the bogus elections but due to their shortsightedness and personal ego they let down the regional organization by participating in an election in which the world knew they would loose. When Jammeh says he has no opposition, Gambians, Ecowas and the rest of the world will take him seriously.
Even in Senegal our next-door neighbor, intellectuals, politicians and people at large agree that Gambia has no opposition parties’ worth its salt, or civil society organizations known championing civil and human rights. Less than 10% of Senegalese population has ever heard of the names of Halifa Sallah, Ousseynou Darboe, OJ Jallow, Amath Bah or Mai Fatty as Gambian party leaders. How can Gambian political leaders not known beyond the borders of a country completely surrounded by Senegal claim to be serious contenders of Yaya Jammeh in the same environment? In all fairness Seedya Bayo the Frenchman with all his shortcomings is better known in Senegal and West Africa than any other political leader in the Gambia “lol”. Use it or not the media in Senegal plays a great role in promoting public notoriety both within and beyond its borders and none of the Gambian party leader made good use of it except Seedya Bayo the exilee. The reason why I mentioned Senegal is simply because this country is the biggest stakeholder of Gambian matters besides Gambians and offer great opportunity for Gambian leaders to be heard. To buttress the above point further, we have recently seen the US signing a convention on cooperation and exchange between the CIA/FBI and the DIC (Division of Criminal Investigation) of Senegal on matters concerning security in the Gambia and Senegal. How can a party leader or party meetings given only 21 days on television and radio claim to have any effect on public opinion?
This useless infighting amongst party leaders on the one hand and some leaders with the Gambian diaspora organizations on the other hand, further strengthens Jammeh in power, knowing fully well that they will never come together because of useless differences in the name of frivolous principles and personal egos.
This election CIRCUS is what Jammeh needs to continue globetrotting amongst world leaders unhindered.
The Liberty train is leaving for the Gambia . Get onboard fellow Gambians, and friends of the Gambia.It doesn’t matter which seat you occupy, Front row, back row, and the middle row.We must strive valiantly.
cordeg may be intending to mislead the public, Dr Saine seems to be useless at the helm. How can a major meeting announcement not be verify and authenticated before rushing to the press? This is a serious blow to the credibility of the limping organisation.
Mr Haidara , I am very proud of your insight and excellent points. you have hit the nail on the head . I think all your points stated well all our problems with these politicians . I have very ,very little hope on these people . I think we need a new leaderships in all these political parties . They do not understand what they are dealing with for 20 years, repeating the same old thing and expecting a different result . These politicians are as confusing as demented old folks who believe that 19th century politics will remove jammeh from power . The infighting and lack of understanding is killing us.
Bajaw , you are right 2011 election was the best opportunity for them to tackle Jammeh head on when Ecowas declared that the elections was not going to be free and fair . I have said this on many occasions . But their weakness , disunity and lack of understanding of international politics , had result to that opportunity to slip away . They could have organize themselves and call for massive demonstration to challenge the idiotic dictator . The international community and Gambian people will come to their aid . Clearly Ecowas played their part but they (oppositions) caved in . Now the infighting and lectures continue . We lack inspirational, and strong leadership .
Thanks Maxs. In all honesty I have put a final cross of the opposition leadership in the Gambia since 2011. For me they are jokers and not leaders.
Sorry to say this if it hurts some people but I am speaking from the bottom of bleeding heart.
Any serious Gambian Freedom Fighter should not waste their usefull time to engage with wishful thinkers.
I am of the view that it will be the Gambian diaspora whose only desire is to see Jammeh go will free the Gambia from dictatorship and Jammeh knows it very well.
Long live the Freedom Fighters, in GOD we trust.
Sorry Bajaw my good friend , I wanted to mention haidara in my above posting . Oops
Ghosh!! Halifa Sallah is calling for the postponement of an already scheduled meeting just because he is unhappy with cordeg’s statement. This guy is petty. I hope the rest of the opposition goes ahead with this meeting without pdois and Halifa. He should not be allowed to hold a nation to ransom.
Thanks
Excellent statement Mr Honourable Halifa Sallah! Personally, I salute you and your central committee of PDOIS for your competency. This is the type of leadership the Gambians deserve in the future. May Allah guide and bless us all.
Something is not right with these guys. Come on, what has the Cordeg press release got to do with an electoral reform meeting between the opposition on the ground? Seriously speaking PDOIS is just not on. It is their right to respond to cordeg, but to try to cancel a proposed meeting in the home front is just too much.
Sister, Halifa will always be angry with anybody he cannot manipulate. His desire is to have the other parties put out a statement against cordeg. Since that hasn’t and will not happen, that to Halifa is complicity and hence, his anger.
I will be very disappointed with the rest of the opposition if they do not go ahead with this meeting without pdois and halifa.
Thanks
Maxs, no need for apologies, the mistake is acceptable, to err is human & we are all fallible as none is perfect except God Almighty…. Deyda have said it all; in an ideal world under normal democracies, Halifa & this PDOIS ideological statement are the norm but with realistic analysis of the current Gambian situation under the kanilai murdering professional it’s foolhardy to think this approach will come to fruition…. It’s just similar to Halifa’s initial statement in “Coup Find Gambia at crossroads” where he suggested our gallant comrades involved should tell us what they intended doing when successful…. Who in the right frame of mind will come to announce on such a thing after the failed attempt to implicate their families & loved ones when the whole world are witnessing the continuous rounding up, kidnapping & forceful disappearances of the families & relatives of those known to be involved…???
We will give it our best shots collectively…. If not we ALL must tighten our belts, for Option-B…. It’s our birthright & collective responsibility to ensure that we get rid of the murderous kanilai tyrannical syndicate to ensure peace & tranquillity reins in our motherland for ourselves, our children & grandchildren, the next generation & for posterity…. God help the collective endeavour to rid Gambia from murderous tyrannical oppression; Ameen.
Malanding Jaiteh comment from facebook: “When Dr Saine communicated with the Secretary General of PDOIS to express the desire to hold a discussion some months ago he was told that PDOIS was engaged in a village to village tour to exchange opinion with the people in order to know what they want and what they think of PDOIS’ programme on how to end impunity and poverty.” [Halifa Sallah for the PDOIS Central Committee]
This is a serious problem one that does not help the Gambia. After 28 yrs of being in the opposition, 21 of which against Yahya Jammeh’s government, the country’s elite opposition party is still busy with village to village tour “in order to know what they want and what they think of PDOIS’ programme on how to end impunity and poverty?”
Here is how this non-voting Gambian, whose opinion may not really matter, thinks. It SUCKS. PDOIS performance so far is ABYSMAL and run the risk of being seen as obstructionist.
Its real incomprehensible to see PDOIS at this 11th hour of another 5yrs of Yahya, to be avoiding genuine efforts to create a national front against what is clearly tyranny in the Gambia, all in the name of “village to village tour”. No wonder those who are steep in previous efforts to unite the opposition will bet their lives that such will NEVER happen.
This is the PDOIS that the voiceless run to when they are wronged, when they don’t have anyone to turn to. For 3 decades now PDOIS have been the Gambia’s teachers on the constitution and good governance, They teach us about the constitution and rule of law, about what is wrong with the other party, the government of the day. In the process they have earn the trust and hope of many young Gambians.The best last hope for many Gambians when it comes standing for the little guy.
The PDOIS Gambians know have ALL that they need from the people. All that is needed now is PDOIS to show that they are really LEADERS of the people not just complainers for the people. There comes a time when leaders LEAD and not go back to ask for guidance or approval.
I ask Mr Sallah, and his central committee to step up and LEAD or allow to be LED at least for now. For the Gambia our homeland.
In my opinion;
Honourable Halifa Sallah could equally hold a masters degree in civil engineering.
For has clearly exhibited the fundamental principals neccessary to construct a sound and stable democratic government…fit for purpose.
This should be reassuring to those who seek, a future government guided and conditioned by such principals.
There has to be a plan, that can deliver, the best aspirations of the gambian people, that must also have the built in ability to withstand the stresses and strains of development of the human capital, {the people} and the economic delivery system { commerce } to fullfill the combined ambitions and betterment of all the people. {The tax payer}
I also believe, that the international community would welcome such a Government guided by the very same and recognised principals of good governance.
Clearly, to take to the field of political consensus, as a means of overcoming the APRC government through the ballot box, a joint agreement on the mandate of consensus, must be constructed, step by step, and within clearly defined, parameters and written agreements, that must take full acount of confidentiality of all the signatories.
In my further opinion;
Mr Sallah has demonstrated goodwill to the forward aspirations of CORDEG, but has enlightened all observers, that the pubiication of the outcome of the recent meeting between CORDEG, the UDP and the PPP, did not have the necessary participation and opinions and agreed proposals from any authorised delgate from Pdois.
A joint approach to electoral reform, is one such important step. I am certain Pdois, would further enlighten the combined consultations, as they proceed, on other necessary steps, needed to be taken, as the solid construction of a formidable coalition, maybe constructed.
I further believe that as Pdois canvass opinion from village to village on what the electorate are pleading for….this gathered intelligence would further enlighten any such investigation of the needs of the people from its government.
Mr Sallah, should be supported, in his honourable endeavours, to form any such consensus, on these fundamental principals of co-operation, through joint interrogation of the tools and models, and inputs of the entire respresentatives of all the opposition parties.
That once such an agenda is agreed, it should be signed off by all, and where appropriate….made public. and endored and acted upon to the letter.
I believe that once the Gambian people, can clearly connect with a forward and agreed agenda….The Opposition will attract the required support of a growing number of APRC voters, who must by now be truly disillusioned with the impunity and poverty of Mr Jammeh’s leadership.
What an appeasing statement. I remember, you once described him as “arrogant”. This one sounds like a change of tune.
Malang Jaiteh: If we are to help each other on the way forward we should look at issues squarely and objectively and come up with a better solution. For me i think the PDOIS is far ahead of all other parties on the issue of unity or United Front. PDOIS has already proposed two options on unity and it has put this openly in the public space. Only those who have a different agenda and cannot put it in the public space cannot see it and they would not want anybody else to see it either. Why don’t we follow other parties to come up with their agenda on how to form a United Front? Why did they not tell the CORDEG what type of unity they would support at their conference?
Read the PDOIS statement again where it is saying that after their preparation of the programmatic document on electoral reform, their next meeting which should have taken place on the 7 march, they should continue to formulate a document on advocacy and so on and has been agreed by all that the process should be kept confidential until it is signed by them, but he said that role has now been assigned to CORDEG by only the two party leaders. What about the other four party leaders? Don’t they have a say on that issue? I think what they should have done is to come back to the six parties and suggest assigning CORDEG the responsibility.
I think the PDOIS has been leading throughout the 30 years, playing their role as an opposition party as they should. They have never been found wanting in their responsibilities.
You see this is the problem with some of us. We do not subscribe to principles and we feel that nobody else should do so. How can anybody work with people who say principles are useless? You said when Dr. Saine communicated with the Secretary General who told him that they are engage in village to village tour and cannot discuss with anybody on unity until they complete their work and know the minds of the people. To you this is a flimsy excuse but to the PDOIS this is their programme which they have to complete before they can engage in any such discussion.
Halifa told you that all parties should do this to become strong on the ground so that when we unite we will be taking 50% of the vote. He said only when they are strong would they have any chance to defeat Jammeh but you ignore all that thinking that by simply putting all parties together who have no support base in the country will automatically result to a win. And then you come back and dismiss PDOIS for not having support among the people. The man is telling you that they are campaigning to win the people on the ground and you are saying that is useless.
Before we criticize PDOIS we should read their writing again and do some objective critiquing plus what is necessary if we are genuinely interested in bringing about change or even making any progress.We should digest and give thought to what others are writing and put them into proper context instead of brushing it outright.
Look at some of us again, we would say yes what he is saying is correct but it cannot work in present day Gambia. But the funny thing is that we would say let us brush it aside only to come back and say he has been writing the same thing for years. Some expect that ideas are humans that magically implement themselves. It cannot work that way and never will.
Never in the history of gambian politics has PDOIS initiated any move and call others to join. They always wait for others to initiate something and call them to join and behold the PRINCIPLES and PROCESSES as answers to a sovereign party. Time is of no essence in PDOIS agenda. My way or no way is sacrocinth in PDOIS sovereign ideology.
Really!
What about Agenda 2011..? That was a PDOIS Proposal. ..
It is clear from the PDOIS Press Release that the opposition parties were nearing the adoption of a common agenda for electoral reform and a united front..
However, it seems that CORDEG, an organisation that has largely been regarded as irrelevant, by even the people that established it, may have put a spanner in the (good) works of the opposition, in their haste to be relevant..
But rather than address ourselves to what could be an obstacle to the formulation and adoption of a workable platform by our opposition parties, the discussions are guided by emotions that are loaded with Anti-PDOIS/anti-opposition sentiments and have no bearing on the causes of the confusion created by CORDEG…
Hello…is Jessy Jackson listenning…
PDOIS has every right to demand clarification in order not to waste valuable time and resources, if.it appears that the work that they are about to complete collectively, have been tasked to another organisation…..
And I don’t think the anti – political parties camp, who claim that elections will not remove Jammeh, are in any better position to deride the opposition for trying the same again and again, when.their military option have.not fared any better…
We’ve only had four elections cycles so far….How many forced or armed attempts have been tried and also failed….May be brother Deyda Hydara can tell us because I’ve lost count..
As has already been pointed out, every Gambian has the right to pursue the type of change they want…Let’s stop dismissing the elections options because we don’t believe in it…. Our military option has not done any better…
If, after the same number of failures (Farafenni attack, Kartong attack, Ndour Cham attempt, December 30th), you still pursue a military option, why do you think the political parties should not do.the same…?
Follow your option.and stop helping Yaya Jammeh by discouraging voters…
Hello Bax, since Halifa and PDOIS love to refer to history, let me then recall the political history of the Gambia. During DKJ’s regime there was the first coup attempt in 1981 by Kukoi which failed. Then came the second coup of Yaya Jammeh&Co in 1994 which succeeded and held the fort to the present day. Going by the 1994 coup success, one can say FORCE passed the test. Going by a possible election change in our political history, it has never happen in the past with DKJ’s democratic regime and will never happen with Yaya Jammeh’s autocratic regime which is worst. Politicians have a single chance once every five years (to test) whiles coup plotters have multiple chances any time they wish. Who controls the destiny of who? How on earth can an opposition party which is granted only 21 days of campaigning every five years shape public opinion and win elections? This is the fundamental (probability difference) between the two routes to change. Now, if you think Jammeh is the only gambian capable of launching a successful coup and stay put, then Gambians should rather admit him as the King of the Gambia and brace up for Prince Muhamed Jammeh intronization when the king becomes old. You will agree with me and still quoting history that a dictator has never organize elections which he lost to an opposition leader, again please don’t quote the Ivory Coast case for obvious reasons that do not exist between the Gambia and her former colonial master.
Again if it comes to helping Jammeh, it is certainly the opposition parties that always help legitimize his bogus election victories for him to be admitted in the concert of nations as president. The coup plotters always send shivers in his spine, drives him crazier and give him sleepless night for days, months and years. Who is helping Jammeh brother Bax?
As things stand today the Diaspora gambians are the biggest stakeholders in matters affecting the Gambia on several fronts amongst which, the lobbies to isolate Jammeh internationally, the lobbies to cut the funds pipes to his criminal government, the millions of $$$$$$€€€€ remittances to poor families and of lately the use of force as evident on the December 30th. Placing the diaspora on a second rank, is malicious,ungrateful and down right nasty.
As for us Freedom Fighters, our movement has never tested Jammeh and when we trike, we will not miss Inshallah. Our objective is not the seat of power but rather to open up the floodgates for politicians to fill the vaccum. So pray for us. In GOD we trust.
Bax said”However, it seems that CORDEG, an organisation that has largely been regarded as irrelevant, by even the people that established it, may have put a spanner in the (good) works of the opposition, in their haste to be relevant..
But rather than address ourselves to what could be an obstacle to the formulation and adoption of a workable platform by our opposition parties, the discussions are guided by emotions that are loaded with Anti-PDOIS/anti-opposition sentiments and have no bearing on the causes of the confusion created by CORDEG…”THIS IS AN UNDERSTAMENT IT IS CORDEG WHO DID NOT ONLY PUT A SPANNER IN THE WORKS BUT DISRUPT THE SMOOTH WORKING RELATIONSHIP OF THE HOME BASE PARTIES FOR THEIR OWN SELFISH AGENDA FOR RELIVANCE AND LOOKING FOR POSSIBLE FUNDING FOR THEIR POCKETS.I HOPE UDP AND PPP WILL GO BACK TO THE OTHER PARTIES AND CONTINUE THEIR GOOD WORK AND FORGET CORDEG.
Sister Fatou….you discard the diaspora organizations and call on Jessy Jackson for help…are you serious?
Since you donot need the diaspora dont ask for their monies..
Bax, the opposition parties are only near adopting a common agenda for electoral reform. That’s the only thing they have in common. Coalition involving pdois and the rest of the opposition parties is not attainable. So don’t raise people’s hope here for no good reason. This is what Halifa said;
“Hence we will not hesitate to tell the whole world that a comprehensive programmatic document on electoral and constitutional reform has been prepared and is ready for signature. At least, we can say this much and not go into the details.”
Thanks
Lafia, I will not give much credence the utterance of Halifa as yet. He is calculating the gains he can make as far his own candidature is concern. Sadly, on the ground here, he is Mister nobody. However, I mean a massive however, the polarised nature of Gambian politics now means, even an irrelevant fringe players is needed.
The simmering sentiment on the ground can explode spectacularly anytime. And if the oppositions fail to speak in one voice, it will spell calamity for the Gambia. This is why, people want all the opposition to speak with one voice. ‘Unity even in mere name is better’.
The calculations of PDOIS in every single gathering is that, under the current dispensation, what they have gain in terms of money, outside assistance, newspaper sales, membership of the national assembly, they cannot and will not get that in post Jammeh.
This calculus is always factored in their every move. They wait for people to expect that, they are onboard, only to come up with a ridiculous argument derailing everything. The constitutional reform agenda is something that should not be halted for anything. What did they do, attempting to halt it all because Cordeg made a press release. This demonstrate that, dictatorship is the worst form of human administration, if not, who will even contemplate engaging pdois in anything? Who? They can continue selling their newspaper which bears Halifa as the proprietor. Which means, even interviews conducted in Foroyaa are choreograph, stage managed, and like in movies, take one, take two etc, until Mr Sallah is satisfied.
The over the top response from them is typical, we here are not counting on anything yet. Newspaper headlines means everything to the ‘boardroom politician’.
I think pdois gave a lame excuse for not attending the Cordeg meeting . Their excuse of engaging village to village on pdois programs of how to end poverty and inpunity is the most irresponsible excuse . These people have been in Gambian polictics for 30 years and still they don’t know that poverty and inpunity needs to end in the country . It is not only disappointing but it is also outright incomprehensible for men of this political standing to give such an excuse. As a political party , they should be able to multitask as we face many issues as a country . This is why I believe these people are as confusing as demented old folks who believe that 19 th century will remove jammeh. If they can not delegate and shares responsibility , what type of leadership is that , a dictatorship ? As an independent , this is what turn me off from them sometimes . Pdois should have known our problems long time ago . But a leadership based on 19 th century ideas is not going to work on this era . I believe they mean well for our country and work hard to help alliviate sufferings but they approach and lack of flexibility is not helping our cause . Politics is all about compromise , otherwise we can simply leave Jammeh to continue his killings and oppression . Halifa and Seedia should encourage new leadership in their party who will come up with new political strategies to win the confident of the people . They need androgen now since testosterone has not been working for us . I think Cordeg did right move to invite every one including the comedian Amat bah who is another spoiler and lack understanding of politics .
It remains to be seem what a disorganized political parties can do to unseat jammeh. I believe all options should be on the table including military option or engagement of our beautiful women to rescue our country . My hopes are on our women either politically or any extraordinary power they have . I am sure they are our best chance . Thanks to powerful and intelligent nature of women , Nigeria was rescue from the clutches of dictatorship . We can do the same .
Lafia…I concede…I got the unity bit wrong…Thanks for pointing that out…
Bax, you always get it wrong and on everything. I did not rectify this for your sake but for the sake of the readership who deserves not to be deceived or given false hopes.
Fatu Radio was on fire over PDOIS last night, wasn’t it??? It was yet another confirmation that not only Lafia Touray la Manju has serious reservations about pdois and their purported intention to coalesce with other parties. My personal take is that pdois is not interested in a coalition but are not brave enough to say this loud and clear for all to hear.
Many thanks
How I wish all those venom spitting commentators can go back to the Gambia and contribute even for the rest of 2015 in bringing the unity to reality.
We have all ran away from the country and enjoying the freedom of the west when no one is willing to sacrifice even a day’s paycheck for the Gambia.
Pdois had been sacrificing all their life for 28 years for the country. This is their position and they have made it clear. If you feel they are not delivering, go back and play your part as a citizen and stop waiting for others to do the job for you.
All are blaming the local politicians for lack of unity. How many organization are there in the diaspora??? How many??? Why can’t they come together with only 1 as the sole Gambian diaspora organization. At least you are all free from all the obstacles that the home parties are dealing with. Even a mere demonstration how many gambians attend it. Please the job belongs to all of us. Let us stop pointing fingers and look at ourselves as the cause of our predicament as Gambians. Senegal, Burkina, and all our neighbors do their changes. They are all citizen driven and they don’t wait for the politicians.
Go back home and set up your own party and make a difference. The entrapped Gambians want change. If you feel you are up to the task, the door is open.
To whom the cap fits, let him wear it.
It is often said that when a person is in an emotional state of mind, whether positive or negative emotions, it is better for such a person to hold themselves until they regain their normal self…
Because adrenaline charged emotions, like intoxicants, can cloud judgement and debilitate a person’s ability to rational thinking…
Unfortunately, this discussion, as it concerns PDOIS and Halifa (in particular, as Secretary General of PDOIS), has once again fallen into the same realm of the familiar emotional driven discussions, where the same “old age” vitriol and venom is directed at PDOIS and it’s leadership, without any just cause….And I will explain why I think so…
First, allow me to make the following observation….
There is no doubt that the diaspora groups and individuals can play a significant role in the struggle to end Jammeh’s madness and establish a sensible system of government, based on the rule of law and established standards…
But to achieve or play this role, the groups, in particular, including CORDEG, which pretends to represent all but actually represents none except itself, must clearly define their role (s), spell out their objectives and map out how they want to accomplish their objectives, in order to complement the efforts of the opposition, rather than attempt to direct the initiative for the opposition or portray such an impression…
It is only then, in my view, that the two groups (opposition and diaspora) can form the sort of complementary partnership that can be mutually beneficial to both and the country and advance the cause smoothly, or as smoothly as possible…
CORDEG we all know, resulted from the Raleigh Conference and has the task, among many, of bringing all diaspora groups under one umbrella…Has CORDEG achieved this task yet..? The answer is obviously an emphatic, NO…
Moreover, having failed to achieve what is perhaps the easiest of its tasks, having lost the mandate and confidence of the conference that “elected” it (we all remember the accusations of jockeying for positions) and facing questions of legitimacy, as its dissolution has long been called by the people who created it, is CORDEG in any position to do what it just did…?
Should PDOIS or any party for that matter, be criticised for failing to spend resources to travel thousands of miles (I guess the meeting was in USA….forgive my ignorance if I’m wrong) to attend what turned out to be a mere “brain storming” session..?
Isn’t it an irony that while some people do not hesitate to berate PDOIS for conducting “village to village” tours, to gauge the people’s reactions to their policies; claiming that PDOIS should have known these after 20 years or so (as if human needs are static and don’t evolve with time), they have no such criticism of CORDEG, for convening a “brain storming ” session, as if we don’t already know what needs doing, after 20 years of dealing with it…I find this to be an inconsistent attitude and behaviour, but not surprised by it at all….
Continued next post…..
I have looked at the facts before us and have, once again, agreed with the position of PDOIS and therefore, firmly believe that all the euphoric bashing of that party, is UNJUSTIFIED….and here’s how….
Let me first observe that human beings have the capacity, if only we employ it, to independently, logically and rationally analyse any situation, examine the evidence/facts, consider the circumstances surrounding any particular situation, in order to arrive at a logical and rational conclusion…Many have not done that here..
What are the facts before us..? The facts are that there are three entities relevant for consideration in this situation….
(1)…The APRC (being the ruling party);
(2)…The opposition;
(3)…CORDEG;
What is/are the circumstances…? The circumstances surrounding this situation is the efforts to (1)… form an opposition alliance to challenge the APRC … (2)…devise a common platform to enter into negotiation(s) with the APRC for electoral reform and (3)…the existence of an entity (CORDEG) that is considered as a dissident group by one.of the entities and perhaps , the most influential one because it is in government (APRC)..
It needs to be pointed out that regardless of our perception of the APRC, it is a key player in the democratic process, particularly with regards to electoral reform… It also has control over the most effective opinion shaping medium (GRTS) and can dictate the narrative of any given situation, as it pleases..
Now, let’s consider the following. …
(1)…The opposition needs the APRC to effect electoral reform;
( 2 )…The APRC considers CORDEG an illegitimate dissident group, controlled by the West, and will probably never work with it;
( 3)…CORDEG, unlike Sub-Regional, Regional or International Bodies, has NO influence over the APRC Government…
Given the above considerations, how does the association of the opposition with CORDEG benefit their cause for achieving democratic change in The Gambia..?
Given that there is nothing their association with CORDEG can achieve that they can’t achieve without CORDEG, can anybody see why it is in the opposition’s interest to steer clear of CORDEG..?
The APRC cannot only refuse to work with the opposition for electoral reform, but it can also use public media to portray the opposition as puppets of the West, because they are being directed by a dissident group that is funded by the West…Not necessarily true but it is one that will stick for a long time….
This is an all too familiar tactic that PDOIS was a victim of in the first Republic…The PPP’s stigmatising of PDOIS as the socialist that want to take your second wife if you have two; take your second car, home, etc, if you have more than one, wasn’t true but it stuck…and you can still find some repeating that today…
It is for these reasons that I think PDOIS is right to avoid CORDEG and I hope their partners will also steer clear of CORDEG and concentrate their efforts internally….The criticism against PDOIS is therefore not justified…
Bax, nobody here expects you to have any thing different. You got it all from Halifa’s dismissive play book.
We have heard and seen it all before. So no surprise there buddy.
Thanks
Bax, you & anybody else are within your & their rights to equally criticize & analyse CORDEG or anybody else when you feel something abnormally wrong or out of place… CORDEG as an organization, have been & will continue to be criticized just like PDOIS but that doesn’t exterminate/invalidate the mandate given to them when instituted despite criticisms, until another gathering is converged/convened for change & replacement of mandates… What PDOIS should’ve done is to attend the meetings or at least one, opine their stances on issues of concerns to be inculcated, if they are to be true to the collective endeavours to convince all that theirs aren’t selfish introverts bent on manipulative manoeuvres for party gains first above collective Gambian interest; & can even claim for refunds of bills incurred for attendance which I believe won’t be a problem…. The widely acclaimed suggested negotiations between opposition & the devil & advocates are a non-starter, for APRC won’t entertain much more be party to what’s literally going to spell doom for them for they have no place in democratic dispensation & they stand to loose all…. The best possible way forward is for all to give up bit of grounds, to move & meet in the center ground for an unified opposition which neither APRC nor their murderous kanilai slave master devil will have influence/impact over… But PDOIS will never be party to because mighty Halifa ‘knows better than all & wants all, & can only be party to what & wherever he must dictate & dominate all to selfish egocentrism gains’…. I for one thought & use to believe Halifa was better than this..??? I for one have an open mind, don’t belong to any party politically & won’t hesitate to critique any including CORDEG & rest of organizations when I see it necessary. Please let PDOIS come clean in the open & prove to all that in fact we’ve been unfairly unreasonable in our criticism, that they are true community & country liberators as incumbent, required & asked of them; I will be if not first, among the first to apologize to PDOIS & supporters… But until then the ball is in PDOIS’ court to convince all that they are truly patriotic to the common good as they pretend about in the utterances but showing differently in actions… Particular this reasons advanced for unwillingness is quite distasteful to say the least…. I hope God broaden our individualistic visions towards the greater community first rather than individualistic gains… God help & bless Gambia; Ameen.
Bajaw…
I do respect your opinion and style but I’m afraid,
not only have you again failed to provide genuine reasons for your criticism of PDOIS, you have left me completely confused on what options of change you support…
First, I want to disagree with you on the very fist point you made in your opening, that…:
“CORDEG as an organization, have been & will continue to be criticized just like PDOIS…. but (that doesn’t exterminate/invalidate the mandate given to them ……”)
I agree that criticism of national bodies must continue and that criticism alone does not invalidate mandate…But my observation about CORDEG facing legitimacy issues is not based on mere criticism….
It is based on the fact that, soon after the Raleigh Conference, the online media was inundated with expressions of..
(1) dissatisfaction and a lack of confidence in the voting process;
(2) suspicions in the composition of Cordeg, as a result of jockeying for positions , and…
(3) an almost instantaneous cry for Cordeg to be dissolved….
And this was coming from a cross section of the diaspora, some of whom were delegates at the conference and may have voted….If these fail to raise questions of legitimacy in anyone’s mind, then I don’t know what will…
“What PDOIS should’ve done is to attend the meetings or at least one, opine their stances on issues of concerns to be inculcated……”
This is a matter of opinion and.you are entitled to your opinion…But this below is simply outrageous. ..
” if they are to be true to the collective endeavours to convince all that theirs aren’t selfish introverts bent on manipulative manoeuvres for party gains first above collective Gambian interest;”
How do you connect and explain the absence of PDOIS at this meeting with what you wrote above..? I really will want to know, especially when PDOIS is involved in.so much sensitisation work, to equip the real tools of change, the people, with the information and knowledge they need to take that next vital step…As well as negotiations with other parties for electoral reform….
And this is where you left completely confused about where you stand….because you sound like Deyda Haidara here….
“The widely acclaimed suggested negotiations between opposition & the devil & advocates are a non-starter, for APRC won’t entertain much more be party to what’s literally going to spell doom for them for they have no place in democratic dispensation & they stand to loose all….”
If this is your attitude, then why does it matter to you whether PDOIS attends this meeting or not.? Remember this was all.about the democratic option…unless I’m wrong, and the military option was also being considered…
Lafia…
Provide your argument…For example, tell us how PDOIS’ absence from this “brain storming ” session is going to hinder the efforts of the opposition to negotiate electoral reform with the APRC or forming an opposition alliance…..
Or how their presence would have facilitated the same..? Let’s here what you or anyone have to say about that…
By the way, enjoy your little Victory…
Bax, I think you are wrong in your statements:
“given that there is nothing their association with Cordeg can achieve that they can’t achieve without Cordeg, can anybody see why it is in the oppositions interest to steer clear of Cordeg?”
what is your evidence to indicate that oppositions association with Cordeg can’t achieve nothing?
Cordeg has influence in diaspora which is important economic base for our country . Cordeg is ready to work with oppositions on the ground to help fund raising and other financial assistance that the oppositions will need to effectively challege dictator Jammeh . Bax, you are simply prejudging their efforts just like you asked irrelevant question that “state house attackers should have consulted relevant stakeholders”? What kind of thinking is that? Cordeg is interested in working with all political parties and pdois gave a lame excuses for not attending the meeting where they can formulate plans and programs for effective coalition, now you categorized that as waste of time and just brainstorming. Can PDOIS alone bring effective political change? The biggest influence on this government is not how many articles written by Halifa but is the pressure put on this government through the advocacy of diaspora at international level on Gambian plight. It is through diaspora exposure of crimes and other human rights violations in the country that international community and governments are aware of Jammeh’s human rights abuses and atrocities. So for you to underestimate or belittle their efforts or influence is misplaced and outright false. If this is mindset of pdois leadership then they are not real with Gambian people because they alone cannot bring any effective political change. Looking at Ghana today, their success in establishing democracy came through the help of diasporan organizations which came together and called the oppositions leaders to USA and Europe , where they sat with them and formulated plans and strategies of how to end dictatorship in their country . This is exactly what Cordeg is doing . Ghanians diaspora engaged local politicians and emphasized that they ( diaspora ) are not interested in presidency , they want geniune democracy .
Bax , no matter what you think Cordeg or UDP , Jammeh will always continue to think that they are foreign funded and backed , so your argument of what aprc think is another distraction because aprc is after their political interest likewise Jammeh or any political party . Cordeg and The oppositions should focus on how to end dictatorship not what the regime is thinking. Politics is about being smart to convince people to support your ideas and it is also act of compromise. This is why we describe Jammeh as an idiotic dictator because of his lack of compromise and listening to other people’s ideas. pdois should be able to multitask and assign responsibilities to other members, in this case they should have delegated mr Kah since the leadership is engage in village to village meetings. That is the main point. Gambian people needs pragmatic leader who is willing to compromise and negotiate on their behalf and I think Cordeg has started this process, we should continue to give them chance to work with all political parties if we want change of government through political means. PDOIS alone has zero chance to change the current system simply because they don’t have the support base and political strategy to do that.
Maxs…..
If we are to avoid engaging each other just for the sake of it, then we must clearly understand what the other person is saying before we express our disagreement… Otherwise, we might just make ourselves look like a joke..
It gets even worse if, relying on our misunderstanding of what someone has stated, we proceed to accuse them of falsehood….That is very bad and unwarranted…
Here’s what I stated. … ” Given that there is nothing their association with Cordeg can achieve that they can’t achieve without Cordeg, can anybody see why it is in the opposition’s interest to steer clear of Cordeg..?.
Here’s how you conveyed how you misunderstood the point I made…..”What is your evidence to indicate that oppositions association with Cordeg can’t achieve nothing? ”
Seriously Maxs, is this what I stated…? Did I state that the opposition’s association with Cordeg can’t achieve anything..? (nothing)
It is quite clear that what is being stated is that… “indeed the opposition can achieve things with Cordeg, BUT they can also achieve things WITHOUT CORDEG…..”
Moreover, if you had read and understood my post thoroughly, you would have seen where I stated very clearly that , ” the two groups (opposition and diaspora) can form the sort of complementary partnership that can be mutually beneficial to both and the country and advance the cause smoothly, or as smoothly as possible..”
Since the entirety of your subsequent argument, concerning the opposition and Cordeg, is based on this misunderstanding, I don’t think I need to waste space and time to respond to it….However, there are a couple of things I need to address here….
” Bax, you are simply prejudging their efforts just like you asked irrelevant question that……(. “state house attackers should have consulted relevant stakeholders”?) ”
You made the above quotation and attributed it to me, but I don’t remember making that at all…What would.have been appropriate was to give the context, if possible, by quoting the whole paragraph where that quotation was taken from..But to “pick out” a single statement, if indeed it is from my comment, and use it to make a point, is very unhelpful, to put it nicely…So I expect you to give the context if you do want to respond….
Finally, your query as to.why PDOIS did not delegate Mr Malick Kah to this meeting is a genuine one, but unfortunately, directed to the wrong person, if you’re asking me….I think you should engage the PDOIS…..I remember Mr Suwaibou Touray (PDOIS Admin.Sec.) mentioning something about engaging people on pertinent issues on social media…So may be you should try that avenue to get the facts and not speculation…
One thing we are not hearing is Malick kah and CORDEG’s side of the story.Let them speak up!!
PDOIS SAYS MALICK KAH DOES NOT REPRESENT THEM AND WHY DID CORDG DID THE MISREPRESENTATION?
Well maybe the question should be ‘why did Malick Kah present himself in the meeting as pdois European representative???’ How is that John????
How did you know Mr Kah’s position at the meeting, since he hasn’t said anything yet, as far as we know..?
Did he present himself as PDOIS Rep. Or was he misrepresented…? That’s another question that should be asked..
Thank you Bax for your respond, I think You have every rights to respond or not to respond to my challenge/ questions to your statements . I also have every rights in this forum to respond to any statement and I stand to be corrected if I make any misleading statement .
here is what you said ;
“Given that there is nothing their association with Cordeg can achieve that they can’t achieve without Cordeg, can anybody see why it is in the opposition’s interest to steer clear of Cordeg ?”
Bax, the quotation above has a conditional statement and also a question. You have given the conditional statement that is ” given that there is nothing their association with Cordeg can achieve that they can’t achieve without Cordeg ” and the other part of your quote is a question which you used to link your conditional statement above , that is “can anybody see why it is in the opposition’s interest to steer clear of Cordeg ?
I think the interpretation of above quotation is that you implied that the opposition can or cannot achieve success with or without Cordeg . The key word is “nothing” their association with Cordeg can achieve and the another key word is “can’t ” achieve without Cordeg . This is where I think you implied that the opposition association with Cordeg can’t achieve nothing . Why do you asked that “can anybody see why it is in the oppositions interest to steer clear of Cordeg “? If you do not imply that their association with cordeg can’t achieve nothing . Please answer.
I challenged you with this question;
Bax , ” what is your evidence to indicate that oppositions association with cordeg can’t achieve nothing?” This question was a result of my interpretation of your quote.
you need to be clear and concise so that readers can understand your statement without you accusing people to misunderstand your statements
Another point where I stated that you are prejudging their efforts was ;
” Bax , you are simply prejudging their efforts like you asked irrelevant question that ( state house attackers should have consulted relevant stakeholders) “.
Here is what you said in commentary on the subject : “The Diaspora Trifecta ” by Abdul savage ;
Bax :” In any case, the fact that an entire government was formed and in waiting , even before any consultations with various stakeholders was conducted , does seem to suggest that the aftermath could have been problematic had they succeeded in removing jammeh”‘ ‘
Following the above quote, I challenged you with the following questions ;
Maxs; “what evidence do you have that seem to suggest that aftermath would be problematic if they succeed? Did Jammeh make any consultation with so called stakeholders prior to his coup ?”
Bax , you have never answer the above questions till this day . I suggested in the same article that you were making speculation with regards to the above statements.
I think you are doing the same thing here when you implied that oppositions association with cordeg can’t achieve nothing based on my interpretation. Readers can make their own judgement whether I am stating the facts as to why you engaging in prejudging or speculation. As I said we need to be Clear and concise in our writing so that the objective of our statement can be understood. I just want to have clarity and concise statements .
As for your referral to my statement, that pdois should have delegated mr Kah to that meeting , they need to explain why they didn’t do that and why they are not able to multitask . I hope they come forward to explain to readers why they didn’t .
I am here to learn from others and I think if I see any ambiguity in any statement i will challenge to seek clarification. Thank you
Maxs…
Here are.two statements….I want you to consider them and then answer the questions below…
(1)…As a footballer, there is nothing Maxs can achieve with Liverpool….;(FULL STOP )
(2)…As a footballer, there is nothing Maxs can achieve with Liverpool that he can’t achieve without Liverpool….
(A)…Do these statements convey the same message / information. ..?
(B)…How do you understand question (1)…?
(C)…How do you understand question (2)..?
Why did I ask the question, “Does anyone see why it is in the opposition’s interest to steer clear of Cordeg…?”
Well, contrary to how you understand the relation of the question to the statements, what I was implying here is that Cordeg has a baggage and that, as far as electoral reform and alliance building is concerned, makes them “toxic” in the eyes of a.key partner and that may undermine any negotiations. ..
Therefore, in my view, it was in the interest of the opposition that they steer clear of Cordeg, until they finalise and achieve their aims…It is not because they can’t achieve anything by their association…
“Bax :” In any case, the fact that an entire government was formed and in waiting , even before any consultations with various stakeholders was conducted , does seem to suggest that the aftermath could have been problematic had they succeeded in removing jammeh”‘
Maxs….. ” Bax , you are simply prejudging their efforts like you asked irrelevant question that ( state house attackers should have consulted relevant stakeholders) “.
Comment. ..It is.quite clear that the statement that you attributed to me is not from me, even though words were placed in quotation marks, giving the impression that they were my real words…Nor did.I convey the sense you are portraying here…
Whilst my comment referred to the entirety of the movement, including fighters and civilians, yours.refers.to only the military wing (attackers).
Moreover, what I was saying here is that the formation of the government could have been delayed until Jammeh is removed…Then consultation could take place between all stake holders to form a National Unity Government…
And that because this didn’t happen, the possibility of a challenging and problematic aftermath was a real one….And you asked how..? Isn’t it obvious, Max…
How do you think the politicians, civil society groups, opinion leaders and others will react when a government made up exclusively of the diaspora, some.of whom have not set foot in The Gambia for 3 decades, is imposed on them..?
What about the population when the reign of terror is suddenly gone and politicians or civil activists start to bicker and ” fight ” with the new government…?
What about subdued Jammeh loyalist, who may have access to secret weapons caches around the country.? Only a government of National Unity can avert such a problematic scenario…
Finally, in as much as I agree that we need to be “clear and concise”, I must point out that communication is a two dimensional process…We must always endeavour to seek clarification if we are not sure of anything…That. way, we avoid confusion and misrepresentation, as we are learning because English is not our first language…
Maxs:
“As for your referral to my statement, that pdois should have delegated mr Kah to that meeting , they need to explain why they didn’t do that and why they are not able to multitask . I hope they come forward to explain to readers why they didn’t .”
Maxs, Halifa in his write up said CORDEG’s Saine contacted the PDOIS Central Committee and he was told that the party cannot engage in any such negotiation for now because they have a programme of village to village tour to sound the opinion of the people as to how they would want PDOIS to end impunity etc, as well as hold a congress.
The problem here is that you may not know how PDOIS as a party operates as a principled based party. A party that obeys its own constitution cannot enter into negotiation with another party without having mandate from their congress. The Central Committee is answerable to the Congress and the general membership of the party.
Lafia said Ousainou Darbo has such a mandate from the UDP since 2010 that he can enter into negotiations with anybody on alliances etc. Well that’s precisely what PDOIS is saying, they need a mandate from their congress. And you do not seem to recognize and or respect that.
Halifa is saying their Central Committee and him in particular have no such mandate yet until after the congress.
If CORDEG officials have any clue how a principled party works, they would have understood right away that PDOIS is waiting for their congress to get endorsement before they could attend any such negotiation. They could asked Halifa when the congress would be held and see if they could wait for that time or not.
But what they have done was to seek the participation of someone at the back of the leadership when it was clear to them that the leadership cannot attend but because they have an ulterior motive to put PDOIS in their meeting, they decided to engage a supporter to fill that gap for their records to earn credibility and what have you. Crude indeed!
Can you imagine if a non official of CORDEG attends a meeting without the knowledge of the officials of CORDEG and that is published as true representation? How would CORDEG see it?
The other side of the coin is that Halifa or the Central Committee have no mandate to engage in any negotiation regarding alliances without the Congress giving it the blessing. Let me say that they dared not do any such a thing. There has to be a congress that would come up with a resolution on all these issues.
Do we even know what the PDOIS constitution say regarding the holding of a congress? Halifa is telling us that they cannot get into anything before holding a congress but you still don’t get the message because you have no clue what principles are all about. You are the same people who insinuate that Halifa is PDOIS but PDOIS is telling you that Halifa has no such mandate, let alone a supporter.
Let it be clear that there are two main types of political parties: 1.Brokerage politics, such are opportunist parties that base their decisions not on sound policy but on the outcome of polls and the demands of interest groups. They are also described as Brief case politicians. 2.Principle politics, is where a party consults with the constituents, being respectful of and tempered by their opinions, but reserve the right to fulfill the responsibility of exercising their own judgment in the public interest.
Someone said this opinions expressed may not have any influence on Halifa or PDOIS, that may not be entirely true because Halifa and Committee take cognizance of public opinion but it must be understood that governing by opinion polls alone is not effective leadership because effective leadership comes from individuals who have the strength to weather political storms and do not waver in the face of conflicting opinion when they know that their decision is right and serves the public interest.
“Real Leadership does not defer judgment to opinion,” Ian McCelland.
Thanks
Bax, you have once again disowned your statements written on the subject headline “Diaspora Trifecta” by Abdul savage which was published on February 14th. I would like to refer you back once again to this statements below in the commentaries:
Bax: “in any case, the fact that an entire government was formed and in waiting, even before any consultation with various stakeholders were conducted , does seem to suggest the aftermath could have been problematic had they succeeded in removing Jammeh “.
Bax, the above statement was exactly written by you in your last posting under the above topic in discussion, so it is very unfortunate that you denied your own statement.
As for your description of Cordeg ” has a baggage and that, as far as electoral reform and alliance building is concerned, makes them toxic in the eyes of a key partner and that may undermine any negotiations ” , I think this is unfair characterization. Here is why; there is no perfect organization in any political process especially when you are advocating for democracy and I think leadership of Cordeg has every credentials and support base to carry out their mandate. Looking at establishment of democracy in many countries, there are always different groups with different interest but what is important is the common desire to build stable and democratic Country. This is why pdois likewise other political parties needs to be flexible and give away some of their positions in order to get rid of dictatorship. Example of this happened in Senegal which resulted to Wade and Macky Sall presidency. Talking of toxicity of Cordeg, one can also argue that all these political parties has some degree of toxicity in terms of leadership positions, therefore the negative thinking of Cordeg being toxic doesn’t help us. We have to be open-minded and work on positive things they offer, at the time provide positive ideas to improve Cordeg. All these political parties have been doing the same thing for 8 years without any positive result and you pointed fingers at Cordeg being toxic, is really misplaced. What makes Cordeg toxic and has baggage that is different from other political parties/organization? If your answer is about the fight over leadership position, I think you need to realize that there are some individuals who are only interested in leadership positions only for their personal interest. This is exactly our main problem why the oppositions cannot achieve successful alliance. This is evidence by having the same leadership in each political party for 20 years. Cordeg is not interested in presidency and I think you needs to understand that. They want democratic republic of the Gambia.
Yerro ba, are you implying that pdois as a political party should consult with people every time there is need for talk or negotiation with other parties or interest groups by holding congress or village tour? If this is the case, why there are representatives of the party when they have to consult people or hold congress on every possible decision. Where on the earth do you see that kind of political leadership? They are selected leaders who should use their judgement in the best interest of the country and their party. This is why we have leadership. Holding congress is about the plans, programs and leadership selection or things that has to do with internal party affairs. So you also implying that once PDOIS comes to power, they should be holding congress about their engagement with other countries? It is representatives of pdois who should be engaging people in their respective districts about programes and policies and ask the opinion of the people what they want in the government or political party. The central committee should be able to decide what is best for the party after getting mandate from the people and from time to time seek general opinion of the people. Again you have not explain the reason why they fail to delegate Mr Kah. Being able to multitask and shared responsibility is the hallmark of democracy but micromanaging every decision is dictatorship. I understand how you explained the internal running of their party.
Quote Maxs….”So you also implying that once PDOIS comes to power, they should be holding congress about their engagement with other countries?”
Comment….Sometimes, I think you just argue for the sake of argument….Would a government lead by PDOIS by bound by the PDOIS Constitution or the National Constitution.?
Yerro Ba, PDOIS press release only mentioned village to village meeting to showcase their programs of how to end poverty and impunity, it did not mention whether they will ask people about their opinion of sending delegate to Cordeg meeting and didn’t mention holding congress in order to make decision on negotiations. If central committee cannot make any decisions without holding congress, which enable their members to express their constitutional rights then what is the need to have such a committee?
As a socialist party , I know it is principled based , free discussion and idealogy driven are the hallmark of the party but flexibility is what we need now so that effective alliance can be formed . Yet I do not understand why they didnt send any delegate or responsible party member to this meeting .
Yerro Ba, “PDOIS press release only mentioned village to village meeting to showcase their programs of how to end poverty and impunity, it did not mention whether they will ask people about their opinion of sending delegate to Cordeg meeting and didn’t mention holding congress in order to make decision on negotiations. If central committee cannot make any decisions without holding congress, which enable their members to express their constitutional rights then what is the need to have such a committee?”
Maxs: I think what is happening to you is simply this, that you are aware of your own agenda that you cannot or would not recognize let alone accept any other strategy. What i am saying is that PDOIS has an agenda which it has explained to everybody who wants to hear it and it is put in the public space. This is called Agenda 2016, which entails the building of PDOIS as a party as well as PDOIS relation with other stakeholders. This Agenda must be validated by the Congress.
Read the 2 options outlined in the PDOIS Agenda 2016 below on strategy.
2 THE OPTIONS
“The strategic options are twofold. There may or may not be credible electoral reform. If there is credible electoral reform, the second round of voting would be restored, if no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the votes cast in the first round.
In such a case the country would need strong opposition parties on the ground that would put up strong candidates, who would deprive the incumbent of the 50 plus percent majority in the first round and form an alliance in the second round.
On the other hand if there is no credible reform, we would still need very strong opposition parties to come together to form an alliance and file one candidate against the incumbent.
Both options require the strengthening of opposition parties on the ground. This is why PDOIS came up with Two Tactics as a way forward.
2.3 FIRST TACTIC
PDOIS calls for all political parties to go on the ground to build their base and select their presidential candidates before the end of 2014. If there is electoral reform, they could put up their candidates to deprive the incumbent of the majority required to win in the first round, and form an alliance in the second round as has happened in Senegal.
2.4 SECOND TACTIC
PDOIS proposes that if there is no credible electoral reform, the opposition presidential candidates and their committees should meet to agree on the modalities of selecting one candidate in 2015 to face the incumbent in 2016.”
I am saying since i am following the PDOIS Programme i am in the know that these strategies and tactics must be approved by the Congress before the party could engage in negotiations to implement them. Whether we know it or not the party must catch up with time. As you said Time is of the essence.
Yerro ba: “are you implying that pdois as a political party should consult with people every time there is need for talk or negotiation with other parties or interest groups by holding congress or village tour? If this is the case, why there are representatives of the party when they have to consult people or hold congress on every possible decision.”
No, i am not implying that but i am saying in this particular instance, it will be very difficult for PDOIS to maneuver to hold talks on UNITY because they have already informed their members that the issue of unity is an agenda at their Congress. And as i said the touring of the villages, etc is an integral part of the whole agenda to know what people think before its sold to the congress for approval. If people are to think in the same direction with a view to arriving at a solution i think all have to be informed equally. Is that difficult for you to understand? My opinion is CORDEG could simply ask Halifa when he thinks the Congress would take place and see if they could wait for that or go ahead without PDOIS but to go behind them to include them in something knowing fully well that they did not want to be involved at that stage apears sinister to me.
Secondly, the Presidential Candidate of PDOIS who should negotiate with other candidates according to the Agenda cannot be selected by the Central Committee but by the Congress, so there must be Congress to do that as well as to come up with resolutions on all major issues especially on STRATEGIES and TACTICS. So whether it is mentioned in Halifa’s latest write up or not, as a follower of events especially in Kaironewsonline, you should be offay with certain issues to help you to arrive at certain conclusions in public discussions. I think you can now see the interconnections being referred to.
Halifa told you that PDOIS is already working with 5 other political parties on the ground on ELECTORAL REFORM and they have already completed the document ready for signing. How can you then come again and accuse them of not wanting to work with parties to bring about change. If i were you, i would reject any such notion knowing that PDOIS has been in the NADD and the UNITED FRONT and was ready to invest heavily to attain the objectives. In my opinion PDOIS has to hold a Congress to put it’s house in order as suggested by many of us in this forum if they are not to be indicted by their members.
Finally, as they put their house in order, i am sure their congress will have clearly defined roles for their committees to avoid anyone misrepresenting them in the future.
“Holding congress is about the plans, programs and leadership selection or things that has to do with internal party affairs. So you also implying that once PDOIS comes to power, they should be holding congress about their engagement with other countries?”
Mark you, no two parties are the same. Lafia said UDP has mandated Ousainou Darbo to negotiate with anybody at any time the issue of unity since 2010. PDOIS did not give any such mandate to anybody to do the same. But if the PDOIS CC or possible presidential candidate wants to get such a mandate, they should go to Congress and seek for it, as a matter of principle.
Hello! The CC is answerable to the Congress on what plans and programs to implement and the Congress must approve what plans the CC intends to pursue regarding its approach to Alliance building before the CC can even delegate someone to represent them in talks at this stage. Unity talks are both internal and external matter.
Strategies regarding relations between the PDOIS and other parties or international organizations should be endorsed by the Congress but PDOIS government’s foreign policy should be approved by the Parliament. This is why PDOIS criticized Jammeh when he withdrew the country from the Common wealth of nations without the parliament approving or sanctioning the action.
Thanks
Yerro, see how critiquing & criticisms are not about futilely “venom spilling” only but about thought provoking & can help motivation & make one improve upon strategies or even manoeuvres in one’s favour…. We have again been issued some colourful “white-paper” Promise but I hope there aren’t no last-minute foot-dragger summersaulting gimmicks…. Buying time with purposely timed Congresses & tactically hiding behind the ‘impurified’ tainted Constitution which favours Halifa, barring OJ & Ousainou age wise, who are the most vibrant amongst the rest of current opposition opponents; as all know evil murderous yaya devil jammeh & advocates will rather die than accept the proposed changes, which will certainly impact in Halifa & mighty PDOIS’s favours….. It shouldn’t, doesn’t & never mattered; I for one I’m in for salvaging the motherland FIRST from the tyrannical murderous syndicate, & under a democracy which doesn’t matter whether under Halifa, OJ, Ousainou or anyone else…. All Gambians CAN’T afford or tolerate again is, another opposition infighting at each other’s throats, on the very last minute when we are promised an Option-B merger for way forward… Everything is now on record & time is the witness…God helps & bless the collective endeavour to salvage Gambia; Ameen.
Bax , I don’t argue for the sake of argument. When PDOIS comes to power , the foreign policy of the country will be influence by the pdois foreign with the approval of National Assembly. So it is fair to ask if congress should be held in every possible decision since central committee cannot independently determine any decision. The reason why I ask the question is because things can come up which are not in the pdois plans , policy or programs before they come to power , so in that case will they be holding congress to determine their members opinions and later put those proposals to the national assembly which will use the national constitution to approve or disapprove their proposals.
Maxs:”The reason why I ask the question is because things can come up which are not in the pdois plans , policy or programs before they come to power , so in that case will they be holding congress to determine their members opinions and later put those proposals to the national assembly which will use the national constitution to approve or disapprove their proposals.”
Your answer is if anything comes urgently which is not part of the party’s plans, programs etc and is extremely important which must be approved by the Congress, there is always room to convey an extraordinary congress or an emergency congress to deal with that urgent situation. That’s how all progressive parties work any where in the world whether in government or outside government.