Essa,

I had to interrupt my reply to the other mails to drop a line in response to
your observation.

I must tell you that I am very much inspired by the people. I cannot predict
what they would do at the ballot box when confronted with intimidation or
inducement. What is, however, very clear is that they are very receptive to
ideas and are very responsive in expressing their opinions.

After delivering speeches lasting for an hour, questions and answers session
often last for an hour and a half. You can just imagine how enlightened the
farmers are becoming. They are forming committees everywhere. They are
receiving cassettes and news items. I only hope that I will live to see it,
but there is no doubt that the Gambian farmers are gaining increasing
clarity of the situation in their country and the nature of their leaders.

We certainly will not argue with anyone about tactics. We are convinced that
real change must come from below and that change must be a conscious one.
The people must see the need for change; they must know what the change
entails; they must want the end result of the change and they must support
the means to bring it about before there can be real change. This is why we
devoted our whole programme to sensitisation rather than giving priority to
campaigning for votes. We want the votes to be preceded by awareness. May be
we are just pioneers. May be we are just to give the limited knowledge we
have for others to learn more and give more. Nonetheless, we do notice
progress and we are received well by the people. We really feel comfortable
being with them. Irrespective of their language grouping they do open their
hearts to us and they do speak their minds. This is the most we can ask for.
As for votes, it is their right to assert who should lead them. We just
don't know when and whether they will cast them for us. We are, however, not
deterred from giving what we can without expecting votes as rewards. Our
reward is that they do encourage us to continue to come to exchange views
with them and we do feel that they mean what they say by the reception we
receive.

I thank you for your concern.

Greetings.

Halifa.


-----Original Message-----
From: tester testers <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Friday, February 25, 2000 11:30
Subject: Re: HALIFA


>I read your comments and would like to commend you for
>reaching out to the hinterland.  I can imagine how
>tough it has been for you especially traveling to the
>remote corners of the country.  I hope it has been
>fruitful and worth the trek.

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