By Abdoulie John
Halifa Sallah of People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and
Socialism (PDOIS) has finally spilled the beans on the outcome of Coalition talks aimed running under the same ticket during the upcoming National Assembly elections.
“We’ve duly been nominated. We are waiting for our colleagues in the other regions to give us thé necessary information to be able to give
you the number of seats the party is contesting,” Mr. Sallah told journalists during a press conference at PDOIS HQ in Churchill’s Town at the weekend.
Sallah convened press briefing athe a time when Coalition member parties failed to avert split in the upcoming parliamentary elections. In that candidates vying to run for National Assembly seats on April 6, 2017, were sponsored by their party. A scenario of disunity that was not expected as Coalition parties agreed to run under Tactical Alliance.
In the Kanifing Municipal Council alone, PDOIS has fielded candidates for Yundum, Serrekunda Central and West, Bundung and Latrikunda Sabiji.
“That should be a surprise to many. We were made to understand that we have a Tactical Alliance,” he stated.
Getting back to heated political rhetoric, Sallah made It clear that they have been very patient with the truth and that “deception is no longer possible.”
He explained the role played by his party in spearheading the negotiations leading to the formation of Coalition 2016, but also the efforts put up during the political impasse that followed December 1st Presidential elections in ensuring that things didn’t escalate.
“All Gambians know the truth, but we do not want to accept the truth,” he said.
Reiterating the importance of the National Assembly, PDOIS leader emphasized the need to have competent representatives to be able to carry out their task.
“Our destiny, under a coalition government, is in the National Assembly,” he said.
The tiny West African nation is going through crucial times, but the veteran politician wanted “Gambians to take their destiny into their hands. The Gambia is battling with its destiny. Your vote now matters,” Sallah reminded Gambians.
Ends
Halifa is simply advocating for all independent members of NA who will be answerable to him. Halifa has never been a good politician because he always propose dumb and outdated ideas . where in the world did he ever see all house of representatives without party affiliation? In the most advanced democracies , there are MP who support the executive branch , which is why a political party in power ensure that their members are the majority in any house of representatives . In USA , currently Republicans control both the house and Senate , and they pushing forward republican president Trump’s agenda. The executive branch of USA government support the policies of the President in any aspect of American politics. Example , Trump’s healthcare policy proposal to repeal Obamacare is currently being support by secretary of health and human services and also republican party leadership even though there is some opposition in Republican party to propose legislation. Mr sallah is being deceptive and dishonest because he refused to accept the simple , commonsense and practical solution. He is being selfish because he is looking forward to consolidate his political leadership and influence during the transition period. No one is saying that executive should use state resources to campaign for their party but he needs to understand that the ministers are political appointees who cannot completely deviate from politics despite being public servants. It is left to national members to exercise right judgement and do the right thing for the country irrespective of party. This is because national assembly members are there to serve the supreme interest of the country.