Seedy, thanks for this summary of the background of the candidates.

Chi Jaama

Joe Sambou


>From: "Seedy S. Khan" <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
><[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: By-Election Candidates' Profile
>Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 15:47:36 -0400
>
>All eyes, domestic and international, are now set on the Jarra West
>by-election slated for July 1, 2004. This National Assembly by-election is
>of paramount significance mainly for two reasons: First, it is a testing
>platform for the recently formed opposition coalition. Second, the outcome
>of this election will ultimately manifests the feelings of the constituents
>to APRC about the incarceration of Baba Jobe, former National Assembly
>Member for the area.
>
>Officially, the canvassing starts today, June 16 and will last until June
>29. Again, the by-election will be held on July 1. So, who are those
>leading the various campaigne trails? In order words, who are the
>candidates? Well, we learned about two: Musa Saidykhan for APRC and
>Kemeseng Jammeh for the opposition Coalition(Alternative). So, who are
>these folks?
>
>Musa Saidykhan: I have made more than five calls to Musa's house in Kani
>kunda in order to get his personal contribution to this piece, but he was
>never available. However, I was able to gather some information from some
>members of his family. My findings reveal that Musa is a native of Kani
>Kunda. He attended Pakalinding Primary School, Armitage High School and
>Yundum College(now Gambia College), respectively. He rose through the
>various ranks of the Gambian school system until he eventually became a
>headmaster. As a headmaster, he served in several primary schools,
>including Sitanunku(Niumi), Ndemban(foni), Brikama Ba and finally
>Jamisa(Kombo Brikama) where he retired a few years ago. Since his
>retirement, he has served in The Gambia Civic Education Program. A source
>outside of his family informed me that Musa has intermittently shown
>interest in contesting the Jarra West Parliamentary seat as far back as
>early 1980.
>
>Kemeseng Jammeh: I made several calls to Kemeseng's house in Si Kunda so as
>to get his personal touch on this piece , but to no avail. However, I spoke
>with one Momodou Sarr, a UDP administrative/campaigne officiaI. I made my
>final call at about 9:00 P.M.(Gambian time) on Tuesday, June 15. Though
>Kemeseng was said to be out, I was fortunate to quiz one Alagie Jammeh(a
>brother to Kemeseng) about his brother. I was informed that Kemeseng
>attended Pakalinding Primary School, Armitage High School and Yundum
>College, respectively. He taught in Gambian schools for several years
>before landing in the Ministry of Local Government and Lands as an
>executive officer. As an executive officer, he served in Soma Area
>Council(Jarra West) and Kanifing Municipal Council. In 1974/1975, he quit
>Local Government and joined Sheriff Dibba and NCP. In 1977, 1982, 1987 and
>1992, he contested the Jarra West Parliamentary seat against Yaya Ceesay of
>PPP and lost in all. NCP was disbanded after the 1994 military coup.
>Finally, in the 1996 Legislative elections, Mr. Jammeh won as a UDP flag
>bearer against Baba Jobe. He served in the National Assembly as a Minority
>Leader from 1996/97 to 2001. In the last legislative elections, UDP chose
>to boycott the elections.Thus, Baba Jobe became unopposed.
>
>Now, who has a better chance of securing the contested seat? Well, I spoke
>to several individuals both within and outside the camps, politicians and
>nonpoliticians, young and old, men as well as women and almost all
>indicated that Mr. Saidykhan has very, very slim chance of winning.
>
>My consultations will continue.
>
>Seedy
>
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