In response to Halifa’s program for election shared with the media.
‘Halifa Sallah have patient and adopt teamwork as a strategy to remove an entrench tyrant.’
On the flag bearer selection process, this is what Mr. Sallah said:
“SELECTION OF A FLAG BEARER
Section 47 of the Constitution makes provision for a presidential candidate to be nominated by 5000 voters with at least 200 voters being resident in each region;
I, Halifa Sallah, wish to express my preparedness to participate in a primary where each presidential candidate, being independent or a party nominee, would provide a list of five thousand nominators for his or her candidature, and other parties with candidates doing the same to enable a coalition to have a list of voters who will participate in electing one person from among the presidential candidates to be flag bearer of the coalition; I will further subscribe to each candidate selecting a man and a woman to preside over the election in each region.
Looking at this type of selection process, one can easily arrive at a stalemate. If equal numbers of voters for each candidate vote for their respective candidate, there will be stalemate and no candidate will emerge a winner to be the flag bearer.
Secondly, Halifa deviated completely from his 2011 primary selection proposal of having voters selected from the percentage points of each party results from past presidential elections. This new process in essence tightens Halifa Sallah’s resolve not to be part of a united flag bearer process while preferring to hide in obscure and obstruction gymnastics for fear of public criticism. In view of the above and provided Halifa rethinks this position one can conclude that PDOIS is not interest in a coalition flag bearer selection and prefers to play with the gallery whiles buying time for himself.
Thirdly if an independent candidate has to go through the same process of selection then look no further, Halifa Sallah clearly disqualifies an independent candidate from the selection process. One would have thought that an independent candidate would directly benefit from the 5000 registered voters to submit to the IEC from parties on the ground.
Finally Halifa Sallah is not giving prominence and urgency to the Opposition G6 Electoral Reform demands in which PDOIS is a signatory, this has not been clearly stated in his press release. One would have thought that, ALL parties should mute their candidate agenda and concentrate full speed ahead on the reforms until at least the 30th June when no changes would be further made in the electoral laws six months before the election date as stipulated in the ECOWAS electoral protocols.
Lastly Halifa Sallah should accept that it is the Almighty Allah that chooses a president of country and no amount of political maneuvering can derail GOD’s plan for the chosen one. Let Halifa Sallah have patient and adopt teamwork as a strategy to remove an entrench tyrant. I hope Mr. Sallah will rethink his position and join the all inclusive opposition bandwagon.
Thank you.
Look out for part two.
Deyda Haidara.
Halifa is just full of himself
Deyda, stop being hypocritical. Why making reference to a 2011 proposal that you and your party have dismissed outright because it was not a straight forward UDP led coalition? If that was a better idea why didn’t you subscribe to it then or now.
You find fault with Halifa’s plan but you are okay with Darboe’s statement that “only tried and true coalition building process of UDP led coalition”. Does that give opportunity to any other party let alone independent candidate?
Why can’t we see light instead of darkness where there is light? Despite leading party led coalitions unsuccessfully for 4 elections, one would have thought that you would prevail on UDP to try a neutral ground this time. But rather, all you see in your nature mindset is UDP and Darboe only.
Secondly, you are only making reference to the G6 demand with only selfishness. The age limit has been in the constitution since 1997. Why have you never challenged it even when you had all those MPs in parliament? You are only now concerned because Darboe is affected. If you and UDP are interested in the rule of law and constitutionality, why can’t you just nominate someone else instead of sticking to Darboe as if he is the only soul within UDP.
Is it not ironic that you are asking caryol to vacate because constitutionally his term expires, but asking for an amendment to allow Darboe to stand when he is as well disqualified by the same very constitution.
Let us see the Gambia for once my brother.
What is Darboe referencing other parties as: “fringe and insignificant with little support”. Yet he had been relying on their support all along to be the so-called big party with a consistent decline in percentage. If they are fringe and insignificant, why can’t he go ahead and do the job.
Halifa’s plan of all parties bringing 5000 delegates to select is not workable, but Darboe’s of ‘UDP led only’ is the best option. Right? Where is the chance for an independent candidate here you so much care about?
You are concerned that each bringing 5000 will bring stalemate, but all unconditionally toeing UDP line without regard to anything else is the best way forward, right? Are you listening to yourself Deyda?
By all standards UDP is more dictatorial than APRC in every aspect.
Why pick on one paragraph in a broad framework which states that ” all parties identify their candidates who would campaign to reduce the incumbent’s majority. Should there be a reform with second round, they all support the 2nd in a 2nd round. If not, can for a coalition and rally behind the best winnable candidate’. Why disregard all those plans, yet you never bring in anything except UDP led only?
Gambia, PDOIS have been invited twice to attend an opposition meeting and they refuse to attend. Yet PDOIS never invited any opposition political party to a meeting.
How if UDP requested 100000 voters from each party for flag bearer nomination can PDOIS fulfill the number?
Let us fight for reforms first and that fails then we look at the alternatives.
The Gambians are very much aware now a days. I can see PDOIS with a sweeping victory when there happen to be electoral reform.
Hydara , mr sallah is not a pragmatic leader , he has consistently shown self importance and unwillingness to work with others . He has personalized his party to the extend that he speak as if he own the party . He is good at writing long convoluted and confusing statements and never summarised . Reading his press release , he is very confused about the selection process and what he outlined did not make any sense to any sensible human being . Please read my analysis of his press release in the other posting . I summarised it as having narcissistic characteristics . No one can work with him except those who always let him lead and think he has the best ideas . He is control freak . Always speaking in first person singular pronoun “I”. This guy failed to even acknowledge his party which he is part of , 99 percent of his speech was concentrated on the word ” I “. This is why every young person who grew up listening to his speeches or writings , found out he is self-centered , control freak , self importance and lack pragmatism or unwillingness to listen to others . He could have simply present his party’s blue print document to opposition leaders and let them have it as part of discussion . But releasing this document is simply meant to create chaos and polarize the political atmosphere to the extend that there will be no compromise . At the end he didn’t want public to blame him because he think he has the best answer . Another issue is , he never even considered Jammeh’s regime as dictatorship which every responsible opposition leader considers what it is – a military dictatorship. Halifa never follow what makes sense, he always want to do things in his way . The selection process he outlined has never been practiced , tested or applied any where . This is not even primary election he is so obsessed with . I guess his indoctrinated disciples can explain what he meant .
Max am sorry but I completely disagree with what you’re saying, Halifa Sallah does not write long confusing statements. Now if you’re too lazy or unwilling to use your god giving intelligence which am sure you are then that explains why we as Gambians are in this mess.
Don’t worry Saidou, Max is prone to confusion..Almost everything confuses him…
Saidou, I have known mr sallah for long time and I always read his statements in details. For one thing he is good at , is to write unsummarised, confused and disjointed ideas . Just look at the recent press release, it is full of repetition and self importance . Most people here agree with me except his disciples who are also confused and indoctrinated. They never accept the truth. They would argue to change the truth to a lie. Tell me, did pdois have the same support as UDP or NRP to remove Jammeh from power. They have the least support base but they are also the party with greatest propaganda machine to spread cynicism and polarize the population. This is why they continue to be an obstacle. You are another confused fellow without independent thinking. Welcome onboard.
He’s the only educated Gambian. Let him have his cake and eat it. The country failed to listen to him so he will do all that is in his power to stop a united front
Halifa et al are fighting an old war, minority dominance!!!!
Indeed Mr Jobe a very futile old war. Waste of life…
Thanks…
Lamin Jobe, you should have said he is perhaps one of the few best educated sons and daughters who are sincerely ready to salvage our motherland from the clutches of tyranny and demotivation. Thanks anyway for trying.
Yero Ba , am sorry to say this to you , mr sallah is not best educated as you assumed in terms of paper qualifications . Even if he is best educated Gambian , if he cannot work with anyone because he think is the best educated then his education is not useful to help Gambians to remove the dictator who is killing our people .We need someone who understand people , is reasonable , has humility , will be able to listen to other people’s ideas and did not think highly of himself . Paper qualifications is useless if you cannot have clear strategy to win the hearts and souls of the people . We need educated guy who is pragmatic and willing to have good working relationship with the people. We need a team player , and someone willing to accept mistakes , failures or constructive criticism. Mr sallah is looking for a job but based on my knowledge of him , I can say he is paper qualified but his temperament and characters in terms of team work , humility and pragmatism , I wouldn’t consider him for this job of presidency compare to UDP lawyer Darboe , who is not constitutionally allowed . So I will continue to wait for another candidate though I fully support UDP now because of their continous efforts and good strategy to ensure that the tyrant Is gone . Mr sallah has some good ideas just like other politicians but I am not impressed with his leadership styles.
I hate Jammeh because he is arrogant , very very stupid and rude , he think he is better than everyone and he even think he own our country . Few years ago he said in wollof that he owned the country . Jammeh is heartless beast and it is historical mistake to allow him to be in the military in the first place and secondly to lead any regime . He should have been profiled and taken to psychiatric hospital for treatment and later given opportunity to work in civilian sector where he will less likely have access to stage a military coup . He is the worst human being to be ever born in our country since we know ourselves . I hope special intervention come to get rid of him before December election .
Maxs, I never had any doubt regarding your preference for UDP and Darboe. If you remember I told you earlier on that you do not have an open mind and you were only engage in partisan undertones which you denied then. You insisted then that you do not belong to any party and you were an independent analyst but was only sincerely making your objective comments. Now you have accepted that you are definitely a UDP supporter and Darboe is your preference. If I had relied on you then to make any important decision it would have been fatal.
Maxs, you are a very insincere commentator who should not be relied on to make any decision because your whole objective is nothing but how to thwart and misinform Gambians for your narrow partisan interest. What you failed to realize is that you are not the only person observing the political scene. Halifa nor PDOIS has ever mentioned anywhere that he or they are the best educated in Gambia as you’ve tried to make it. Where did you ever hear Halifa say he is the best educated in the Gambia. You are the one ascribing this fiction to him only to come back and argue against your own statement. But no one can also doubt that Halifa and PDOIS are one of the best sons and daughters of the Gambia who have and are doing everything to make our homeland a better and happier place to live in. You, who is afraid of even telling Gambians your true name cannot have the moral authority to criticize those who have put their lives on the line.
Look, hating Jammeh is not my yardstick to judge who is sincere in this struggle. For me, those who have consistently tried to find a solution to our Gambian cause and have always shown objectivity regarding issues that confront us are the ones I trust.
The best winning strategy is one that Sallah just put before you which you can add or subtract, but anything other than that is just mere jealousy. Since you are the super educated person, you should have come up with your proposal that would be put side by side with that of Sallah’s for public scrutiny which you are also opposed to.
Funny but I pity your kind of intellectualism.
Yero Ba , I have explained to you many times the meaning of Independent voter in political process in any country . This means I am not a registered member of any political party but I reserved the right to support any party based on what I am looking for in our national development . I have reflexibility to switch my vote or support based on what I want. I do not have any specific connection with any party . If you are observant , you will notice that sometimes I do like some of the pdois policies but I am very frustrated about their unwillingness and uncompromising stand against unity . The proposal mr sallah made could have been part of opposition parties discussion so that they can find common ground . Some of his ideas are good but others do not Make any sense to me . My frustration is about mr sallah leadership approach and his continue effort in failing to recognize the urgency of unity to rescue the country . As an independent , I have every right to support any party of my choice during election . Currently , I believe UDP has the right approach and the realistic chance of defeating Jammeh because they have numerical strength and support base as well as have better policies . If pdois has the same chance I will support them . My views has no Influence on any political party but I have every right to express them . Whether Halifa is the best educated or not , it is not important to me . I know you are a diehard supporter and in your view he is always right . I didn’t see him in that way . Why can’t he attend the meeting he was invited to ? Why did not put his proposal to opposition leaders before he released it to the public to create confusion . When he becomes president , will he disclose his stand with foreign leaders before meeting them ? Is he going to tell the Gambian people that he is going to a meeting with foreign leaders but will state his position before the meeting ? There are thousands of Gambians who are not affiliated with any party by membership but they do support a particular party during election .. Those are independent Gambians . I hope you get .
My observations….
(1)…On “stale mate” : This claim, brother Haidara, is made on the assumption that the voters at this closed primary, will only vote on party or individual loyalty lines on consideration (where an independent candidate contests).
Admittedly, that is a possibility but a possibility is not an established fact…and since other possibilities also exist, the conclusion that such a mechanism for selection will lead to a “stale mate” is erroneous and simply an unsupported claim ….to say the least..
(2)…Deviation from 2011 proposal : You have erred in your recollection of what PDOIS (Halifa ) proposed in 2011. I believe the proportional representation according to past election results, was only in relation to a Convention, as a compromise to a primary…
PDOIS’ first selection option for the flag bearer in 2011 was through the holding of a primary and they have returned to that same position here..No deviation but CONSISTENCY, as far as can be seen…
(3)…Disqualification of Independents : Mr Sallah simply used what is already a constitutional requirement for the nomination of presidential aspirants …Flag bearers should be happy to use this requirement as a test for themselves.
After all, if someone aspiring to contest against other aspiring flag bearers cannot attract 5000 registered voters, what chance would they have against the incumbent..? This is a legitimate and sensible mechanism to test popularity, amongst others…
Moreover, it is absurd and rediculous to conclude that independents (individuals outside of party set ups) cannot attract 5000 registered voters, hence they are “disqualified”..I am certain that there are individuals on the ground who can attract more than 10000 voters if they really want to contest…One such individual, in my view, is Dr Isatou Touray (Gamcotrap)…
(4)…Electoral Reform not given priority : As far as we know, PDOIS has played its part in G6 for electoral reform without fail. If you have information to the contrary, please provide it..
The reforms advocated for by the G6 group are dependent on.the APRC Government, and so far, they have shown no indication that they will entertain it.. Should parties suspend their activities and wait for reforms, which may never come or should they carry on, regardless ..? PDOIS has made it clear that they will carry on, regardless…They have also stated a position like this:-
If reforms happen, they (opposition) can work to deny the incumbent the required percentage and rally behind the nearest challenger in the 2nd round..If reforms don’t happen, they can agree to provide a single candidate…That is what PDOIS have said, I believe…
From my understanding, Mr Sallah is putting before the nation, separate reforms that he will undertake if elected as president and these have also been forwarded to the party (PDOIS) for submission to other opposition parties for consideration..
Quoted from Foroyaa (5/4/16)….“I am hereby forwarding the programme to the party for submission to the Gambia Opposition for Electoral Reform as a proposal for consideration by all member parties.”
So reforms are actually a top priority for Halifa and PDOIS, contrary to what you are insinuating here…
(5)…God’s chosen one cannot be derailed by Halifa : Wow, this is quite interesting…Wonder who this chosen one is…The fact though, is that God does not vote…It is the people who vote to elect president..God has given us all the tools and free will to make choices and the choice we make in December 2016, would have been ours and ours alone…We should praise ourselves when we get it RIGHT and blame ourselves when we get it WRONG again…
Yes, I agree with predestination but come January 2017, our choice of the occupant of the President’s Office at State House, would have had little to do with God…
(6)… Halifa should join the All inclusive opposition bandwagon: Many will agree but where is it..? May be, you should point us to this bandwagon that is more inclusive than what Halifa is proposing here and show us how it is so…
PDOIS has made its position clear…It is for those who have a different position on.the way forward for The Gambia, to share with the public so that informed choices can be made…We have left matters in “God’s Hands” for far too long..Let’s take matters in our own hands, for once..
Bax, I was personally involve in trying to broker a unity candidate in 2011.
Do not confuse my use of GOD on candidates and the electorate.
Of course the electorate should vote the best candidate provided GOD pre-ordained that candidate to win.
Take Burkina Faso for example Lawyer Bendewene a diehard Sankarist since the 80’s who inspired the popular uprising lost to Mark Kabore who was vice president of Blaise Compaore in a free and fair election. This shows that GOD ‘s hand is in his creation.
Bax, please stop the merry-go-round or simply beating around bush. PDOIS is never interested in anything sensible unless they are leading it. Too much games and no practical solutions. Let the coalition of willing go ahead and do their thing because majority Gambians will vote for them.
You are the only one that persists in calling the “Sun”, the “Moon”…Where is PDOIS insisting that they must lead…? This very forum is engendered by a reaction from a proposal to ask voters to select a flag bearer for an All inclusive coalition.
The proposal has come from PDOIS but they are opening the position to every able Gambian, though you are blind to that fact and submerged in your never ending false narrative: That PDOIS wants to lead.
Bax, it is their actions not what PDOIS says. Please don’t ask me what actions because I noticed something about the disciples of PDOIS. They never accept the naked truth even it is all plain and simple but they will twist the conversation by asking another question. Why are they playing games by coming out with these ridiculous ideas that no majority party will accept?
And their actions match their words, without fail, Consistently…
What again? ”It is the almighty Allah who chooses the president of a country and no amount of political maneuvering can derail GOD’S plan for the chosen one” what a contradiction to the debates with regards to religion and the leaderships, especially in democratic and predominantly muslim countries. This is the most feeble and flawed remark one can make in the national debate of a country like the Gambia, at this point of time. ALLAH(GOD)’s wrath will befall those who will put the blame of bad earthly leaders’ misrule and extortion of innocent poor people in a country, on HIM. So in my religious mindset set, ALLAH(GOD) is not responsible of the selection or dismissal of politicians and political leaders of any country.
”Never say never”; is a common saying, so who knows if indeed the Udp counter intelligence issue was not mere paranoia.
@La Manju, check into the latter again because it worths concern. Now I do believe that UDP infiltrates do exist, seeing all these efforts in comments, articles and remarks that only help in disuniting the country’s opposition political party leaderships.
Ggapm, I am responsible for your confusion. There is what you call predestination in religion.
Predestination is the belief that Allah (God) disposes everything in life. But @Haidara you didn’t learn from teachings that (Allah) God made every man, master of his heart in decision making and that is; one’s obligation by (Allah)God to know ‘the wrong’ from ‘the right’. Predestination exalts the name of (Allah)God rather than to signify as man’s exoneration from his wrong doings, especially to other men like themselves.
However the matter, the whole thing looks to me to be a sharp U-turn of one of the most valiant contributors to the Gambia’s national discourse.
“Looking at this type of selection process, one can easily arrive at a stalemate. If equal numbers of voters for each candidate vote for their respective candidate, there will be stalemate and no candidate will emerge a winner to be the flag bearer.” Deyda.
Hydara, there is a simple remedy if this situation should arise. Make a rule. If the opposition parties consider this proposal and envisage the problem you have entertained, they can simple make a rule that can resolve the stalemate if and when it occurs.
You will notice that the American electoral process is fundamentally govern by rules. As long as the rules are fair and are acceptable to all it can take care of the deficiencies in the process, if there is any.
What Halifa and PDOIS has attempted to do is to propose a coalition framework that is not led by any party, and the assumption is that since the presidential candidates would have been selected by their parties, they have already garnered the 5000 registered voters to support their candidacy. So the pool of registered voters for the primary would already have been secured. The rest is just the process..
Whatever happens, tribal inclination MUSTN’T be part of anything much more our national polity; we all reprimand our Satanic Manipulative kanilai Idolatrous MURDERER, why should anyone indulge in sowing disunity…..
Ousainou described Momodou Shynggle Nyassi as ‘face of Gambian Struggle” for one thing only; …..rising above self, for the cause of communal interests, harmony & coexistence…..
The Manipulative Idolatrous kanilai DEVIL yaya-MURDERER have tempted Shynggle ‘earth, sky & heaven’ if he could join the Murderous Oppressive kanilai FIEFDOM; Shynggle chose humanity & God, then Murderous kanilai DEVIL Tony Dakalaba resorted to arrest-kidnaps & tortures of Shynggle & many like him; may God be pleased with them, & us all; Ameen…….
Momodou Shynggle Nyassi was indeed the President Gambia never had, amongst others, & lived by example…..
We continue to appeal to our noble politicians, particularly the Opposition leaderships, to muster courage for coalition; we know they are up to the challenge; the Gambia under any of them would stop the blatant murder of human beings, oppression & torture, if NOT for anything else……
Those being tortured, murdered, etc, got the same lives like the leaders & us all…..
Gambia have always been, will be & must continue to be there for all Gambians & friends, this we all know ISN’T the case for past 22 years…..
Now is the time for testing your selflessness; we the lot behind you are patiently watching; history will judge us all…..
Gambia at crossed road; all must aspire to carry & move the communal burden for benefit of all…..
I can’t understand how God choose our leaders when he (God) gave us capacity to think .it is lack of religion teaching or misunderstood God obligated you I as humans to be thinkers to figured it out what are the best us.if we understand God’s teaching we shouldn’t be were we are today
Hey Karamba , Remember that parenting will eventually produce bizarre behavior no matter how calmly you try to referee or how cool you try to sound, and I’m not talking about the kids, because their behavior is always normal. so I feel you brother .
I think my ally made a mistake in bringing God in this discussion. God shouldn’t be part of this discussion because He has no business in our political fight since he has already given us brain to think for ourselves . We must be accountable for our own actions which is why God never come down directly to solve any problem . God has already done his part , which was to give us the brain to think and solve our problem . I believe this was the slip of the tongue . So folks , we should only focus on characters in leaders who are exemplary in terms of decency , humility , pragmatism , patience and empathy for us to have just , Fair and peaceful society .
Marx, am enjoying the confusion inherent in PDOIS disciples and their mastering of the art of deviation from the real issues. Most of them only see GOD in my article and decide to mute the rest of the content of my article because it is all facts they cannot refute. Now if they decide to fight with GOD hey! I can’t do anything about it LOL!
I have written an article some months back elaborating on the fact the electorate should not put blame on GOD for failing to vote Jammeh out. I will ask Kaironews to republish that article as a refresher of my position for our PDOIS disciples.
Marx I knew Halifa Sallah when we were both students in the US well before all his young disciples defending him whiles discarding GOD’s hand at the same time. All am asking is for Halifa to be patient, open and pro-active. He is the one who wants to be president, he is therefore the one who should go to people and opposition parties personally instead of telling all and sundry in the press that this is his position and go to bed. Since Halifa and disciples love intellectualism, I would simply tell them that if you do NOT take the road to go to school, you might not be the intellectual you want to be. In other words you cannot stay at home and expect others to come to you.. In other words you cannot stay at home and expect others to come to you.
Let Halifa join the bandwagon and maybe he might be selected the flag bearer for he cannot force anyone to choose him.
Your points have been responded to ONE by ONE…Whether it was stalemate, deviation from 2011, disqualification of independents or God’s chosen one, all have been answered…Why are claiming that we had no answers..?
(1)…Your claim of a “stalemate” was based on the assumption that each voter would vote for the candidate whose candidature they have supported..To refute this claim, I stated that it is a possibility but that other possibilities also exist, and therefore, your conclusion is erroneous…
Have you considered the possibility that, of the 5000 voters who may support a particular candidate, some may have travelled before the election or fall ill on election day or die before the election or simply not bother to vote..? So that point has been adequately answered and refuted.
(2)…On your claim that Mr Sallah deviated from his 2011 proposal, I reminded you that you erred in your recollections of his 2011 proposal. That the proportional representation was related to the convention alone, and not the primary…
In response, you claimed that you were on the ground, involved in the negotiations..That may be true, but we are dealing with what was in the public domain and NOT what was proposed behind closed doors..That point was also responded to and refuted.
(3)…On disqualification of independents, I dismissed your supposed claim that individuals outside of political setups cannot attract 5000 supporters to nominate them. I gave Dr Isatou Touray (Gamcotrap) as an example who can get even 10000 supporters, if she wants to contest…
(4)…On God’s chosen one, it is made clear that God doesn’t vote. We have the tools and free will to elect who we want. So all your points have been answered and refuted. Let’s be honest in these discussions.
I could make the same claims about being in the same schools with anyone under the sun. What does that mean.? Absolutely nothing.It certainly shouldn’t add any weight or credibility to my views because it is UNVERIFIABLE…
Hydara, I admire your sense of patriotism and willingness to be reasonable in this fight. I have been listening to Mr. Sallah and reading him for a long time. I know he is someone who feels that he has the best idea and he likes to be in absolute control. These disciples are indoctrinated and they do not have independent thinking that is why most of them are not reasonable or they are always on the talking points of Mr. Sallah. They never accept the truth and it is clear to them that Mr. Sallah will never win presidential election unless it is given to him by Jammeh. These are noisemakers online who are only interested in seeing Jammeh continue to terrorize the population. From the pdois leadership to the indoctrinated disciples, none of them, openly called the regime a dictatorship. They think they are dealing with child play and therefore we should be engage in foolish argument without them wiling to accept the truth. Mr Sallah’s goal of putting this pdois proposal is to create confusion, self exoneration, encourage endless argument and polarization. Let him go and meet the opposition leaders and talk to them about these ideas. We do not need a leader who is a show-man. Get to the table with responsible party leaders and talk. That is what I want to hear but behaving like Bax, kamalo and Yero with endless contradiction is not what I expect lol.
It is the falsehood and false narratives that is spread about PDOIS that makes the publication of Mr Sallah’s commitments in the public space a right move..
This denies all of you the cover you need to continue to spread falsehood…It is very clear now, as before, that PDOIS is interested in an alliance that all have confidence in, and one that has no chance of mutating into another “ruling party dictatorship..”
What does calling Yaya Jammeh a “dictator” change on the ground..The man has called himself a dictator, anyway..
I would advice that we abandon an enforced collaboration of the political parties. Mr. Sallah has being put up by his party. Fine so.
Now the rest of the parties willing to work together must now assiduously workout a workable coalition selection process for a sole flagbearer. At least, by that point, pdois can choose to accept that rule/demand modifications or go it alone.
I think the election won’t be won by a mere closing of ranks by the entire opposition parties. I think the election or it aftermath, will be decided by the selection of a person with the courage, character and intelligence to lead any form of coalition presented to the people.
The home work before us, in my opinion, lies in having a formidable candidate presented to the people. Bashing Mrs X or Mr. Y won’t enhance the general aspirations for change prevalent today in the Gambia.
Guys, it wouldn’t matter what anyone here says. Halifa Sallah has been dreaming of his name being on the Presidential ballot box for the past 4 years. No amount of begging, arguing or explaining will change his mind. Although he will come out last in the Presidential race, but his mind is made up.
Sallah sacrificed his life to be at the highest office of the Gambia. Married late, spend all his time away from people, etc no emotional touch will work. He is properly insulated from feelings to change. Sorry to say. So he dreams this year as his special year. Forget it. He will not change.
A I Saidy, this is the first I see you write in this forum and to me you understood Halifa Sallah’s mindset fully well. That is the main reason why I ask Halifa to be patient and believe in GOD for it is GOD who chooses who is to be a president of a country.
Thanks for your frank comment.
So let me get this right Mr. Haidara, so who is the god chosen one? how did you know that Halifa isn’t the one and when did God start telling you who is the chosen one?
Pray for Halifa for I do not know who will be the next president. Am not a fortune teller.
You are not a fortune teller @Haidara, might be true, but one may start thinking as well, if you are not a treacherous process-meddler, when you, did not express a genuine criticism in response to Hon. Sallah’s press release in respect of the Gambia’s important political discourse but instead, predestination based arguments. Isn’t this really dumb?…….check it out for yourself.
May God unite the Gambia’s opposition parties for the one goal.
Why are you so mad?
Reaction to A I Saidy & Deyda Hydara…
FACTS cannot be substituted with Imagination and Fiction…
The debate surrounding efforts to form a grand opposition coalition to challenge the APRC will rage on, and rightly so, as long as there is a general consensus (at least in public) that none of our opposition parties can defeat the incumbent by themselves in the elections in December…
We the people, on whichever side of the political divide we position ourselves, will be entitled to continue to express our support for, or disagreement with, any of the contending camps, and this is a very healthy thing to see, when done in a proper, civilised and honest manner .
Unfortunately, what has become apparent and has also been a characteristic feature of Gambian online fora and radio, is a deliberate and concerted effort to misinform, distort, caricature, mislead, redicule and sometimes, lie about the intentions and position of PDOIS and Mr Sallah, in particlar, on the alliance and other political issues..The reasons for such behaviour may be many and varied but the underlying motivation seem to be an age old prejudice against PDOIS and Mr Sallah…
Whilst many pretend to be neutral observers, analysts and commentators on political matters on the ground, occasionally, they do betray their real motivations, feelings and loyalties and one such occasion is the cause for my reaction here.
Brother Deyda is viewed as a respected, well informed and neutral observer on this forum, but once again, he has betrayed his true feelings by agreeing with what is obviously, an attempt to substitute historical facts with fiction and imagination. The claim by AI Saidy that Mr Sallah has always dreamed of having his name on the presidential ballot box is neither supported by HISTORICAL FACTS, nor by COMMON SENSE and LOGICAL REASONING…
The Historical Facts…
Mr Sallah emerged on the political scene with PDOIS almost 30 years ago, and throughout this period, he has only ever had his name on the presidential ballot box ONCE, and even then, it was an enforced situation to rescue a betrayed collective opposition project (NADD). If Mr Sallah was desperate for leadership, that would have been reflected in the number of attempts he made in this 30 year period. Compare that to the records of both Mr Darboe (UDP) and Mr Bah (NRP) within a 20 year period and the dishonesty of his accusers becomes plain and mind boggling.
Throughout the efforts to forge an opposition alliance, there is not a single instance or occasion when Mr Sallah (PDOIS) have stated that he will not be part of any coalition, if he or his party does not lead. On the contrary, he has always advocated for the privilege of choosing the leader to be granted to the people, through a voting process. The same cannot be said of Mr Darboe and Mr Bah, both of whom have insisted, at one point or another, that they will not be party to any alliance, unless they or their parties lead.
Complete and blatant oblivion to this fact, when making their accusations, is another evidence and example of dishonesty and false narratives prevalent in online fora and directed at Mr Sallah..
Common Sense & Logical Reasoning
It is generally observed, and this may be indisputable, that desperation for political leadership or high office, is often accompanied by a desire to self perpetuate, and self perpetuation is only made possible with absolute control over the two very crucial and important organs of state for that purpose : The Legislature and Executive…
Legislature :
An individual who wants to self perpetuate, must have control over the law making body of the state (National Assembly) and through this control, laws can be passed to achieve this goal, regardless of what commitments may have been made in opposition..
The strategy usually is to mobilise supporters across the country to prevail on the leader to do “this” or “that”, and this is then presented as popular demand, reflecting the wishes of the people..We saw it in 1994 with Yaya Jammeh. So no one should be fooled by empty utterances that are not backed by practical safeguards.
Mr Sallah’s revolutionary commitment to hold “No more than ONE QUARTER PLUS ONE” seats in the National Assembly is a pragmatic safeguard against the ruling party’s control over the law making body and negates any chance of self perpetuation, through the National Assembly.
Executive :
The absolute power of the chief executive (president) to appoint and remove ministers in cabinet is a facilitating tool that can be used by a president who wants to self perpetuate and ministers have to oblige to what he/she wants or be removed.
Since The Gambian Constitution does not seem to limit the number of hirings and firings during any one parliament, the president can fire and hire until he/she finds the one that is ready to oblige, and in a country like ours, where Government is the main employer, it doesn’t take long before everyone obliges..
Arguably, every cabinet position can be used for self perpetuation, but perhaps, the three most important positions for this purpose are, Defense (Armed Forces), Interior (Police & other security agencies) and Information (propaganda & one sided narratives). Self perpetuation, it can be argued, is inconceivable without control over the Army, Police, NIA, and the media..
It therefore goes beyond common sense and all logic and reasoning, that a man who is so desperate for power, will relinquish the very tools he most certainly require to keep and maintain that same power he has longed for so long. Not only has Mr Sallah committed himself to relinquishing the power to appoint all cabinet positions, he has also stated that he will bar himself from removing ministers unless they have undergone impeachment proceedings.
In addition to these safeguards, Mr Sallah is still committed to the long known PDOIS policies of removing all traces and remnants of our monarchical presidency and its various privileges and entitlements : the very things that might make a person desperate for the position.
What else can be done to assure these accusers, one may ask ? Nothing, it has to be said unfortunately, because the problem is not Mr Sallah..It lies elsewhere and it is all too obvious for those who care to look closely…
Indeed, Mr Sallah is human and not infallible, but if we must doubt his sincerity, after all that we see and know, then we have cause to doubly doubt the sincerity of those who do not go beyond rhetoric, to provide practical safeguards against the potential of self perpetuation, which is inherently embedded in our constitution..
Bax the president is the Chief Commander of the arms forces and Halifa wants it that way. Halifa also wants to control the money by appointing the finance ministerial portfolio. Halifa also wants to control the judiciary by appointing the justice minister..waaw!..These are the three tools of a dictator, army, money and the courts and prisons and Halifa want them all..LOL!
Huummm!
Since Mr.Darboe is your preferred choice, what will he control if elected as president, if I may ask you. ?
BTW, do you realise how senseless you sound here.? You are behind a party that wants to keep things the way they are, isn’t it..?
Would.Mr.Darboe not become Commander in.Chief, if elected president.? Did he ever promise to relinquish that position..?
Would Mr Darboe not appoint all ministers in government, if elected president, including Justice, Finance, Defence, etc, and be able to.remove them..? When did he say he.will relinquish that power..?
Has Mr.Darboe’s UDP committed itself to not conquering the National Assembly and thus, with.a two-third majority, be able to.do.whatever they want to do with the constitution..?
Do you see how your cover is being blown apart..?
Bax I am not a UDP member, so I cannot answer for them.
I will make my choice of candidate in July 2016.
Bax , the common sense you are preaching here is that you and pdois should follow the desire of the majority for the interest of our country , that is follow the biggest opposition party for effective electoral victory . Any other thing is simply lack of compromise and unwillingness to accept other people’s ideas . So please stop this preaching of common sense and logical reasoning . Pdois do not follow common sense and logical reasoning . This is why they are having the old mentality of politics . Afraid , your party needs smart , independent thinker who are not going to be influence by mr sallah .
Bax , you see what I have been telling you , all what you wrote above is completely unnecessary . Trying to lecture us about things we all know is completely waste of time . follow common sense practical solution which has been tested and proven in the past in many places . Join the biggest party when you know the situation is not an ideal one . How can you possibly compare a party with 2.5% support base to a party with biggest support base in the country . Please your brain to connect the dots .
Is Joining the biggest party the practical solution..? The biggest party itself has admitted that they have always been joined by others without success…So how practical is that solution..?
“Bax the president is the Chief Commander of the arms forces and Halifa wants it that way. Halifa also wants to control the money by appointing the finance ministerial portfolio. Halifa also wants to control the judiciary by appointing the justice minister..waaw!..These are the three tools of a dictator, army, money and the courts and prisons and Halifa want them all..LOL!”
Hydara, does it occur to you that despite the constitutional obligation to appoint these ministerial portfolios, because these portfolios are directly related to his executive functions, he may desire to appoint people who share the values and principles he has cherished all his life.
And for a completely different reason other than to be the three tools of a dictator. But for a completely different reason so that they will never become the three tools of a dictator.
Halifa, has unravel a governance structure and program that will humble the executive presidency; dilute the influence, control and power that the executive can have on members of his/her party, particularly if that party also have the majority of seats in the National Assembly. All the organs that strengthen the executive presidency will be weakened, making it very difficult for a president to perpetuate him or herself in power.
Remember, Halifa has pledged to serve only one term. When that term expires in five years, Gambians will have a lot to be proud of. All the institutions and structures that will consolidate a true democratic dispensation will firmly be in pace. Gambians should just have the heart and give him that chance and opportunity.
Kamalo, I know Halifa is a honorable man of his words and one can have trust in him. I also know Ousainou Darboe is an honorable man of his words. However when looking for coalition consensus, parties have the reasons to be skeptical and mindful of how sweet power can turn one around specially in Africa.
Also Bax never underestimate the animosity that existed between opposition parties for 22 years. One should thread carefully in order to broker unity and this is what I am trying to do all along in this forum.
Have a nice weekend.
“and mindful of how sweet power can turn one around specially in Africa.”
Well, there you go.That is why rhetoric that is not supported by practical safeguards should be viewed with suspicion .
Mr Sallah has provided practical safeguards against extending his stay in power, if elected, beyond the one term he pledged to serve…What practical steps are the others providing beyond empty rhetoric and promises..?
You don’t have to be a member of any party to answer that because it is all in the public domain…
Electoral reforms, reforms reforms FIRST.
You need to get in before you can reform…So.a winning strategy first, reforms later…
If anything, it’s the common goal for Gambia communal salvage Struggle, for benefit of all Gambians & non-Gambians which must be the overriding factor; materialistic endeavour for individualistic, & or partisan gains, rather or above communal interests, mustn’t be shrouded in bargains for aspirations for the highest office of State……
Beyond this election, it’s very bleak for us all, the political leaders included, should Opposition parties fail to muster courage to free our collective burden of yoke….
Even the Manipulative kanilai Idolatrous KILLER-DEVIL’s disciples admitted, the dictator has to go to ensure peaceful coexistence & tranquillity…..
People cannot continue to be lied to, persecuted, enslaved, robbed, arrest-kidnapped, incarcerated, disappeared, tortured, maimed & killed, & stay cowed unending……
The debates are healthy for paving the way forward for our common good; in that we must disagree, be prepared to concede bit of ground where necessary, to agree for the Gambia & humanity at large….
Bajaw, a very succinct proposal is right before you for your comment. The problem with many Gambians is our lack of initiative. There is no need repeating the need for unity and how important it is in our present day politic. What people are searching is the way forward in doing so which will be at least acceptable to all active players.Thats what Sallah is trying to do. Generalising issues without any specific suggestions will not take us anywhere. For example, Maxs, Deyda and A I Saidy and Saidou are all looking for faults in Mr. Sallah’s proposal but have not helped us with any alternative suggestions that could shape his proposal to help us forge ahead. How can any sensible person view these critics as open minded commentators? Their opinions can only be respected but not to be taking seriously as they are just engage in the negatives. People who do not look at the collective national interest will never accept any proposal unless it is in their narrow personal partisan interest.
I can only but commend the likes of Bax, Kamalo, Kinteh,Ggapm,Gambia, etc for all the efforts in trying to shed the positive side of issues. I am commenting less because i am satisfied with the clarifications made by these gentlemen of conscience. Unlike Maxs, one can still be partisan but objective and positive.
Yerro Bah, how many times Marx and I have written proposals about the way forward but you prefer to value that of your boss Halifa. My brother Yero, this forum is not empowered to select the flag bearer. It is the opposition leaders on the ground who select a candidate amongst themselves. They are ALL in Banjul and Halifa have access to them all but prefers to stay at home and write to this universe about his positions, procedures and what else?
Look help yourself before asking others to help you. Do the move for GOD sake.
One last thing you always think of is that Jammeh is a chameleon and can change the rules anytime that suits him.
Good luck.
Deyda, then it is good to stop talking since you have nothing to offer and stop blaming those who take initiatives. You are the very ones fond of saying that PDOIS does not take initiative to talk to stakeholders. Now it has forwarded a clear cut proposal to them and all of us but you are still sitting on the fence and complaining. You are not a political party but you are a citizen and therefore a stakeholder, so do not demean your status.
Yero am not looking to be a presidential candidate, it is your impatient boss who is vying to be president. Your unconditional and blind support and some times irrational do not help him get more votes and sympathy. Since your boss want to be president then we are king makers and consider your boss as our slave. So do as we say and not as you want….LOL!
Lest you do not want my vote. Remember am home with my voting card ready to go vote..hein!
“Kamalo, I know Halifa is a honorable man of his words and one can have trust in him. I also know Ousainou Darboe is an honorable man of his words. However when looking for coalition consensus, parties have the reasons to be skeptical and mindful of how sweet power can turn one around specially in Africa”
Hydara, both Halifa and Ousainou Darboe are honorable men of their words. Halifa is a presidential candidate and an aspirant for the presidential candidacy of a coalition. Ousainou Darboe is not a presidential candidate nor an aspirant for the presidential candidacy of a coalition.
Thus in this circumstance it is Halifa that we have to scrutinized, the reason why he is making all these public declarations to allay your fears so that there will be no room to be skeptical.
At this point, the selection of a coalition presidential candidate should not be difficult. Lawyer Darboe, the most influential political leader and one who is not competing and is not an aspirant for any of the presidential candidacies, should take the initiative to broker a coalition consensus among the opposition political parties.
Lawyer Darboe has the statute, the integrity and goodwill to do so. Especially when he and OJ Jallow are working together on this.
.
” Also Bax never underestimate the animosity that existed between opposition parties for 22 years. One should thread carefully in order to broker unity and this is what I am trying to do all along in this forum.
Have a nice weekend.”
Hydara, it is true that there are animosities both real and imagined between the opposition parties for 22 years. There is also a reason why they say in politics “strange bedfellows.”
In my view, Lawyer Ousainou Darboe and Omar Jallow (OJ), the most distinguished political statesmen and popular opposition politicians, who are constitutionally restricted to contest the presidency, should bring the rest of the opposition to a coalition consensus. They can do it. And they should do it.
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Kamalo , so it is very clear to you that mr sallah is the Least popular politician in The Gambia today . So why do you think someone who is so unpopular even in his own constituency will be able to win presidential election ? I don’t question his patriotism but I question his ability to win national election. There is fierce urgency for us to recognize the truth and support someone who can win the election. I can tell you even if I compete against mr sallah in this coming election , I will have more vote and support than him , and I am not well known . But I know I can win serekunda central lol. So please join the majority before it is too late .
Now I see why PDOIS and Halifa are not fighting for electoral reforms…huummm! Be careful body Jammeh can lift the age limit to confuse and create more division within the opposition. Be careful Jammeh might be a monster but he is not a STUPID politician.
Yes, you are right Deyda, any time he feels threatened by the collective opposition United Front, he will lift the age limit to create more confusion as he always does knowing Darboe will never accept united front proposals to salvage country like before and always. Gambians are watching.
What is UDP doing differently from PDOIS which makes you believe that PDOIS is not interested in electoral reform? Don’t be a Chameleon.
It is Hamat Bah that throw your boss under the bus not Ousseynou. Remember 2011?
You said “What is UDP doing differently from PDOIS which makes you believe that PDOIS is not interested in electoral reform? Don’t be a Chameleon.” UDP is a major and mature party that do not put the cart before horse like your impatient Boss. If Halifa wants Darboe’s support then he should beg the UDP executive and militants instead of thinking that people will run to him because he is not affected by the age limit. Even Solo Sandeng can beat Halifa in the polls and that’s a fact because he will have a bigger party behind him.
Halifa did not even care to mention the diaspora franchise in his statement, that is how impatient he is… there 14 points in the reforms demand and age limit is only one of them, how about the 13 other points? Go get a hair cut man! LOL!
“Kamalo , so it is very clear to you that mr sallah is the Least popular politician in The Gambia today . So why do you think someone who is so unpopular even in his own constituency will be able to win presidential election ? ”
Context, Max. Context. You should be smarter than this. Your understanding of the English language should be proficient.
This is the statement: “In my view, Lawyer Ousainou Darboe and Omar Jallow (OJ), the most distinguished political statesmen and popular opposition politicians, who are constitutionally restricted to contest the presidency, should bring the rest of the opposition to a coalition consensus. They can do it. And they should do it.”
The above statement is exclusive. The comparison is only between lawyer Ousainou Darboe and Omar Jallow (OJ).
Indeed, as the two political leaders that are constitutionally barred from seeking the presidency, they are the most distinguished political statesmen and popular opposition politicians.
Which other politician who is constitutionally barred from seeking the presidency, is more distinguished and more popular opposition politician?. Halifa is not constitutionally barred from the presidency. Therefore the comparison has nothing to do with him.
“I don’t question his patriotism but I question his ability to win national election. There is fierce urgency for us to recognize the truth and support someone who can win the election.”
It is not enough for you to tell us that Halifa doesn’t have the ability to win national elections. You should also tell us who has the ability to win national elections. This is the only way your statement can have an objective content. Otherwise it serves no useful purpose.
“I can tell you even if I compete against mr sallah in this coming election , I will have more vote and support than him , and I am not well known . But I know I can win serekunda central lol. So please join the majority before it is too late ”
Your subjective tendencies and bias inclinations are becoming very obvious in your remarks. It is becoming very difficult to take you seriously..
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Kamalo, Halifa has been invited twice to come and talk to the opposition and he refused to come and always citing procedures, principles and time tables and what not. Look Kamalo, tell your boss Halifa that he is NOT a king for people to go to him and beg him. He is the one looking to be selected, he is therefore the very one who should be pro-active and even go to sleep in the verrandas of Ousseynou and OJ to beg them to be selected..LOL! politics is all about persuation and not coercion.
That is real politics. Open up for GOD sake.
Another thing is for Halifa to be seen in fighting for electoral reforms without which the playing field will be baias to Jammeh.
Lastly politics is not about intellectualism and the english language, we Gambians are faced with removing a tyrant.
Well, don’t say you’ve not been warned about his inability to derive meaning from content and context….I’ve noticed that about him a long time ago…
Yerro I deliberately chose to curtail my opinion to encourage our politicians to see to eyes for sake of Gambia communal salvage only…..
But I won’t hesitate to point to observations where necessary; my suggestion for the way forward is radical which I think isn’t the appropriate time to suggest due to the current ongoing proposed negotiations…..
But aspiring to enrich a political party when voted to office, as been cited by a party leader in an interview before, by being rigidly inclined in manoeuvres at all costs, at expense of communal interest shrouded in bargains, can only offend or upset the culprits….
Now is the time to stick to my neutrality but will opine my observations when & where necessary…..
I hope you understand where I’m coming from…?
Thanks very much
Kamalo , pdois is the least popular among opposition parties . This is the fact you cannot deny . I was making a joke when I stated that I can win serekunda central but in all seriousness , mr sallah has 0.1 percent chance to win the election . Any candidate nominated by UDP will be far more popular than mr sallah because UDP has more support base than pdois . As an independent citizen without any party membership , I am more objective and reasonable than some of you disciples who always assume that mr sallah is always right . I did compare mr sallah to mr Darboe for you to see their popularity . Your partisan biasness is clouding your judgement to the extend you don’t want to accept the truth and it will continue to lead you to spread falsehood . This is why you guys ( disciples ) are consistently claiming that a party led option is not the right option but a primary is the best even though your party has offered its candidacy .A smaller party should simply Join the bigger party but not the other way around. Where in the world do you see primary in a situation like our country where you have military dictatorship ? Ghana and Nigeria where there was a coalition which led to opposition victory , did they have primary among the opposition parties ? No There was no primary election . Let us stop this disingenuous and be more rational so that we can move forward with proven , tested method which has worked out in many places . It is partisan baisness that is why pdois refused to compromise and continue to spread cynicism across the political spectrum . You need self evaluation . Every single commentators are telling you and your fellow confused disciples to follow simple practical solution which is let the biggest party led the coalition and they can accommodate your ideas as part of agreement . What is wrong with that? You know very well that a primary election can even create animosity among candidates especially if they are not from the same party . It can create division even among those from the same party such as we currently have among republicans . My friend you need to use your brain and connect the dots . We do not need any more division , animosity and bitterness among opposition parties due to so called primary election . Such scenario will automatically give victory to Jammeh .Let the leaders sit down and have a honest discussion , and come out with the best workable solution to our problem . Leadership is about making bold decision and it involves pragmatism . Halifa putting pdois proposal at this moment without any formal discussion is not leadership . Such pre-empty efforts is to avoid any blame from the public .
What is pragmatic about joining a bigger party.? Has the bigger party not been joined by others at least on two occasions without winning the elections.?
Is that your understanding of pragmatism ? All pragmatists know that joining a bigger party alone is not a winning formula in The Gambia because it has been tried and tested several times, without success…It may be a winning formula in Ghana or Nigeria but we are The Gambia; not Ghana or Nigeria…Remember that.
And here’s some food for thought:-
The similitude of Gambia’s alliance debacle is like that of a group of friends who wish to board a cruise ship about to depart in a week, but need to cook and eat a rice based dish together, as a precondition to boarding the ship…
Each of the group members has a complete ingredient for one dish but only one possess rice, which is the most important ingredient, as they must cook a rice based dish…The one who has the rice loves benechin (Jollof rice) and insist that it’s either benechin or no dish…
The problem though, is that one of the group can eat any rice based dish except benechin which he has serious allergies to and could be sick or even die, if he eats benechin..However, all the group members must eat what has been cooked, without exception, before they can board the ship…
As the ship’s departure date get closer and closer, concerned relatives began asking what the matter is and when they found out the reason for the stalemate, they attempted to find a solution…They realised that aboard the ship, each group member will have a self contained cabin, with a fully stucked kitchen of every imaginable ingredient…
During the discussions to reach a compromise, whilst some tried to prevail on the member with the rice to forgo his insistence on benechin until he boards the ship and have his cabin (where he can cook his benechin) for the common good, others blamed the one with the benechin allergy for refusing to agree with the demands of the one who had the most important ingredient, even though he knows that his ingredient is very insignificant when compared to the rice owner..
Unfortunately, the ship left without any of them, due to inability to reach an agreement, and the opportunity of a life time cruise was missed…
Who is at fault for this missed opportunity, the relatives asked each other…?
-Is it the one with the allergy, who could die if he eats benechin, or
-the one with the rice, who could have temporarily waived his love for benechin until they all safely boarded the ship, for the common good, but chose to insist on having benechin or there will be no cooking..?
This is tales “agogo”…LOL, Times have changed, we the electorate will decide who to vote for come December 2016.
Bax parties including APRC cannot elect themselves, it is the electorate that elects them. Today, after 5 more terrible years of monster Jammeh, the electorate including some members of the APRC are ready to send Jammeh packing. So forget your parties ambitions and concentrate on electoral reforms FIRST and the flag bearer NEXT.
“Tales agogo indeed”.That’s even better than a “similitude” or “parable”…who is to blame for the missed opportunity? May be you should share your view on that. (lol)
Honestly, I will be as happy as anyone to see the back of Jammeh…He has been a disaster and a very costly one….
I don’t know of “my party’s” expressed desire to get into government through its coalition proposals..”My party” is the ONLY one giving the power to choose flag bearer to you, the voters on the ground.
Electoral reforms FIRST.and flag bearer later, puts the initiative into Jammeh’s hands because undertaking reforms depends on him…
Instead, why not continue advocating for reforms but carry on with choosing flag bearer ?That way, with or without reforms, the initiative is firmly in your hands…
Kamalo, please tell Maxs to call on his candidate to seek for 5000 nominators and engage in the Primaries with Sallah as Sallah suggested. It will become much easier for Gambians to accept who is more popular in the opposition circles. We cannot depend on the opinion of somebody living thousands of miles away from home to decide the fate of all of us. The best democratic method is to get into a selection contest and let the people decide by themselves. Then and only then will we be sure of our collective candidate who we can be sure may win us the presidency, not soothsayers like Maxs.
Yero please don’t put the cart before the horse. The number ONE problem we face today is :Electoral Reforms. Now if we fail to achieve that by 31st June then and only then should we focus on, mergers, candidates and the flag bearer. You have been patient for 22 years so why can’t you be patient for 2 to 3 months and show your SOLIDARITY by join the fight for electoral reforms NOW.??? The electorate is watching and will judge each candidates solidarity and humility.
With due respect, the PDOIS and Hon. Sallah, must be urge by every Gambian in need for a change right soon, to desist from their party and party affliates’ firm stance that, because Gambians have not listen to them as a dogmatic ideologic party from far way back, to be enlighten with their national issues so, their are no needs for a United Opposition Front, probably without an Hon. Halifa Sallah- leadership. In a sitruation like this, one can hold the opinion that the PDOIS have absolutely no regards for a politically unsophisticated opposition majority vote in their ideologies and this has been made clear long since in the debates here, by its militant and perhaps officials of the PDOIS.
Please be urged to put every efforts including all other opposition parties in bringing about a civilian initiated democratic process in the Gambia, that will mature to perfect itself democratically.
“Kamalo, Halifa has been invited twice to come and talk to the opposition and he refused to come and always citing procedures, principles and time tables and what not.”
When you say invited to talk to the opposition what do you mean? Who is the opposition?
Are you referring to opposition political parties? Or are you referring to the youths from the different political parties who held a meeting recently, and some opposition party leaders attended as observers?
So your statement is a little bit misleading. I believe you are referring to the opposition youth meetings, and correct me if I am wrong..
I wouldn’t fault Halifa for not attending those meetings because they have little to do with the opposition political parties. You should have submitted your proposals to the opposition parties, through the inter-party structure they have creation, for consideration and adoption. That is why I heard on Fatou Radio an opposition party leader stated that “you put the cart before the horse” on that initiative.
The opposition political parties already have a mechanism to talk to each other. They have created the Gambia Opposition For Electoral Reform, through which they can discuss, initiate and work on proposals. It would have been lot easier and more pragmatic for the opposition youth group to submit their proposals to this body.
look Kamalo, tell your boss Halifa that he is NOT a king for people to go to him and beg him. He is the one looking to be selected, he is therefore the very one who should be pro-active and even go to sleep in the verrandas of Ousseynou and OJ to beg them to be selected..LOL! politics is all about persuation and not coercion.”
If this is how politics should work, Lord Have Mercy on our brand of politics. What happens to protocols? What happens to processes? What happens to safeguarding the integrity of political institutions particularly political parties?
“That is real politics. Open up for GOD sake.
Another thing is for Halifa to be seen in fighting for electoral reforms without which the playing field will be baias to Jammeh.”
Are they not fighting for electoral reform together through the Gambia Opposition For Electoral Reform? This should not prevent them from doing other things. Select their presidential candidates. If there are reforms they can contest the elections on their own. If there are no reforms they can form a coalition and select a coalition candidate.
“Lastly politics is not about intellectualism and the english language, we Gambians are faced with removing a tyrant.”
Nobody is saying that politics is about intellectualism and the English language. Politics is an art and it is also a science.
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Kamalo stop the “dilldaliying” with your endless “yes, but; yes but; yes but”
You are wasting your time by not accepting TRUTH when told clearly.
What is this 5000 nominators about. Why not a simple, straight forward and direct opposition United Front primaries be contested. Does this really make sense if even it is a constitutional stipulation? The mathematical resolve to this problem in my view is that; a flagbearer is about to be voted for but we already know that all nominees are winners at stalemate.
How can I be part of Hon. Sallah’s 5000 nominators to end up voting for Hon. Darboe. Something is hypocritical out here…..
You got Bro. Confusions confusions confusions…. PDOIS should really get their acts together and swallow their pride and join the opposition timeline rather than trying to impose their agenda and procedures.
Lest we talking to stones and not brains. LOL!
if you understand how nominations are done by card holders, you will not have difficulty in seeing how a card holder can nominate somebody, just to get their name on the ballot box, but not vote for them at an election…Moreover, people may hold cards, support candidates but not vote in elections.Do you know what voter apathy means…?
Hypocritical indeed Ggamp; when a single party & disciples persistently manoeuvres uncompromisingly rigid in having their ways or nothing whilst below in the pecking order…..
All the hooting is about partisan gains pretentiously disguised in so-called “succinct proposals”; Halifa isn’t interested in political reforms because it favours him; but can play along with the rest deceitfully to blend with the flow….
If Halifa can maltreat a handful Foroyaa employees, chose to threaten them using divisive tactics as been narrated by some of the employees, & widely reported when they demanded for better work conditions, who are the PDOIS officials & disciples pretending to deceive….?
Aspiring to enrich a party by joggling unreasonably for own or partisan gains are the motions at play….
The only difference between Halifa & the Manipulative kanilai Killer-DEVIL is, Halifa will not supress by killing, I assume…..
The Gambia is what matters ABOVE anybody else, individually or partisan….
Momodou Shynggle Nyassi e.g., would’ve lived & die millionaire with his family if he chose to; he shunned it all to serve humanity & God in humility; may God reward him & us all; Ameen……
Pretentious masquerading fools no one; it’s quite disappointing that Halifa of all, & PDOIS in particular, can take Gambians for riding anytime it comes to communal efforts for Gambia salvage reclaim Struggle; insulting our intelligences singularly & collectively….
Bajaw , thank you for your intelligent reasoning. I hope pdois confused and indocrinated disciples like Yero Ba , Bax and kamalo will listen . Halifa sallah think every of us is dump and he is the best educated Gambian as indicated by his chief diehard supporter Yero Ba .
Shingle Nyassi was a great patriot and he was exemplary character who all our politicians and every citizen must embrace for the good of our country . He could have simply joined the jola hegemony but refused and looked for the common interest of Gambian people . Mr sallah should also join UDP with his good ideas to fight for the common interest of the people . That is what we want . I hope he reverse his decision and be part of majority who desperately need change . By taking the survey of all the commentators here on this topic , only 3% support mr sallah’s leadership approach and that 3% are the three confused Disciples , Bax , Yero and kamalo . For Gambia , he is completely ignorance of pdois policies and therefore he can be considered as ignorance supporter who is going with the flow . He might cast his vote in any ballot box during election .
True, true, true Bajaw. It is all about pride and arrogance when it comes to PDOIS. Let us see again the excuses they will come out after gaining their regular 2 or less than 3 percent votes. They will never join any alliance regardless what the rest of the Gambians want them to do. Remember, the party is a cult because you can see it in their attitudes and indoctrination of their disciples. Simply, nothing is correct unless Halipha says it. Country comes first before party but with PDOIS it is the opposite. Why waste time the liberty train is moving on?
I thank you both & all the humble comrades in the Gambia liberation Struggle; we may have different ideas, be on different sides but we are one in the struggle to better Gambia…..
We owe it to ourselves as birthright, our children, the future generations & the departed comrades; in our search for collective common ground, we’ll disagree to agree for the common good only no matter what….
It’s matter of time but the message is clear; the kanilai Idol-Worshipper killer-DEVIL will be annihilated sooner than we all assume….
Thanking all & anybody in the Gambia salvage Struggle …
Bajaw, Darboe did not attend those socalled meetings for any serious discussion on Coalition. He went there only on courtesy because he said he was not mandated by his party to even do that at the time before their congress. Read his comments on Coalition and the Opposition and you will see how unhappy he is with people like you, Lafia,Janjangbureh,Maxs,Deyda,Ggapm AND ALL THE BUNCH OF YOU FANATICS MISREPRESENTING THE UDP IN YOUR THIS UGLY POSTINGS.“Speaking to the media shortly before his election on diverse issues, Mr. Ousainou A.N.M Darboe, the party leader described the relation with other opposition political parties as cordial. He said the opposition parties in the Gambia are in good terms contrary to some online media reports. He cited that during his party anniversary, an NRP delegation was in attendance while PDOIS did not only send a solidarity message but also a handsome donation. He said during their standoff incident in Fass Njaga Choi in NBR last year when his party was intercepted by the police, PPP, GMC and NRP all sent a strong delegation and PDOIS also sent a welcoming solidarity message. He said this is a clear manifestation of unity and understanding among the opposition parties in the Gambia.
“The opposition are friends and brothers and have a common purpose and charging a common destiny. So there is no amount of reification and misinformation that will really keep us (the opposition) apart and we are working together for the interest of this country. Some online paper reports give the impression that the opposition in The Gambia are enemies and eat each other’s throats. Seeing the presence of PPP and NRP delegate in the person of the Minority Leader is clear manifestation of the existing unity,” said the new UDP leader.
On Electoral reform, he said neither the IEC, the President and the National Assembly has taken any step to accommodate their (the opposition) demands and proposals. He said therefore, with that rejection, parties have to decide on their own what they would do. He said since 2012 the opposition got together as parties and decided that they should not participate in the parliamentary election. “Should any party unilaterally break that pact?” He asked.
He said “it is my view that very soon a meeting should be convened so that the parties will decide whether to either break that pact or renew it so that the Gambians would know whether or not, with or without electoral reform we go to the polls,”
With regards to a coalition, Darboe said “the congress has mandated me to discuss with my colleagues in the other opposition parties the formation of a united front that would select a credible and a single candidate to contest the December 1st Presidential election. We could not do it without the mandate of a congress. But now the congress being the highest organ has given us the mandate to do so.”
As a supporter of PDOIS I know that the party is waiting for June before holding any talks on Coalition. You people do not even read information and digest it because of your sentiments which will not take you anywhere. PDOIS is a very reliable ally of the UDP when it comes to electoral reforms which affects all parties. UDP is weak because they seem to have only one person who can serve as flagbearer but many people are affected by the same provision regarding the 65 age limit INCLUDING pdois’ Sidia Jatta. What do you say now? So hold your breadths!
Oh Yoro Bah! I was going to appreciate your comment but all that changed because of the stupid last paragraph: “UDP is weak because they seem to have only one person who can serve as flagbearer but many people are affected by the same provision regarding the 65 age limit INCLUDING pdois’ Sidia Jatta. What do you say now? So hold your breadths!” Who told you UDP donot have another candidate?? You are very happy that Ousseynou is above the stupid age limit. You are a hater hein!
You see the pot is calling the kettle black.
Let’s see what will happen by 31st June. We are partisans of “By All Means Necessary” never forget that communist old boy. LOL!
@Yerro, your evident insolence only demonstrates your lack of tolerance of your fellow citizens’ expressions of their view points and state of their minds in a useful democratic national debate.
Gambians on the ground and in the diapora have all the rights to respectfully express their doubts, opinions, agreements, disagreement or view points with regards to what Hon. Sallah, Hon. Darboe, and needless to mention, all the right honorables of all other opposition parties have to say, in the democracy restoration process and debate of the Gambia.
I think your explicit derogation of your fellow citizens in a genuine, stately and democratic debate will have to go back to where it comes from. Hope the opposition party leaderships are not as short sighted and intolerant towards democratic values as you always demonstrate to be.
“@Yerro, your evident insolence only demonstrates your lack of tolerance of your fellow citizens’ expressions of their view points and state of their minds in a useful democratic national debate.”
Bajaw,I think you are right to some extent but also wrong to some extent. You are right that i am intollerant to most of you because you are not engage in any serious expressions towards solving a common problem but only bent on what your partisan interest lie. If you follow what the PDOIS inclined supporters are writing you will notice that we are mainly engage in clarifying all the negative criticisms unduly loaded against the party by you and your like which will show you that you are indeed wrong.
But since you are tuning down and sounding a bit more sensible i have no option but to forgo your insolence with a view to continue this debate in a more civilised and intelligent manner.
The above description will definitely suffice as long as you continue with your senseless innuendoes that have no place in any intelligent discussion. I hope we are together now. Good luck.
This above comment should have been directed to Ggapm instead. I send my deep apologies to Bajaw.
SORRY!
Yero Ba , lawyer Darboe attended the meeting which you claimed that it was out of courtesy , That should tell you lawyer Darboe does not consider himself above the ordinary people and this was why he attended the meeting . Mr Darboe showed humility and sense of being a responsible leader because he understand those discussion are about national issue . . Halifa sallah has been invited on two different occasions for a meeting , he never attended any one of them . You can clearly see the difference between the two . Lawyer is a democratic and diploma who respect and treat everyone with dignity . This is why he continue to call for unity among the opposition leaders and supporters . But this does not prevent him from speaking truth to what he called ” fringe opposition with few supporters who continue to spread cynicism ” and are reluctant to compromise on method of coalition Which has been tested and proven to be effective in many countries .
You have also indicated that opposition parties agreed on a pact in 2012 to boycott parliamentary elections which mr Darboe question whether individual party should go ahead and break that pact . Then the question is ; why pdois has nominated their presidential candidate when they already agreed on a pact ? You have been consistently calling on UDP to nominate their candidate even though it was clear to you that UDP is waiting to see if there is going to be coalition or electoral reform . If your party is geniunely interested in coalition or united front why is that they have nominated their presidential candidate and also put forward their conditions or policy in public space without entering any formal discussion with various opposition leaders ? Is that not lack of leadership and unwillingness to accept any blame ?
Everyone here is telling you and your Fellow confused and indoctrinated disciples to follow simple common sense . Blaming online commentators as the one creating division is truly misplaced and hypocritical . In your hypocritical moves, you appeared as if there was no problem between the opposition leaders even though it was very clear to you that for 21 years , the opposition leaders were not able to come together as single entity to effectively challenge the Dictator for electoral victory . Why are you so economical of truth ? You need to read lawyer Darboe’s speech at Basse then you will understand what He meant . Until then , you can continue to make your outlandish claims Which you are Known for .
Max, you have to understand one fundamental human problem, ‘rejection and lack of admiration and love’ for a politician. PDOIS will not work for an easy solution in ending tyranny and dictatorship. Their rejection by Gambian people over the years harden them to doing what they want. They careless about what is right.
Max, Rejection and lack of popularity created intense hatred in Halifa. The thought processes Halifa has against Darboe is intensely hateful and no rational explanation provide solution to that Max. Whatever simple method needed doing, Halifa will twist his boy boys hand, (Sam and Sedia) and avoids all forms of united efforts apart from his. What is more better, more simple than a group of grown up men and women sitting round a table and talk on finding common terms?
Yet, Halifa’s never tried and tested craps is elevated to the roof tops of doom. The man is sad and lonely. He will keep moving the goal post til eternity and he will not accept anything else. Let us leave him to have his name on a ballot box. In Gambia here, we have now starting calling him ‘Mr Jealous’. He cannot gather any serious following, neither support, and he will not rest.
“Yero Ba , lawyer Darboe attended the meeting which you claimed that it was out of courtesy , That should tell you lawyer Darboe does not consider himself above the ordinary people and this was why he attended the meeting . Mr Darboe showed humility and sense of being a responsible leader because he understand those discussion are about national issue ”
Max, what is the outcome of those meetings? Have they achieved any tangible results as far as bringing the opposition parties to a coalition consensus? The answer is an emphatic no.
In fact, one of the opposition party leaders, Omar Jallow (OJ) said on Fatou Radio in an interview that he disagreed with what the organizers have done. They talked to the press before they even talk to their party leaders. I listened to that interview. He said they put the cart before the horse.
What they should have done is submit their proposals and recommendations to the opposition party leaders, through the Gambia Opposition for Electoral Reform, the inter-party structure the opposition parties have created to talk to each other. By organizing those meetings without any strategic objective they were just speaking to the gallery. It does not serve any useful purpose.
“Halifa sallah has been invited on two different occasions for a meeting , he never attended any one of them . You can clearly see the difference between the two . Lawyer is a democratic and diploma who respect and treat everyone with dignity . This is why he continue to call for unity among the opposition leaders and supporters . But this does not prevent him from speaking truth to what he called ” fringe opposition with few supporters who continue to spread cynicism ” and are reluctant to compromise on method of coalition Which has been tested and proven to be effective in many countries .”
Max, Halifa was invited on two different occasions for a meeting on what? This is where the problem lies. Political parties have their function and responsibilities. Civil Society Groups also have their roles and responsibilities. Each should know what their roles are and play it accordingly.
The youths who organized those meetings should have submitted their proposals and recommendations to the party leaders instead of inviting them to their meetings. This is the reason why the party leaders who attended those meetings came as observers. They were not doing so on behalf of their parties. There is nothing wrong with that. There is nothing wrong, also, with those who choose not to attend.
It is good to call for unity among the opposition leaders and supporters, but it is also more practical to devise a way of doing that. To formulate a framework that can bring together opposition leaders and their supporters. This is what PDOIS has done. They have repeatedly produced a coalition blueprint that can bring opposition leaders and supporters together.
It would have been a lot easier to compromise on your method of coalition, if only you have demonstrated the willingness to explain what is this method of coalition. Don’t just tell people that a party-led coalition has been tested and proven to be effective in many countries Tell us how it can be effective in our country. We have tried it in four successive elections without any success. Give us a framework. Lay it out so that you can convince your skeptics.
“You have also indicated that opposition parties agreed on a pact in 2012 to boycott parliamentary elections which mr Darboe question whether individual party should go ahead and break that pact . Then the question is ; why pdois has nominated their presidential candidate when they already agreed on a pact ? You have been consistently calling on UDP to nominate their candidate even though it was clear to you that UDP is waiting to see if there is going to be coalition or electoral reform . If your party is geniunely interested in coalition or united front why is that they have nominated their presidential candidate and also put forward their conditions or policy in public space without entering any formal discussion with various opposition leaders ? Is that not lack of leadership and unwillingness to accept any blame ?”
Max, the pact to boycott parliamentary elections has nothing to do with nomination of presidential candidates. The opposition parties can meet again and decide to remove that pact if they choose to participate in the parliamentary elections. That is a separate matter.
PDOIS can nominate its presidential candidate. The other parties can nominate their presidential candidates too. There is no pact among the opposition parties that they should not do so.
What PDOIS has said is that parties can nominate their presidential candidates whilst at the same time pursuing electoral reforms. If there are reforms then there will be no need for a coalition because the parties can contest on their own.
If there are no reforms then the opposition presidential candidates can participate in a primary to select one among them as a coalition presidential candidate. This is PDOIS’s coalition proposal. UDP should also put up their coalition proposal.
“Everyone here is telling you and your Fellow confused and indoctrinated disciples to follow simple common sense.”
What is the common sense, Max? We have a disagreement on the method of coalition for the opposition political parties. We should try to convince each other as to which method is more democratic, more inclusive and more representative than the other. This is what we have been doing.
We have shown that a non-party lead coalition is more democratic, more inclusive and more representative. Beyond telling us that we should all come and support your party in a party-led coalition you have not made any attempts to convince us. Give us a framework of your party-led coalition. What is your coalition governance structure and program?
“Blaming online commentators as the one creating division is truly misplaced and hypocritical . In your hypocritical moves, you appeared as if there was no problem between the opposition leaders even though it was very clear to you that for 21 years , the opposition leaders were not able to come together as single entity to effectively challenge the Dictator for electoral victory .”
Why is this the case? We are not the ones creating divisions or being hypocritical. All what we have been doing is explaining and putting the record straight.
You accuse PDOIS of this we come and provide the evidence that is not the case. PDOIS put out their political agendas, their coalition blueprint, and the way forward. You want to misrepresent their position and we come and provide the evidence that is not the case. This is all we have done. We also advocate for a coalition against the incumbent for the presidential elections.
why are you so economical of truth ? You need to read lawyer Darboe’s speech at Basse then you will understand what He meant . Until then , you can continue to make your outlandish claims Which you are Known for .”
Max, lets us keep to the facts. We have not made any outlandish claims. We will continue to respond to you guys to put the record straight.
Kamalo, you sound like “Chemical Ali” LOL!
Deyda, in what way do I sound like “Chemical Ali”? I know he was famous for using chemical weapons to attack the Kurds.
Bajaw….
What has Foroyaa employees’ grievances, that happened some years ago, got to do with alliance proposals..? I cannot remember anyone claiming maltreatment by Mr Sallah at the time, but if you do, please remind us who it was and what the nature of this maltreatment was..As far as we know, that issue was resolved amicably and there has not been a recurrence to date..
In any case, it is irrelevant here and a complete distraction, except for what it exposes : the true feelings of prejudiced people masquerading themselves as “neutral observers”…
You accuse us (disciples) and PDOIS as “hypocrites” for “rigidity and uncompromising” position, alleging that it is either our way or no way..Let it be pointed out, first of all, that holding a political position and defending it, or expressing support for such a position by themselves alone, do not constitute hypocrisy…
Hypocrisy, sometimes called “Double-Standards, is evident when two or more similar situations are treated differently by the same individual and you are guilty of that here…
We all know that both PDOIS and UDP have well publicised positions on alliance and each is standing by its position…UDP wants a party-led alliance and is not budging (rigid & uncompromising )….PDOIS wants a non-party led alliance is also not budging (rigid & uncompromising )..
Therefore, targeting PDOIS for criticism but absolving UDP for the same “crimes” is Double-Standards that should rightly be called HYPOCRISY…No “ifs”, No “buts”…If we are hypocrites, then you are a bigger hypocrite ..
You alleged that PDOIS’ position is all for party gains, but you have not given one example of how this is so…Unless you do that unambiguously, your view on that particular issue should be dismissed as a joke…So too should your view, it seems, that because age restriction doesn’t affect Mr Sallah, he has no interest in reforms because that situation suits him….This is absolute nonsense..
All honest observers can attest to the fact that the abolition of the age restriction is part of the G6 electoral reform demands and PDOIS is as committed to pursuing those reforms, as any of the other parties…That is the information we get from all players on the ground but if you have anything different, you should say so, rather than spreading false insinuations…
The age restriction, as a matter of fact, has been in the constitution since 1996/97 but it has NEVER generated so much hype…One thus wonders, why now.? I agree with OJ that it is hypocrisy to stress the removal of the age restriction now when nobody bothered so much about it in 1997, 2001 and 2011..
One also wonders why the insistence that PDOIS must suspend its political activities until June, when it will become clear whether there will be reforms or not and again, this demonstrates the hypocrisy in which our efforts are mired in…
In past years, whenever political processes are mentioned, the obstacle that was always cited was, “lack of time”…There was no time for anything, but suddenly, there is so much time that parties are asked to suspend all activities until June. What blatantly obvious hypocrisy…!!
Those who want to put their parties under Yaya Jammeh’s influence and control (because he will be the one to decide if there will be any reform or not) can do so, but those who want to carry on should not be impeded…In the meantime alliance efforts can also continue to be explored and differences narrowed and bridged..
When desired reforms take place, parties can go it alone in the 1st round and collaborate in.the 2nd round, where necessary…If there are no reforms, then they know what to do…either go it alone or form an alliance…
Bax, this will be my last comment on this debate. I know you are a reasonable man.
Bax why did PDOIS agree to include the age limit removal in the electoral reforms and signed the document in the first place? Yet you do not want to fight for it now, can you imagine the contradiction? The issue is not about the timing of the fight against the age limit but rather seen as stumbling block to qualified elderly politicians including Halifa who will not qualify next time around, hence its inclusion in the reforms demanded. So fighting for it now also serves Halifa in future.
Secondly no one here said to suspend your ongoing political activities what we are saying is to also fight and show genuine support for the elections reforms as well. Multitasking is what we are asking you to do.
Thirdly we all know Jammeh has the last word as far as electoral reforms are concerned, as a matter strategy all of us should continue fighting until the monster says his last prayer six months before the elections when no reforms or other reforms are enacted. Simple and logical isn’t it? So be patient. In the meantime do not pray against the wish of all Gambians simply because the most popular opposition politician is barred from running, Allah knows best.
Thirdly the diaspora franchise is TOO important for us to ignore in the fight as they feed the people at home and provide FE for imports.
Finally this forum will not decide who the flag bearer will be, it will be Halifa, Darboe, Hamath, OJ, Mama Kandeh and the Brikama MP and their executives who shall sit around a table in a close door environment and NEGOTIATE and agree on a flag bearer.
We are asking Halifa to take his proposals to them and not to us who have no say on the final decisions. No matter how loud the diaspora shouts the decision will emanate from the Gambia. Period.
Thank you.
Queries from DH and my response..
(1)…Why doesn’t PDOIS want to fight for the removal of age limit when they signed up to the reform agenda..?
Response…On what bases do you make such a claim..? As far as we know, the opposition parties are demanding electoral reform, including removal of the age restriction, through G6 and PDOIS is still an active member of G6.
There is no evidence that PDOIS has withdrawn from G6 and is pursuing a separate set of reforms, which doesn’t include the demand for the removal of the age restriction, and until then, such allegations should be dismissed as baseless ..
(2)…No one says “suspend your activities” but “multi-task”…
Response…I.think my response to (1) answers the issue of “multi-tasking” because PDOIS is involved with party issues, as well as G6 reform issues..That is “multi-tasking”..
One the other hand, if no one is asking PDOIS to suspend its activities, why is there so much fuss about the selection of their presidential candidate.? The only reason that I can see is because you guys want PDOIS to suspend that till later, like the UDP..
The decision of the UDP to defer the selection of presidential candidate till later, whatever the reasons (stated or perceived), is their prerogative, but no one should hold that as the standard which all must follow…
Parties can still continue to take independent decisions, affecting only themselves, whilst collaborating on all fronts where collaboration is required. Any opposition to that amounts to a request to suspend party activities, in my view..
(3)…Don’t pray against the wish of all Gambians simply because the most popular opposition politician is barred from running..
Response…I think you are better than this and should know better..I am in no doubt that Lawyer Ousainou will be the first to acknowledge that even the UDP is bigger than him, much more the entire Gambia…
Why should his disqualification be equated with the wish of all Gambians.? Indeed, many people see the lack of wisdom and the injustice in barring 65+ year olds from holding the office of president, but tying or linking our national wishes to the fate of one man, is the very reason why leaders entrench themselves and become dictators …
(4)…The diaspora is too important to be ignored….
Response..Who is ignoring the diaspora.? PDOIS also has branches in the diaspora and their officials often travel abroad to meet with the diaspora..So what’s the problem here ?
Mr Sallah didn’t mention the diaspora at his press confidence, is that it..? Was any question asked about the diaspora.? Remember, this was a press conference to address the public on his candidature and pledge his commitments before all…
PDOIS Manifesto is very clear about the role that the diaspora can play and how they will facilitate and maximise this contribution..So what’s the problem.?
(5)…Halifa should take his proposal to other parties, not this forum because we will not select flag bearer…
Response…Did Halifa put his proposal (governance framework) before this forum alone or before The Gambian People..? PDOIS convened a press conference so that its presidential candidate can inform the nation, through the media, of his plans for.the whole nation…
His governance framework, which was revealed to the nation, was also submitted to the party for onward transmission to all stake holders, including opposition parties…So that has been done..
Your query, I suppose, is that he should consult the other parties first, before going public but again, this is a refusal to accept that PDOIS is an independent party that can take decisions affecting it alone, without putting themselves under anyone’s influence and control…
PDOIS’ coalition proposal is well known and elements of it have again been reiterated during this press conference..And for God’s sake, alliance proposal.is not some.highly sensitive state secret that should not be.put before the public domain…
And it is because PDOIS has had the good sense to put this in the public domain that we know it is very interested in alliance, contrary to what all the haters are claiming..
Thank you and good luck.
Bax, the Foroyaa employees issue has been on the Jollofnews papers so refer or contact them for your perusal…
It all emanated from the derogatory work conditions of employees who had no other choice but to demand improvement for better conditions; Halifa’s mishandling of his workers’ plight & demands was through suppressive divide rule manoeuvres, by calling them to his office individually & threatening them with dismissals instead of congregating them to deal with the issue collectively, only to submit to the dictates of reality when it all backfired through the workers insistence, standing their grounds & the wide media reports in their favour…..
That manipulative suppressive tendencies of Halifa was a litmus test for his character & leadership qualities of managing the welfare of handful of people much more a nation….?
Everybody following my contributions on the debates for National salvage struggle knows I have sympathetic ear to all parties in the Gambia liberation struggle; but truth be told, I have equally condemned all rigid inclinations encouraging all players to concede some grounds necessary for consensus for the collective communal benefits only, above partisan gains…..
Can you proof where I have ever called for any parties to suspend individual activities?
Take these classes for your enlightenment; there’re surface meanings for statements, pronouncements, acts or deeds, & inferences or connotations which are deeper & only the realists, mature & wise can scratch beneath the surfaces, to digest & comprehend the truth beyond to the factuality & actualities….
Halifa is on record, about the PDOIS Bansang Congress time or there about, that a political party becomes wealthy by being voted into office…
My friend Yerro Ba dilated some of this sometime back on Kaironews here…
I might be wrong but never in history have I ever heard any potential leadership aspirant expressly shown & manifested corruption with intent; though there’re parties elsewhere who are wealthy even before being voted to office; no wonder he pretentiously sound objective, proposing to select all the sensitive ministerial positions despite Constitutional provisions….
Despite with the majority power & topmost in political opposition hierarchy, numerically UDP is ‘within their rights’ to ask to dominate the opposition alliances; on numerous occasions I’m on record on this medium for condemning this, appealing for all front players to be reasonable for country, to see to eyes & concede grounds to pave the way forward….
Now, I leave your humble self, rest of comrades, greater Gambian community & friends & everyone following, to determine who the real hypocrites are….
Thanks very much
I have stated that you have often expressed your opinion as a neutral observer…You should have continued on that trend…You have a right to criticise PDOIS or UDP or NRP if you disagree with them, but name calling is beyond criticism..
Yes, you have criticised UDP in the past but did you ever call them, “hypocrites” because of your disagreement with them..? I don’t think so…That’s why I think you betrayed your true feelings…
I followed every single debate about the Foroyaa problem and I think I participated too, but I am not the one alleging anything here…You are the one making claims of maltreatment, so the onus is on you to proof it, not me…
Also, there is no perfect institution anywhere and even the best run ones, do have a good number of employees harbouring grievances, of one sort or another, and Foroyaa is no exception…
But institutions have got procedures to address internal issues, like grievances, conduct, etc, and if people are found to have gone against standard procedures at Foroyaa at the time, then the management will be right to throw the book at them..
Obviously, you seem to know what was said behind closed doors and I can’t dispute that…All I can say is that I could not remember reading that from any Foroyaa employee…There were lots of things alleged to have been said, from third parties, but one has to be cautious and take such with a “pinch of salt…” At least, that’s how I approach issues..
I never stated that you personally asked PDOIS to suspend its activities, so the need for me.to provide proof doesn’t arise, at all…My view is very clear : that those who continue to hold the UDP’S deferment of selecting their presidential candidate, as a standard, as well as object to PDOIS’ selection of presidential candidate, are essentially asking PDOIS to suspend its political activities, till later..(because that selection is part of PDOIS’ political programmes)
I have not heard or seen the statement you are attributing to Mr Sallah about political parties getting wealthy in government, so I cannot comment on that, but again, the onus is on you to provide the proof…Since you seem to say that Yero Ba knew about it and said something on it, I hope he will find time to share his view with us…
And thanks for the lesson on “enlightenment”. Much appreciated, though “enlightenment” is not always desirable, if we go by what has been.said about it on the pages of this very medium…which you applauded with your comments…
‘Since you seem to say that Yero Ba knew about it and said something on it, I hope he will find time to share his view with us…’
Bax, please do not bother about these failures who want to blame PDOIS and Halifa for their desperation. If Bajaw wants to be believed he should simply quote where i had mentioned anything about parties becoming rich. My problem is that we are in the same forum with people who have no principles whatsoever and so do not hesitate to fabricate blatant lies for the sake of argument. Why didnt Bajaw state where Halifa made mention of political parties becoming rich by being voted into government instead of saying at Bansang or there about. I am not worried because i know that the general readership on this forum are convinced that we are dealing with spent forces who have painstakingly convinced themselves that it is Halifa and PDOIS that are responsible for their failures, and therefore will say and do anything in their power to stop the PDOIS from pursuing.
Know that they will only stop when they can no longer do anything to placate the citizenry to reject the good policies of PDOIS even to the extent of helping to keep the APRC in power at their own detriment.Imagine people who would prefer darkness to enlightenment. They must be doomed.
In Mandinka, it’s called ‘kutunkanayaa’
I surely can remember Yerro dilating on comments columns on this very medium on subsequent interview Halifa made shortly at time of PDOIS Bansang Congress…..
Somebody mentioned about the interview on the comments column; Yerro responded that he listened to it & dilated further including the corruption with intent enrichment claim….
I’m not surprised; if Yerro can praise one for commenting in favour, & turn out to daggers when the person comments against; an example is in here when he initially commended Ggamp & turned to calling names when Ggamp spotted some hypothetical manipulation….
For the Foroyaa employees saga, it all have been reported in Jollofnews; where Halifa picked bones with Jollofnews & us commentators condemning the treatment of fellow compatriots; in this day of scrutiny, ears can penetrate any iron-curtains intended to pull wool over our faces….
Anybody is entitled to your opinion about me; that changes nothing; truth is known who the real hypocrites are…..
You’ll be disappointed if anyone thinks I will engage in bickering….
I thank you all
Anything good comes from Allah and anything evil, or treacherous comes within our ownselves.Therefore,let’s not attribute the evil deeds or actions of the tyranny to Allah.Repentance should starts from us first, then with grace of Allah, this tyranny will be the thing of the past, In Shaa Allah.