UDP’s People Engagement Advances

kafuta
Lawyer Ousainou Darboe:  UDP means business!

The United Democratic Party has been conducting ‘intensive engagement’ with the wider Gambian public over the past months. The Party have lined up a series of rallies in towns and villages, re-energising the spirit of dialogue and political militancy within the oppressed Gambian masses.

The successes from the nationwide tour, the regional tour of LRR, Kombo and the rally in Serrekunda propel the party to conduct further outreach meetings in major settlements in Kombo.

The party embarked on four major rallies in Brufut, Gunjur, Lamin and Sukuta in the month of September. These four rallies demonstrated the hunger within the Gambian public to hear the burning issues and exchange common viewpoints on the reoccurring hardship suffocating everyone. The rallies accorded the party the opportunity to deliver far-reaching messages of the need to end the tyranny and dictatorship once and for all in a peaceful and democratic manner.

The messages centred on voter apathy, unregistered masses, and registered masses who refuse to participate in the democratic process. The dialogue with the people energised the voters and the campaign now is to encourage Gambians not to be disenfranchised or ignore the constrained public space.

All the hardships and undemocratic dispensations is chiefly as a result of disenfranchised voters, both at home and aboard. Gambian people the UDP believe can take courageous stance and take their country back.

On the backdrop of those four rallies, the UDP has last weekend, the 18th of October held a rally in Kombo Kafuta, which was also a success. The villagers were very delighted and they appreciate the open public engagements. More villages are requesting the UDP visit them and conduct meetings there. The desire to bring back the spirit of unrestricted multi-party democracy is gaining momentum. The party will continue to engage the people, listen to them and share common ideas of moving the country forward, freeing it from bondage and dictatorship.

The UDP will hold further  rallies in the following venues:

Mandinaring (Sunday the 25th of October)

Busumbala (Sunday the 01 of November)

Tanje (Sunday the 08 of November)

 

We urge our militants and Gambians at large to spread the word. As a party, we believe in taking the message to the Gambian people regularly and directly since the vast majority of Gambians have no access to accurate news or modern technology to benefit from internet base online communications.

The UDP will continue to work in tangent with other opposition parties, the civil society, women groups, youth movements, human rights organisations, the international diplomatic corps, the Ecowas, AU to effect lasting solution to the stalled democratisation process which fell on the Gambia since July 1994. Together we can do it.

United Democratic Party

Youth Secretary

Ebrima Solo Sandeng

Press Statement

Ends

37 Comments

  1. Deyda Haidara

    Thank you so much UDP for not waiting for the GRTS to sensitize the electorate.
    I would also urge the UDP to explain to the people during their meetings the 12 points demands of the Electoral reforms signed by the opposition parties and the URGENT NEED to push for the implemention of such reforms by the Government and the APRC for a level playing of our electoral process.
    I hereby make a financial pledge to the UDP for embarking on electoral reform campaign.
    I also encourage other opposition political parties to do the same.
    The diaspora organizations should also mobilize funds for electoral reform campaigns with the electorate.
    ACTION! ACTION! ACTION! is what we need to boot out dictatorship.
    Thank you.

  2. Lafia Touray la Manju

    We will get there, God willing. And if we need a woman candidate, we will ask the women wing of the party to identify a candidate from within themselves or bring their educated daughters for scrutiny. This will ensure that the candidate comes from within the party.

    God bless Lawyer Darboe

  3. It is good idea to get a woman candidate this time . We need a woman who is educated , has national recognition , respect and is willing to fight . UDP is doing job. The emphasis should be placed on level playing field or electoral reforms as well as challenge the election act 2015 amendment . Majority Gambians despise the idiotic dictator. He is a coward who should be captured and try in the courts .
    I hope regular army use extra constitutional means like what happened in Burkina to get his ass out of people’s house and face the courts.

  4. Lafia Touray la Manju

    I am sure UDP can produce that kind of woman either from within the women wing of the party or among their educated daughters.

    OJ’s announced candidate, Fatoumatta Jallow-Tambajang, is not qualified to run as she does not satisfy the residency requirement. Under the constitution, one has to be ordinarily resident in the country for 5yrs. Even with the proposed electoral reform, this rule remains unaffected. She is not UDP anyway, and that means she cannot be supported or endorsed by the UDP.

    UDP policy on coalition is that the candidate must come from within the biggest party in line with international standards. This is not going to change because of OJ’s announced candidate.

    Thanks

  5. Lafia….

    I have no problem with the UDP policy on the candidature of a unified opposition. I think every single party has the right to formulate their own policies and propagate them too..

    The problem I have with your statement is the addition of the words, “in line with international standards”..

    You must have known by now that there is no such thing as an “international standard” in coalition building…Coalitions vary from country to country, depending on the needs of the partners and the political realities of their circumstances .How many times have this got to be drummed into your head ?

    Your continued insistence on the existence of an “international standard” for coalition formation is reminiscent of the proverbial ostrich, that buries its head in the sand to escape reality (may be you will care to tell us who signed up to this international standard and when).

    Another problem I have with you is your inability to see the solution of Gambia ‘s political crisis beyond (the lenses of ) the UDP.

    No doubt, the UDP is a very influential party and has an important role to play, but it can only be a partner to the process of change..It is NOT, and can NEVER be, the owner of that process..

    Unfortunately, the way you talked above is giving that very impression and if that is party policy, then it will be a fair criticism to say that such a policy constitutes the biggest obstacle to effecting meaning changes in The Gambia, through the political process.

    • Deyda Haidara

      Bax in as much as I support and hail the UPD for their relentless efforts of going closer to the electorate, I agree with ALL your points 100%
      Lafia should rethink his thought process in candidate selection.
      He should also espouse inclusion rather than exclusion.
      The ULTIMATE objective of all Gambians is to remove Jammeh first and foremost and then compete fairly on a level playing field where the rules apply to ALL.

  6. Lafia Touray la Manju

    Bax makes me laugh a lot. I urge you to re-visit our previous debates on this, Bax. I have nothing further to add.

    Thanks

  7. Lafia Touray la Manju

    Bax, UDP aspire to be the leading partner I.e the Leader. This is based on the fact that it is the biggest party.

    Thanks

  8. Lafia Touray la Manju

    Hiadara, it’s not my position. It is the universal norm and that is what UDP adopted since 2011 based on the fact that they are the biggest party and therefore has the legitimacy to lead, not own. I am not aware of any changes in party position and this on I don’t think their should be any.

    Now, if your purpose is to get me to advance arguments in support of this position. I advise to re-visit previous debates where I have contributed. We can’t keep saying the same thing over and over. We can only remind people of UDP position as we know it.

    There is nothing wrong for UDP women to choose a female candidate from among themselves or their educated daughters if the lookout is for a woman candidate.

    Thanks

    • Deyda Haidara

      Bax, although I have not witness your previous debates on candidate selection and your parties position on the issue, only GOD knows who will come after Jammeh. The next one can come from the unexpected. Having a president who is not a party militant does not mean that the party would cease to exist. My logic on candidate selection is thus: if candidate A from party B is better positioned than candidate B from party A then we should select candidate A. The reverse is also valid. If candidate C from party C is the best choice then we should support candidate C. Let us remember that presidential elections is based on the individual’s charisma and popularity than the party one belongs to. Take Macky Sall of Senegal as example of the “first round” and you will see what I mean. Here is a guy who’s party was three years old.
      The bottom line in all the above scenarios is to make sure we field the best candidate likely to win than having a rigid policy of me or no one else.
      The Gambia being at crossroads with flawed rules and brutal and a rudeless dictatorship as the power to be, the issue becomes the best scenario possible to unbundle the country from bondage and thereafter level the field for all and sundry to compete on rules that applt to ALL.
      That’s my vision for defeating Jammeh.
      The candidate can be male or female.
      God Bless Lawyer Darboe.

  9. Lafia Touray la Manju

    Oh! I forget to add: God bless Lawyer Darboe.

    Thanks

  10. Deyda Haidara

    I also believe Gambians should be methodoligical in our fight.
    First, we should try to change the electoral laws to a level playing field.
    Second, if we succeed in changing the simple majority rule to 51% second round voting rule, then we donot need to field a single candidate as all will join the “best second” in the second round voting as done in Senegal and elsewhere.
    If the simple majority rule remains the lawful rule then we should try to select the best candidate likely to win in single round rule.
    Method and Logic should guide our actions if we want to succeed in 2016.

  11. Well, at least you have the good sense of humour to laugh…That’s very good.

    There is no need for me to refer back to previous exchanges on the matter..I am very much familiar with your erroneous position on coalitions and primaries and your failed attempts to mix oranges and apples to support your claims.

    The UDP can lead the opposition and I think there is ample evidence to show that the opposition are ready to allow the UDP to lead. You should not try to give the impression that the Gambian opposition is against the idea of UDP leadership of the alliance..

    The major problem is the format by which the UDP wants to lead and those who understand the political system and embedded culture of Gambian politics, do have a lot of sympathy with the position of the opposing camp..(Again, no need for details as much has been said on these).

    But LEADERSHIP, like RESPECT, except in dictatorial systems and entities with dictatorial tendencies, is earned and not imposed and the best way to achieve this is through winning the TRUST and CONFIDENCE of group members..

    Continued….

    • Lafia Touray la Manju

      Bax, what is stopping them from embracing a UDP led alliance if there is ample evidence that pdois is ready to allow UDP to lead. The truth of the matter is that PDOIS is inherently opposed to a UDP led alliance under any circumstance.

      On your so-called selection formula, this is what Lawyer Darboe told Sidia in 2010:

      “I was very direct in presenting the position of UDP on the selection of a candidate for the 2011 presidential race. I reminded Mr. Jatta that a primary which is very central in the Agenda 2011 is conducted amongst aspiring candidates that belong to the same party. Holding of a primary for aspiring candidates from different political parties is bound to create disunity amongst the parties and the whole purpose of creating a formidable united front will be defeated. Since the elections are fast approaching, there may not be enough time to repair any damage that is caused in the process by aspiring candidate trying to win support. Such a situation I said could be exploited by opponents.”

      Kemeseng Jammeh also asked how candidates for National Assembly elections will be elected under Agenda 2011 proposal. Sidia gave a response that was loaded with double standard. This is what he said;

      “—his could be done on the basis of party strength in the constituencies”

      Darboe then asked Sidia; “if one can apply the principle of party strength to selection of National Assembly candidates why not for the selection of a presidential candidate?? Mr. Jatta did not give any direct answer to this enquiry, according to Darboe. Sidia said that for the interest of this country he is flexible but added that “when he said he was flexible he was just stating his personal position and not his party’s.” That raises to the question who within PDOIS is not flexible. I have no doubt that person is Halifa Sallah.

      Thanks

  12. Lafia Touray la Manju

    Oj is bringing in that PPP politics of nepotism into this coalition business by naming his Auntie as a candidate without consulting other party leaders. She is not qualified to run any away.

    If the lookout is for a woman candidate, I urge the UDP women to choose a candidate from within themselves or their educated daughters.

    Thanks

    • Deyda Haidara

      Well Bax, am not mixing apple and oranges, neither am I a political party partisan. In all honesty I have not heard OJ putting forward Fatumata’s candidacy again I am not syaing he did not say it so as you alluded to. I do know that Fatumata was at the UDP standoff at Fass Njaga Choi and that was very honorable of her. In fact my respect for the Lady was born that moment.
      As far as I am concerned I support any opposition to Jammeh and my logic stops at who is the best candidate likely to beat Jammeh. Even if that candidate is an independent candidate I will support him or her.
      As you said if Fatumata is not qualified because of the 5 year residency rule then why is OJ playing with the galery? Just as Lawyer Darboe’s age disqualifies him to run, no UDP militant insist putting forward his candidancy lest we mix apples and oranges.. lol.
      Finally I stand by my logic of candidacy selection in my previous posting and have no time to waste simply because Jammeh is not joking and he has the state machinery at his disposal to impose his will.
      By the way when ever I think of the UDP my mind goes to brother Amadou Sanneh languishing in jail for no just cause whiles we relax in our confort zones drinking tea, chatting, and waging a cyber war of words which do have effect in freeing Amadou or removing Jammeh.
      ACTION, LOGIC and METHOD are the only means available to us and I thank the UDP’s relentless efforts in sensitising the electorate at home.
      God Bless Lawyer Darboe.

  13. Lafia Touray la Manju

    Udp have earned the legitimacy to lead by virtue of being the opposition party that scores the highest number of votes in every election cycle since the birth of the second republic. This is a hard earned price that will never be forfeited or forgone as long as udp remains the biggest opposition party in the country.

    Tell OJ his Auntie, fatoumatta jallow- Tambajang, is not qualified to run. And even if she is qualified, udp will not choose her over udp women and their educated daughters.

    Thanks

    • Deyda Haidara

      Lafia thank GOD you have only vote. I am dis-appointed that you behave exactly like Yaya Jammeh, its your way or noway.
      In all sincerity UDP deserve better members that are open, compassionate and accomodating. Electioneering is about passuasion and not forcing.
      No one knows exactly where one cast its vote in a secret ballot.
      I am done talking to a stone.

  14. Lafia Touray la Manju

    Haidara, don’t give in to the emotional over-simplications that are being floated. This will all come down to the fundamental principles that underpins coalition politics universally whether make or break. The emotional people can freak out as much as they want. The level-headed will continue to keep their cool.

    Thanks

    • Deyda Haidara

      Isn’t sad to realize that opposition vote cast has been going down, down in each election cycle. This is real cause for concern.
      As I said Macky Sall in three years of exixtence beat parties leaders like Tanor Dieng, Mustapha Niass, Idrissa Secka et al.
      Until you accept that presidential elections are about personalities and not parties, you will learn the hard way.
      You are not level headed, instead you are stone headed.
      Change brother, every thing is relative..quote Albert Einstein.

  15. TRUST and CONFIDENCE, on the other hand, is won, not by “throwing your weight around”, but by what you offer and how you offer it..

    Moreover leadership, like “primaries”, is not a ONE DIMENSIONAL CONCEPT and leaders don’t always have to be in the fore front or lead from the front.

    One of the most effective forms of leadership is the concept of “Leading from behind”…Here, the leader is not seen as the boss but as the guide, who is motivated by the paramount interest of the group and provides the environment for each member to equally make the best use of themselves and the available resources for the common good..

    Like a shepherd, he/she allows individual members of the flock (team) to lead but is always there to provide guidance, support and direction.

    The Gambia ‘s political situation is almost unique..It is a situation where the culture of one party dominating everything is readily accepted and nothing it does in government is ever challenged effectively…

    This monopoly of the political and economic system, coupled with the unchallenged and unprecedented levels of abuses, has led to a loss of faith in the system by many and to genuine doubts (in the minds of many) whether the electoral process can effect change..

    Continued…

  16. This unique situation must be appreciated and taken into consideration, if a winning formula is to be devised to achieve electoral victory.

    It should also be pointed out that the formula to achieve electoral victory in 2016, is very much about the chosen presidential candidate and his/her manner of selection, as it is about the collective, unified effort of all anti-APRC/anti-Jammeh forces..This is why I have a problem with Lafia’s insistence that the chosen candidate must come from the UDP..

    I have no wish to disrespect the UDP but I do not think that at this moment in time, they can produce any candidate that is more popular and appealing to the voters, than lawyer Darboe and he has not been able to achieve victory for 3 consecutive attempts..

    Moreover, the combined results of the opposition presidential candidates, for at least the last two elections, have fallen far short of the APRC’s counts…

    Hence, a candidate is needed who cannot only entice the voter apathy crowd to come out and vote, but can also attract dissatisfied voters from the APRC camp and I suspect, there are many of those..

    One should also not rule out the posibility that, for one reason or the other, many voters who have consistently voted against the opposition, may not want to vote for any from their ranks, but may be ready to vote for a fresh individual outside of the current political setups…

    If this factor is taken into consideration, and it should if a holistic approach is to be adopted, then Lafia’s position on the candidate will become a losing strategy even before the battle commences.

    In my view, the candidate selection pool should be limited to limit the number of aspirants, but it must not be restricted to the membership of the political parties alone.

    An open selection process that gives aspirants equal opportunities to present themselves, and involves as many voters as possible, with a fair amount of publicity to whip up interest and wet the apetite of the voters, is a crucial element in a winning formula…

    Victory, with the right strategy, is within the reach of the opposition in 2016, if the political will is there…Divisive sentiments and “party interest protection policies” are unhelpful..

    • Deyda Haidara

      I TOTALLY agree with you Bax, I have always maintain that presidential elections are about personalities and not political parties per-se.
      Lafia is a stone head that needs a hammer to crack lol

    • Lafia Touray la Manju

      The truth of the matter is that no opposition party can put up a candidate that has Lawyer Darboe’s level of popularity.

      The reason why a UDP candidate has a better chance than any other existing or possible candidates is that a UDP candidate will be either Lawyer Darboe subject to constitutional amendment on electoral reform or somebody who has the full support and backing of the most popular Lawyer Darboe. He is not going to back candidates who had been telling diplomats that they rather see Jammeh continue as president than to have Lawyer Darboe as president. And also, Lawyer Darboe is only going to back and support a UDP candidate.

      Thanks

  17. Lafia Touray la Manju

    Bax, on the trust issue, I have stated to you over and over that if the other parties don’t trust UDP, they must state that clearly and categorically rather than talking about coalition with UDP when clearly they do not want UDP to lead under any circumstance.

    Thanks

  18. Lafia Touray la Manju

    Haidara, yes Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang was at the Fass stand-off but she is not UDP and herself made that clear over and over in the online radios. It is OJ the Mr Bigmouth who is threading on that old PPP politics of nepotism by trying to impose Fatoumatta Jallow-Tambajang on the rest of us because she is his auntie. OJ is so inept that he didn’t even get to appreciate the fact that Fatoumatta is not qualified to run before running his bigmouth on Fatu Radio and declaring Fatoumatta as a candidate. Of course he didn’t repeat this announcement because it had caused embarrassment within the PPP diaspora supporters.

    Thanks

  19. Lafia Touray la Manju

    UDP policy is not about lawyer Darboe or his candidacy. He himself made that clear to Sidia Jatta in 2011. It is about principles and they are not going to change just because pdois don’t like anything UDP.

    • Lafia Touray la Manju

      Lawyer Darboe to Sidia Jatta in 2011:

      “I was very direct in presenting the position of UDP on the selection of a candidate for the 2011 presidential race. I reminded Mr. Jatta that a primary which is very central in the Agenda 2011 is conducted amongst aspiring candidates that belong to the same party. Holding of a primary for aspiring candidates from different political parties is bound to create disunity amongst the parties and the whole purpose of creating a formidable united front will be defeated. Since the elections are fast approaching, there may not be enough time to repair any damage that is caused in the process by aspiring candidate trying to win support. Such a situation I said could be exploited by opponents.

      I then made the point that the well known norm for the creation of an opposition alliance is for the majority party to lead and others throw behind that party. In my bid to disabuse Mr. Jatta’s mind about my personal ambition to contest the 2011 presidential elections, I expressed disappointment that whenever the UDP makes a proposal for a party led alliance the focus shifts to OUSAINU DARBOE in wanting to be the candidate for the alliance. I told him that I am realistic to recognize the fact that a lot of things can happen that would prevent any one from contesting the next presidential election. I said to him that I could step out of his house and then drop dead; that I could be struck by ailment that could render me physically or mentally unfit to contest any election. So the focus should not be on me but on the concept of a party led alliance.

      I want to make it clear to every Gambian that the views I express on the issue of an apposition united front are views of the UDP. I do not advocate for such and an alliance because I want to position myself to lead.”

      Thanks

  20. Deyda…I.am referring to Lafia who has tried to mix oranges and apples to substatiate his claims of “universal coalition format”…Not you DH…Your position on anti-Jammeh is very clear from start..

    I have also never alluded to Mrs Fatoumata Tambajang in any way or manner, as you seem to suggest, nor have I heard OJ’s remarks about her…It is Lafia who did so but he is now pretending otherwise, by capitalising on your error..

    • Deyda Haidara

      Bax excuse the error, you are right and i realized that instead calling Lafia I called you. to err is human but Lafia should not capitalize on that as my positions are clear on all points raised here.
      However Lafia raised salient points that I was not privy to. The discussions between Oussyenou and Sidya are revealing however that was in 2010.
      Now what for 2016?????

  21. Lafia Touray la Manju

    Hello Kairo news, Please publish this Lawyer Darboe’s STATEMENT on Coalition talks with Sidia Jatta to remind people of the issues ivolves in the coalition debate.

    Thanks

    Forwarded by Lafia Touray la Manju

    Statement by Mr. Ousainu Darboe on his meeting with Hon. Sidia Jatta at Bundung on Sunday 7th November, 2010

    On Sunday 7th November 2010 Mr. Kemesseng Jammeh accompanied me to meet with Mr. Sidia Jatta to discuss with him the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) proposal for a united opposition front to contest the next three cycles of elections. When I met Mr. Jatta I was under the impression that I was meeting him not in his capacity as National member for Wuli West but as the person designated by PDOIS to deal with inter- party matters. I had previously been informed by Mr. Jatta that he was the person to deal with on matters touching on party relationships. This was after my failed attempts to reach Mr. Sallah the spokesperson for NADD and Secretary General of PDOIS.

    I was very direct in presenting the position of UDP on the selection of a candidate for the 2011 presidential race. I reminded Mr. Jatta that a primary which is very central in the Agenda 2011 is conducted amongst aspiring candidates that belong to the same party. Holding of a primary for aspiring candidates from different political parties is bound to create disunity amongst the parties and the whole purpose of creating a formidable united front will be defeated. Since the elections are fast approaching, there may not be enough time to repair any damage that is caused in the process by aspiring candidate trying to win support. Such a situation I said could be exploited by opponents.

    I then made the point that the well known norm for the creation of an opposition alliance is for the majority party to lead and others throw behind that party. In my bid to disabuse Mr. Jatta’s mind about my personal ambition to contest the 2011 presidential elections, I expressed disappointment that whenever the UDP makes a proposal for a party led alliance the focus shifts to OUSAINU DARBOE in wanting to be the candidate for the alliance. I told him that I am realistic to recognize the fact that a lot of things can happen that would prevent any one from contesting the next presidential election. I said to him that I could step out of his house and then drop dead; that I could be struck by ailment that could render me physically or mentally unfit to contest any election. So the focus should not be on me but on the concept of a party led alliance.

    I want to make it clear to every Gambian that the views I express on the issue of an apposition united front are views of the UDP. I do not advocate for such and an alliance because I want to position myself to lead.

    In the course of the discussions I questioned Mr. Jatta on the rationale for imposing a condition on a successful all opposition alliance presidential candidate not to contest elections or support any candidate for election at the end of what is described in Agenda 2011 as a transitional period. The UDP has always advocated and will continue to advocate for a two year term limit. I told Mr. Jatta that the imposition of such a condition to my mind calls into question the integrity of the person who is selected by the alliance as a candidate. I made it clear to him that for the UDP such a condition suggests that the person so selected will not abide by the accepted rules and that he would only perpetuate himself in office. I made it clear to him the UDP will not consider such a person fit to be selected as an all opposition alliance candidate because there is some latent doubt that when elected to the office of president he will not honour his commitment to ensuring that all parties operate in a level playing field. Mr. Jatta in reply said that the stipulation of such a condition was not putting into question the integrity of any person who might be selected as an all opposition alliance candidate but that such a person would have an advantage over others. I took my enquires further and asked Mr. Jatta what this advantage(s) might be but he could not say.

    The discussion on NADD was a reminder to both of us that the decision to register it should not have been taken. At this point Mr. Kemesseng Jammeh then intervened to say that the UDP advised against registration of NADD but the advice was not heeded. Mr. Jatta said a merger of political parties could have been registered but I pointed out to him that there was no clause at that time in the constitution of any of the parties that allows for a merger.

    Mr. Jatta said if he was around at the time he would have suggested that all parties convene an extraordinary congress to amend their constitutions and insert a clause for mergers so that NADD could be registered without any problem. This was the only occasion and it was only in this context that the word “Extraordinary” was used.

    Mr. Jammeh intervened again and asked how candidates for National Assembly elections will be elected under Agenda 2011 proposal. Mr. Jatta replied that this could be done on the basis of party strength in the constituencies. With that response from Mr. Jatta, I said to him if one can apply the principle of party strength to selection of National Assembly candidates why not for the selection of a presidential candidate.

    Mr. Jatta did not give any direct answer to my enquiries. He said that for the interest of this country he is flexible. I then said this statement is re-assuring and comforting. I repeated these three times and on the third occasion Mr. Jatta said when he said he was flexible he was just stating his personal position and not his party’s. I again said even with that I felt assured and comforted.

    I met Mr. Jatta and presented him proposals for PDOIS/NAAD consideration. Therefore Mr. Jatta could not be waiting for me. Rather I was waiting to hear from him. I did not commit myself to the holding of any meeting of the executive of the UDP whether regular or extraordinary to discuss the adoption of Agenda 2011by the UDP. It is simply incorrect that any individual’s candidature was in issue. The discussions were focused on the concepts of Agenda 2011 and a party led alliance

    When I subsequently reported to the National Executive Committee of the UDP on the discussion I had with Mr. Jatta, I impressed on all members of the committee that since we were engaged in consultation with Mr. Jatta, it will not be in keeping with tradition for any one of them to disclose to any member of our party or for that matter to any other person the content of my discussions with Mr. Jatta. But then I did not realize that whilst I was urging members of the U.D.P not to divulge to the public the contents of my discussions with Mr. Jatta, he was in fact taking steps to represent to Gambians and others that my consultations with him centered on Agenda 2011 and the promotion of my candidature. This representation is simply not correct.

    Before we went into the discussion/consultation proper, I told Mr. Jatta that I had personally refrained from talking to the press on what I believe to have been the reasons for NADD’S disintegration or impediments for the creation of an all opposition alliance because I do not want anyone to take comfort in what some describe as “opposition squabbles”. The UDP has in the past ignored comments and statements to which it can legitimately react unless there is compelling reason to do so. Mr. Jatta’s statement in the Foroyaa issue of 6-7 December 2010 is one such compelling reason.

    The UDP has not accused anyone of foot dragging and any suggestion that the UDP is engaged in foot dragging is simply misrepresenting UDP’s position. The efforts made by the UDP between 19th October 2010 when Mr. Jatta was in Wuli and 6th November for me to meet with him speak volume of its commitment to the idea of a united opposition to rescue The Gambia. UDP will continue with its consultation with all opposition parties so that a robust and formidable united opposition will emerge to unseat the incumbent. UDP hopes that PDOIS/NADD will be part of this united opposition.

    The opposition elements in The Gambia must approach the problems of this country with seriousness. We must avoid publicity just for its sake. Tempus fugit. We should not allow time to run out on Gambians.

    A.N.M Ousainu Darboe

    Secretary General & Leader UDP

    United Democratic Party Secretariat

  22. Lafia Touray la Manju

    Another interesting thing Darboe said about his meeting with Sidia is the following below:

    “When I subsequently reported to the National Executive Committee of the UDP on the discussion I had with Mr. Jatta, I impressed on all members of the committee that since we were engaged in consultation with Mr. Jatta, it will not be in keeping with tradition for any one of them to disclose to any member of our party or for that matter to any other person the content of my discussions with Mr. Jatta. But then I did not realize that whilst I was urging members of the U.D.P not to divulge to the public the contents of my discussions with Mr. Jatta, he was in fact taking steps to represent to Gambians and others that my consultations with him centered on Agenda 2011 and the promotion of my candidature. This representation is simply not correct.”

    PDOIS and OJ are the problem, my friends.

  23. Lafia does not want to hear about NADD because its dead and gone…I wonder what makes him think that anybody wants to year about 2010/2011.? Isn’t 2010/2011 also dead and gone..?

  24. Lafia Touray la Manju

    It is the same issues at play, bax. PDOIs is advancing the same proposal and argument just like in 2011 as espoused in their Agenda 2011 which is now re-labelled Agenda 2016.

    All I said about NADD is that UDP is no longer bound by its MOU since it had withdrawn from NADD since 2006.

    Thanks

  25. Lafia Touray la Manju

    PDOIs supporters always hate it when I pull out facts from authoritative statement. I told you already that you haven’t seen the end of it yet.

    God bless Lawyer Darboe

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