Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 012/2007, 31st January – 2nd February, 2007
Editorial
THE ABC OF GOVERNANCE IN
A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY
“No Taxation Without Representation” was the outcry of the forces for
national liberation and independence. Representation was linked to taxation to
ensure that there is transparency and accountability in handling public
resources.
When it became evident that there can be divergent views on how a society is
governed political parties emerged to seek the mandate of the people.
Those who are given a mandate to manage the affairs of society take charge
and those who are not given the mandate serve as watchdogs of how they govern.
In this way the society is kept informed on how their affairs are managed
and is further guaranteed an alternative source of representation.
The role of the opposition in a democratic society is to serve as an
effective tool to monitor how a country is governed and serve as an alternative if
those who govern fail to meet the expectation of the people.
In a functioning democratic society one expects to find a balance in power
between the opposition and the ruling party in the main oversight institution
called parliament, National Assembly or Congress.
In emerging democracies where opposition parties are weak governments prove
their commitment to transparent and accountable governance by respecting the
freedom of expression of the citizenry especially the right to a free media.
In South Africa, for example, no representative dare to act with impunity
because of fear of exposure by the media.
Needless to say, scrutiny of representatives can also be effected by civil
society groups such as trade unions and other associations.
The problem with the Gambia is that the institutions of representation are
still too weak to effect the necessary checks or scrutiny on governance.
The media depend largely on reporting what is known instead of what it
derived from investigation. Civil society organisations are still spectators of
the democratic process rather than participants in building democratic institut
ions.
The Gambia is a society wanting to discover the true meaning of democracy
and good governance. Now that we have elected a president and members of the
National Assembly, Foroyaa will be keenly following their words and actions to
see whether the next five years will be marked by restoration of the autonomy
of the councils and the non interference with the mandate of their elected
representatives; whether the security to tenure of public servants will be
guaranteed; whether the National Assembly will check all violations of the
constitution and abuse of power; whether bills shall be scrutinized and passed
without fear or favour affection or ill will; whether a freedom of information
act will be passed to enable the media access to what is now considered
confidential information; whether civil society will become vibrant to enable women
to come out fully to contest elections than hope to get appointments.
Will Gambian democracy grow or will it further degenerate into the mere
contest for office every five years only to end up with an uncritical mass that
thrives on praise singing and begging for a life time? Will the sovereign
Gambian emerge to be the architect of a new destiny or refuse to emerge and
promote hopelessness, poverty and mediocrity in managing our affairs?
INTERVIEW WITH HALIFA SALLAH
“Where there are wrongs to be corrected to fold one’s arms
is to be an accomplice”
FOROYAA: Many people want to know whether you are now to call it a day since
you have failed to retain the seat?
Halifa: This is not a time for any sovereign Gambian who treasures his/her
sovereignty to call it a day. Where there is wrong to be made right those who
fold their arms to become mere spectators are accomplices of a historical
aberration. I will never be found guilty of abandoning the cause to build a
society that can guarantee unrestrained liberty and sustainable prosperity to the
people. I will serve the African people and humanity until I am caught by
the everlasting sleeps.
FOROYAA: You are quoted to say that the 2007 National Assembly elections
will be your last attempt to contest seats.
Halifa: What I have said is my intention. I have made it clear that I am now
53 years. That my desire is to serve one more term as National Assembly
member to accomplish what I had set out to do at the level of the Pan African
Parliament.
I have also said elsewhere that I am committed to serving one term as a
President if that is the will of the NADD executive. On the other hand I had said
that if I fail to retain my seat I will prefer to take the struggle for the
liberty and prosperity into the world of knowledge production.
FOROYAA: Does this not mean that you will leave politics for academia?
Halifa: For those of us who understand the role of ideas representation in
history we see a link between knowledge and practice in shaping human
civilization. The pursuit of knowledge is only relevant if it is linked to its
translation into practice to build human civilization. I have not said that I will
pursue knowledge exclusively and abandon the struggle for enhanced liberty
and prosperity; on the contrary I wish to prepare myself more to contribute to
the realization of the cause to make the African people free and prosperous.
FOROYAA: Are you going to retain your post as flag bearer.
Halifa: I will address a resignation letter to the NADD Executive as a
matter of principle. It is for them to decide what is in the best interest of NADD
and the country. I am at their service and that of the country. I know what
I want to do as a person but I am willing to subject myself to their service
and that of the country.
FOROYAA: Does this mean that if they want you to continue you will abandon
academia?
Halifa: The two are not mutually exclusive. In these five years I have every
opportunity to search for knowledge and produce books for the benefit of the
people. Regardless of what the NADD Executive decides I have all the time in
the world to achieve the aim of making my contribution to academia for
posterity.
FOROYAA: It appears that you are committed to politics for a life time.
Halifa: How the country is managed is the concern of all people in the
Gambia. We are either representatives or are represented. All of us should either
strive to be honest and mature representatives or their electors.
FOROYAA: It is reported that the president had said that his big mouthed
opponents had been removed from the National Assembly. That such people used to
destroy his relations with the big powers in the world. What do you say to
this?
Halifa: Who the cap fits let him wear it. The Halifa Sallah I know is
respected at home and in Africa and the world.
I will not debate on personal opinions. The President’s problem is not
Halifa Sallah but how to guarantee liberty and prosperity to each Gambian. If I
were in his position I will not be offended by critics but would infact respond
to every criticism with policy initiatives to enhance liberty and
prosperity. This is the type of democratic leadership Gambia, Africa and the world
need.
BAKAU UDP CANDIDATE’S TRIAL ADJOURNED
By Modou Jonga
The trial involving the state and the defeated UDP candidate for the Bakau
Constituency in the just concluded National Assembly Election, Mr. Nfamara S.
Bojang, was on Monday 29th January, 2007 adjourned to 5th February.
The case was adjourned due to the absence of the Presiding Magistrate E. F M’
bai. Mr. Bojang was arrested a day after he was nominated to contest the
Bakau Seat and was subsequently arraigned in court on 10th January at the
Brikama Magistrate Court. The accused (Mr. Bojang) who was present in court, on
Monday, has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges prefered against him. On
count one, Mr. Bojang is charged with conspiracy to commit a felony in the
month of January 2005 at Busumbala Village and on count two he is charged with
being in possession of forged Gambian currency notes.
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF JOURNALISTS
Media Release
IFJ Demands Release of Journalist Held Secretly For
7 Months In The Gambia
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has called for the
immediate and unconditional release of journalist, Chief Ebrima Manneh, who has
been missing since July 2006 and is reportedly being held in a provincial
police station in The Gambia.
Manneh, a reporter with the pro-government Daily Observer newspaper, has
been missing since 7 July and is said to be held by the National Intelligence
Agency (NIA) The agency has repeatedly denied that it is holding the journalist
but reports from local media and other sources confirmed that Manneh was
held incommunicado in different locations by the NIA.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Chief Ebrima Manneh,”
said Gabriel Baglo, Director of IFJ Africa Office. “It’s horrendous that in
a state where there is a judicial system a journalist can be held
incommunicado for seven months without any charge.”
According to local sources and newspapers, the journalist was moved from the
NIA headquarter to the Mile Two Central Prisons in the capital city,
Banjul, to police stations in Kartong (South of Banjul), Sibanor (West), Kuntaur
(Centre) and then to Fatoto (East).
Some sources have indicated that Manneh’s detention is related to a feature
authored by a foreign correspondent on the African Union (AU) summit held in
Banjul. The news agency, Afrol, quoted an anonymous source at the Daily
Observer saying that “Chief’s efforts to reproduce the said feature was
aborted, as Observer authorities cancelled the printed pages and went ahead to
inform NIA that he is a saboteur to the ruling party.” Manneh was arrested the
following day according to the same source.
The IFJ renewed its call from 15 July 2006 for independent investigations
into the killing of the journalist Deyda Hydara, who was murdered in The Gambia
two years ago.
Lamin Fatty, a journalist with the now-shut-down newspaper, The Independent,
has been on trial at a Magistrate Court since July 2006. Fatty was arrested
on 10 April 2006 and was secretly detained for more than two months. Fatty is
accused of “publishing false information.”
“We call for the end of the ridiculous trial of Lamin Fatty. There is
nothing to charge him with; this harassment should stop and the journalist should
be acquitted and compensated for all this emotional torture,” IFJ’s Baglo
said.
For further information contact the IFJ: +2218420143
The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries.
SUWAIBOU JATTA DETAINED
Suwaibou Jatta (a separatist) of the Movement Democratic Forces du Casamance
(MFDC) is detained at the Maximum Security Wing of the Mile Two Central
Prisons, a source informed this paper.
The Casamance secessionist was arrested and detained by state security
agents. Reasons precipitating his arrest and detention are yet to be made public.
In a separate development, the death of Father Abbe Diamacoune Senghore
(the initiator of the Casamance rebellion) has left a leadership crisis in
the separatist movement. Some of the movement’s big wigs want Jean Francoise
Marie Biaggui to lead the MFDC, while some of the movement’s stalwarts are
opposed to any move that will see Biaggui rising to the apex of the group.
Casamance insurgents have waged a protracted guerilla warfare that has left
hundreds of people dead and maimed.
Open Letter to Halifa Sallah
Halifa Sallah- A HERO FOR EVER
Mr. Sallah, Please allow me as a citizen of The Gambia and a person who
highly respects you to congratulate you for having stayed a long and painstaking
course only to entrench democracy in our country. There is one old saying
from a famous singer which is “The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory”.
This saying indeed fits your person and character. Despite all the odds in
this wild field of politics I for one and many others within the silent
majority will never seize supporting your efforts. If India and The Gambia were to
exchange values of family geography I would nominate you to match those of
the Ghandis. In my mind you are the Mahatma Ghandi of our time. 2006 marked the
20th year from 1986 when you openly started your educative programs in The
Gambia. Prior to starting an active life in politics you used to run a radio
program with Alhaji Assan Njie called”Maggi Elek” in wollof meaning the
leaders or elders of tomorrow. Today you are reaping some of those sweet fruits in
a very sophisticated method of approach. You have not failed my good
brother! Philosophically specifics are not meant to determine failure because
specifics can also be attributed to strange cases like accidents of history. There
is also an old learned Indian who said this:”....where politics is considered
to be the dirt of society, knowledge is the soap to wash it...” This laundry
can be done during one generation and then be left hanging to dry during
another one. Your role is to do, God’s role is to destine. The destiny of our
land does not lie in the hands of the incumbent regime. The destiny of our land
lies in the hands of its people.
These are the very people you have always chosen to serve at all cost.
Serving one’s people can never be buried by the unfair markers of history or
society perse. This is why I chose to prepare this letter thus wait for the day
that the destiny of our beloved nation will revive the wise words of great
minds like you. Certainly God willing this day is on the way and it will be here!
Mr. Sallah, many Gambians and non Gambians can still remember the time you
chose to come back home from the USA ready to serve your people. I had the
privilege of meeting one of your respected classmates in Austin Texas who is
today a head of a faculty at UTA-University of Arlington Texas. The latter is
one of the most recognized universities in the globe. Listening to the good
things your former school mate had to say about your character was so pleasing
for someone like me, who has been your fan for all these years. I am naturally
obliged to expose the other side of you that I came to know outside The
Gambia. This is a positive side of your being therefore of great value and pride
to Gambians home and abroad. This same positive side made you chop wood to
pay for your school fees while traversing the cold streets during winter. This
side shows great dedication from a responsible citizen who chose to ignore
portfolio and wealth for the sake of one’s people. This side makes you my hero
for ever.
Mr. Sallah, In view of the above my good brother take note that, my most
sincere intension is to recognize the valuable services you have been rendering
to our people, including me and others. The president of the incumbent
government can of course never deny having benefited from those services. You have
indeed done so much for Gambia and Gambians, at home and abroad. I cannot see
you be called someone who failed in elections when you succeeded in
capturing the same seat on two occasions after having faced one of the world’s worst
media campaigns, harsh insults dripping from the septic tank of the media
machine of a sitting government towards decent folks like you my good brother.
The same adverse effects killed Marthin Luther King, Mahatma Ghandi, then
led Mandela to jail. Today these names have been honoured by history and
society. This is why I would want to salute you with my cap down on the ground.
Winning elections does not mean winning confidence because confidence does not
care about fuming popularity. Elections are meant to give mandates therefore
mandates are a reflection of great expectations coming from people who have
either been misled or educated. Where popularity comes into play understanding
one’s responsibility can either be misplaced or miscalculated. Where choice
is based on principle and responsibility mandates will never be used to
replace effective services. This is how you and Sidia Jatta captured Wuli without
spending stolen dollars. This is why intelligence does not recognize regional
feelings or social tags. The farmer in Wuli has proven popularity wrong
because they voted Sidia again and again after having understood his message of
sense and sensibility. Bravo! Foroyaa! Bravo PDOIS! Bravo NADD! Where great men
are affected by negativity sensible souls search for reasons. Where
characters that use popularity continue to be the sucking lice of men and women
sensible souls will still search for reasons. Reasons can be plausible or not
plausible but reasons are reasons in one way or the other. What are the reasons
behind the current situation in our political arena in The Gambia and in many
other countries in Africa? This is where another responsibility waits for
researchers like you Mr. Sallah, Sam Sarr and Sidia Jatta. Start your new jobs
right from this minute. Remember! There are streets named after Marthin Luther
King and Nelson Mandela. These streets were named after people who suffered
so much for the sake of liberating others. Therefore good legacies are so
costly!
While expecting an open reply please accept the assurances of my highest
regards and ever lasting support from a brother who admires you so much.
Yours Sincerely
Essa Bokarr SEY.
Former Gambian Ambassador in the US
DEFEATED INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE SPEAKS
By Modou Jonga
The Defeated Independent Candidate for Kombo South Constituency Mr. Abdou
Colley has said his losing to the APRC candidate, Paul L. Mendy, is a verdict
of the people of Kombo South. Mr. Colley who contested for the Kombo South
seat for the first time described his performance as encouraging to this
reporter. The election result, he noted, should be taken in good faith for the
common good of all. Mr. Colley urged his supporters to be peaceful and be law
abiding. He thus hailed his supporters for their show of solidarity both before
and after elections. “I call on my supporters to accept the election results
in good faith as it stands,” he reiterated.
Mr. Colley described the election process as transparent, free and fair. On
his future political plans, Mr. Colley emphasised that he hopes to contest
for the Kombo South seat in the future.
DEFEATED FONI BINTANG CANDIDATE DECLINES TO COMMENT
By Modou Jonga
The defeated candidate of the APRC for the Foni Bintang seat, Mr. Ebrima
Janko Sanyang has declined to comment about his defeat in the just ended
National Assembly polls.
Mr. Sanyang who was eyeing for a second term is defeated by Mr. Ebrima Sollo
Jammeh who stood on an independent ticket. When I attempted twice to seek
his reaction on phone, he rang off.
Efforts by this reporter to get comments from the elected Kombo Central
National Assembly member, Mr. Abdou F.S.H Jarju, the defeated UDP Kombo North
candidate, Mr. Ismaila Sanneh and the elected Kombo South National Assembly
member, Paul L. Mendy proved futile at the time of going to press.
ELECTION DAY IN KOMBO NORTH
By Abdoulie G. Dibba
As Gambians go to the polls on the 25th of January 2007 to elect their
National Assembly Members, this reporter went round polling stations within Kombo
North Constituency to monitor the process. At polling station C137, it was
observed that there was no queue as voters trickled in. The presiding officer at
this polling station, Bintou Sanyang, expressed disappointment regarding the
low voter turn out. This view was buttressed by Malang Badjie, the APRC
agent and Mustapha Sarr the UDP agent. This was the trend in all the twenty
polling stations visited by this reporter in Kombo North constituency. The voting
process was smooth in almost all the polling stations visited, except Station
C140A. The presence of the people hanging around was noticed by this
reporter the polling station. The presiding officer at the station, Lamin BF Jassey,
told this reporter that he intervened for them to disperse but the crowd did
not disappear. It was discovered that they were APRC stalwarts in Lamin
village. At polling stations C118A and C119B within the same vicinity, the Alkalo
of Banjulinding could be seen brewing “attaya” at a close proximity which
the election rules do not allow.
POLLING DAY IN JOKADU CONSTITUENCY
By Annia Gaye
The Gambian people once again went to express their constitutional rights on
Friday, 25th January 2006, by voting for the candidate of their choice in
different constituencies; in The Gambia. This Foroyaa reporter went round to
various constituencies and had witness polling in various stations within the
Jokadu District.
The first village this reporter visited was polling station D55 at Munyagen
village where voting started at 7. 00 am. Speaking to Foroyaa, the presiding
officer, Abdoulie Saho, said he was supplied with 1000 tokens. He said the
voting process in Munagen was peaceful. He observed that the turn out in the
area was not as good as was expected. He added that most of the villagers were
engaged in their domestic work, especially the women, but hoped that they
would come to cast their votes later in the day.
The polling agent for the APRC, Mustapha Kebbeh, explained that voting went
on very smoothly and peacefully and that there was no problem. He said the
turn out was very good. The polling agent for the independent candidate, Pa
Amat Jagne, also explained that the election process was going on smoothly.The
polling agent for the UDP, Mustapha Gassama, also expressed a similar
observation. He urged people to maintain the peace. He indicated his lateness to cast
his vote but said he was happy to have finally done so.
When I spoke to some voters namely one Fatou Cham and one Mustapha Joof,
both expressed their satisfaction with the way the election process was
proceeding and how voters were conducting themselves. They commended the IEC for a
job well done.
Polling At Kerr Jarga Village
This reporter proceeded to Kerr Jarga village to observe the polling and
interviewed the presiding officer, agents and some of the voters. Talking to the
presiding officer at polling station D53, Alpha B. Jallow explained that the
voting process was going on smoothly. He said the turn out was fair. The
agents for the APRC, UDP and the Independent candidate, namely Alhagie Cham,
Famara Jatta and Juma Bah, respectively, also expressed satisfaction that the
turn out was good as people were coming in their large numbers to vote for the
candidates of their choice. .
Polling at Kuntair Village
Polling took place in Kuntair Village at polling station D48. The presiding
officer for the station, Bubacarr Jallow, stated that voting started by
7.00am and that he was supplied with 1000 tokens. He said the voter turn out was
good as people were coming in their large numbers. He further expressed his
satisfactory with the process. Expressing his views on the voting process, the
party agent for APRC, Idrissa Jallow, said the election process was
satisfactory and that every thing was in order. The agent for UDP, Amat Dem, said the
process of the election was satisfactory. The agent for the independent
candidate, Ebou Bah, also expressed similar sentiments.
VOTING IN NIAMINA EAST
By Lamin Fatty
Voting started in all the nineteen polling stations in Niamina East at
7:00am. The presiding officer at Kundang Polling station told this reporter that
the voting process started on time with a promising voter turn out. In an
interview with a voter who claimed to support the independent candidate in
Kudang, this reporter was told about the optimism of Ebrima Marenah’s victory. In
Pateh Sam village the presiding officer, Kabiro Bayan, said that the voter
turn-out was very low compared to the presidential election. Visiting Sambel
Kunda, this reporter observed a smooth voting process at the polling station.
The results for the constituency was as follows: Foday Jallow of APRC polled
2586 votes and Ebrima Marenah, the Independent candidate, got 2401 votes.
The difference is only 185 votes. However, Mr. Ebrima Marenah, the independent
candidate expressed his refusal to accept the results.
ELECTION DAY IN CENTRAL BADIBOU CONSTITUENCY
Polling At Salikenni Village
By Annia Gaye
As the much awaited day arrived, voters in Salikenni Village in Central
Badibou, went out at polling stations and ready to cast their votes for the
candidates of their choice. Foroyaa went round to the polling stations to
interview the presiding officers on the election process. The first polling station
visited was D76 in Salikenni where the presiding officer, Fabakary Makalo, in
an interview said that by 1:40 am they had registered about 265 voters from a
total voter list of 789. He indicated that the process of voting was going
on very smoothly but that it was a bit busy in the morning. He said that the
only problem which they encountered was voter card transfers. He said three
people transferred their voter’s cards but their names were not in the voter
register. He explained that he had to call the Assistant Returning (ARO), who
referred him to the Regional Office at Kerewan. He said that it was after the
names were confirmed there that he finally allowed them to cast their votes.
He further indicated that this was taken note of by the party’s polling
agents. The presiding officer expressed his appreciation of the process which he
described as smooth and orderly. The presiding officer for polling station,
D65B, Buhadry Juwara, said that voting started at 7:00am and that the voter
turn out was very low. He stated that the voters were coming out one by one to
cast their votes. He said the process was going on smoothly as expected.
The presiding officer for D75B, Ebrima A.M Bah, said that voting started at
the scheduled time with all polling staff and agents who witnessed every
stage of the process; that the voting proceeded smoothly. Also interviewed was
the presiding officer for D74A, Sheriff John Fofana, who complained about a low
voter turnout but noted that the process was without incident; that the
problem of transfers also surfaced but was finally settled.
Polling At Mandory Village
The polling station at Mandory Village, D80, was also visited. The presiding
officer, Kebba Colley, told this reporter that the voting started at 7:00 am
but that the turnout was very low. He, however, expressed his satisfaction
with the process and attributed the low turn-out to voters who are residing in
Banjul and the Kombos and were not coming home to vote.
At Kinteh Kunda Marong Kunda
At D81 polling station for Kinteh Kunda and Marong Kunda, the presiding
officer, Momodou S. K. Balajo, also lamented the low turnout and projected that
they would get between 25% to 30% out of the total number of registered
voters. He said that everything was fine and that the security officers were
present.
Polling At Njaba Kunda
This Foroyaa reporter proceeded to Njaba Kunda village where three polling
stations were put in place at the Njaba Kunda Upper Basic and Lower Basic
Schools.
There too, the presiding officers expressed their observation of a low voter
turn-out. Overall, the voting process was said to be peaceful in the area.
CANDIDATES DISATISFIED WITH VOTER TURN OUT
By Amie Sanneh
Candidates within the Serrekunda East and Jeshwang Ward constituencies, who
contested for the National Assembly Elections, have expressed dissatisfaction
with the turn out of voters.
They described the turn out of voters as “poor.”
The UDP candidate for Serrekunda East, Bunambass Congira, expressed
satisfaction in the manner and way the IEC conducted the voting process. “But I’m
not satisfied with the turn out of voters, even during the campaign periods,”
he said.
He gave his reasons for the low turn out of voters as, “People who are
discouraged due to the way the presidential elections went.” Mr. Congira added
that, “People also think that parliamentary elections are not important which is
why they did not turn out to vote.”
He however thanked God for the peaceful atmosphere but noted that the only
sad news he had was that one of his supporters, (Kebba Demba Ceesay) was
arrested a day before the elections.
Also speaking to these reporters, the APRC candidate Fabakary Tombong Jatta
after casting his vote said he was concerned about the low turn out of
voters, “People may believe that in the morning there will be long queues so they
may decide to wait till in the afternoon,” he said.
Mr. Jatta however described the election process as peaceful and commended
the electorate for allowing him to contest for a third term. Pa Sainey Jallow,
the Independent candidate for Serrekunda East also speaking to Foroyaa after
casting his vote, described the voting process as peaceful but expressed
dismay about the low turn out of voters, “Gambians will wait up to the eleventh
hour before they come out in their numbers,” he said. He further explained
that “At this moment maybe people are busy with their domestic work,” he
remarked.
Mr. Jallow pointed out that some would prefer to wait till after the two O’
clock prayers or after lunch.
“Elections” he said “come and go but the people remain.” Thus, he advised
the people to join hands towards the development of the country after
elections. At the Jeshwang Constituency I spoke to the UDP candidate, Junkungba
Dukureh, who also said the turn out of voters was disappointing, “It might be a
punishment,” he said. He however remarked that it is their democratic right
not to come out to vote.
“We have been sensitising the electorate but you see they did not turn out,”
he said “Gambians do not pay regard to parliamentary elections. It is only
the presidential election that they regard,” he remarked.
The UDP candidate noted that people should respect themselves by coming out
and voting. “You can only fight your right by voting,” said Mr. Dukureh.
He also described the voting process as peaceful.
Efforts were made to get in touch with the APRC candidate for Jeshwang,
Haddy Jagne, for her opinion. This reporter however visited her house twice but
never meet her there.
According to most of the presiding officers at the polling stations in the
two constituencies I visited, the turnout was as poor but they noted that no
problem was encountered.
“CELEBRATE VICTORY PEACEFULLY”
SAYS DEFEATED UDP KOMBO CENTRL CANDIDATE
By Modou Jonga
After the declaration of the results of the National Assembly Elections, the
defeated UDP Kombo Central Candidate, Mr. Ousman G. A Kebbeh, has urged his
opponent’s camp (the APRC supporters) to celebrate, cheer and jubilate
peacefully. Celebrating victory with provocations and harassments he said, could
consequently lead to disorder and chaos.
Mr. Kebbeh, made this call on Friday in Brikama, in an interview with this
reporter. The defeated UDP candidate has described the polling process as
free. The Kombo Central UDP defeated candidate also lamented the low turnout
which he stated, is one of many factors responsible for his defeat. He also
expressed his gratitude to his supporters who have contributed either morally or
financially during the campaign. Mr. Kebbeh thus conceded defeat.
On his future political plans, Mr. Kebbeh stated that it is premature to
outline that but added that he could honour future political call by the people
of Kombo Central.
APRC CANDIDATE DECLINES AN INTERVIEW
Mr. Ousainou Sainey Jaiteh, the APRC candidate who vied for the Serrekunda
Central seat in the National Assembly election, has declined to grant an
interview to the Foroyaa Newspaper prior to the polls.
Despite several unsuccessful arrangements and appointments, he finally told
this reporter he has nothing to do with Foroyaa.
Asked why, the candidate claimed that he has other things to do rather than
grant an interview with the paper.
“I am busy with leveling my ground and my campaign programme,” he said. “
You will be the first person I will grant an interview come Friday 26th January
2007,” he ironically stated.
“I WAS HIGHLY OPTIMISTIC”
SAYS MODOU S. TOURAY
By Annia Gaye
The Newly elected APRC National Assembly Member for Central Badibu, Hon
Modou S. Touray, described his election victory as something he expected since
the campaign period. Hon Touray, was speaking to this reporter at the counting
station at Njaba Kunda Upper Basic School immediately after the results were
announced by the IEC.
He claimed that his prediction was that he’ll have “3100 votes but instead
had 3053 votes.” “Definitely, I was highly expecting this number,” said
Touray.
ELECTIONS IN BANJUL
By Madiba Singhateh
In the Parliamentary Elections in Banjul, polling started at 7:00 am in
almost all the 3 constituencies and closed by 4:00pm. I spoke to presiding
officers at their various polling stations. The presiding officer for A3 polling
station at Gambia High School, Abdoulie Sanyang, said that polls were opened by
7: 00am and should close by 4:00pm. At polling station A5B situated at
Campama Primary School in Banjul North constituency, polling closed by 4:00pm.
Just before the close of the polls, this reporter spoke to one of the presiding
officers, Yankuba Kanteh. Mr. Kanteh told this reporter that the turn out was
very low and that they were to close by 4:00pm.
In Banjul North Constituency counting started at 6:00 pm at The Gambia High
School Hall and it ended by 7:30pm. In Banjul South counting was held at the
St. Joseph’s Primary School, while in Banjul Central, counting was held at
the BCC grounds. In all the constituencies of Banjul, polling went on smoothly.
KALIFA B. JAMMEH WINS BAKAU SEAT
By Sarjo Camara Singhateh
The constituency of Bakau, selected their choice of representation in the
National Assembly, in the recently concluded National Assembly Elections of the
25th of January, 2007. The end result of the political battle between the
ruling APRC candidate, Mr. Kalifa B. Jammeh, and the opposition UDP’s Mr.
Nfamara S. Bojang, in the said constituency finally came on the 25th January 2007,
at the Independence Stadium, where the counting of the votes took place. Mr.
Kalifa B. Jammeh, retained his incumbency with 3009 votes, while Nfamara S.
Bojang of the UDP came out with 2869 votes. The total number of votes cast was
5877 with 8693 unused tokens, out of a total number of 14,570 registered
voters.
The counting was witnessed by the Assistant Returning Officers Messrs.
Yankuba Sawaneh and Ousman Sawo, of the IEC. When I spoke to Mr. Kalifa B.
Jammeh, shortly after the counting was completed, he said, he knew that he would be
re-elected because he had been securing the interest of his constituents
during his first term. He promised to re-double his efforts to serve his people
more efficiently in his new term.
Mr. Jammeh also said that on behalf of his people, he would appeal to the
authorities to consider the situation of the people of Bakau. He noted that
presently there are some families in Bakau whose lands have been taken from them
by the authorities. Mr. Jammeh said he would also take women’s issues
seriously in the next National Assembly because Bakau women are hardworking but
lacked facilities for their produce.
He stated that they could not alleviate poverty without putting such
structures in place. “I promised to develop Bakau constituency in any way,” he
stated. Mr. Jammeh said his doors are open for anybody who wants to work with
him. Polling at Bakau started as early as 7: 00am. This reporter visited many
places, but the voter turn out was very low, according to the presiding officers
I spoke to. Also, some voters could neither find their names on the register
nor the counterfoil which created confusion. Later it was confirmed by the
IEC officers that any voter who came with a voters’ card should be allowed to
vote for the simple reason that the transfer counterfoils could not be found
at the IEC head office. The voting process went on smoothly. Readers could
recall that Bakau was a UDP stronghold until 2001, when the UDP decided to
boycott the National Assembly elections and Mr. Jammeh went unopposed.
OLD YUNDUM TRIAL
By Modou Jonga
The trial involving Mustapha Jadama and 16 other accused persons was, on
22nd January, 2007 adjourned to Wednesday 31st January. The case was presided
over by Magistrate E. F M’bai of the Brikama Magistrate Court. The seventeen
accused persons, who pleaded not guilty to the criminal charge against them,
are charged with acting without lawful excuse in a manner that is calculated to
lead to incitement of violence, destruction or damage to property.
This alleged act which violates Section 59 (b) of the criminal code, is said
to have happened on the 1st December, last year at Old Yundum and Sinchu
Alagie Village in the Kombo North. The court has so far heard the testimonies of
three officers of the Police Intervention Unit who are attached to the
Brikama Police Station.
APRC SUPPORTER’S CASE
By Modou Jonga
The Brikama Magistrates Court will on Wednesday 31st January, 2007 deliver
judgment on the assault case involving Alimamo Gibba, a supporter of the APRC.
The case was adjourned on the 24th January, 2007. The accused, Alimamo
Gibba, has entered his defence on Tuesday 19th December last year at the said
court presided over by Magistrate E.F M’bai
The accused is said to have pelted the complainant (Olly Touray) , a
supporter of the United Democratic Party, with a stone on the 15th May last year at
Pirang Village in the Kombo East Constituency. The court has heard the
testimonies of the complainant, Lamin R. Darboe (The defeated UDP Candidate in the
National Assembly Elections) and Sergeant Bunja Darboe who is attached to the
Brikama Police Station.
REPATRIATED MIGRANTS’ CASE RE-ADJOURNED
By Modou Jonga
The trial involving Ismaila Jawla, the first accused, and twenty-nine other
repatriated Gambian migrants was on Monday 29th January, deferred to 12th
February, due to the absence of the Presiding Magistrate, E.F M’bai.
The repatriated migrants, most of whom are in their mid-twenties, are
charged with malicious damage to the property of The Gambia Civil Aviation
Authority (GCAA) at The Banjul International Airport on 28th October 2006.
The accused persons have pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against
them. Six of the accused persons were present in court.
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