Hi!

    I think it is misleading to say that all those who do not share an uncompromising attitude towards the government are doing so because of opportunism. I for one do not agree with an "everything or else" stance and my stance is not based on any form of opportunism but rather on my understanding of issues pertaining to our country. I recognise and accept the presidency of Yaya Jammeh because in my opinion, the people have voted for him for the next five years. I base this decision not on any opportunism but on the following.

1. We have argued for democracy and empowerment of the people and when they have voted, I accept their decision.

2. It is futile to argue about whether the process that led to Yaya Jammeh's election is fair or not after the fact. Our leaders back home chose to partake in elections that according to reports had some flaws. They had every opportunity even at the eleventh hour to refuse to partake in the elections to protest the irregularities but they didn't. They participated and lost. To argue the legitimacy of the presidency of Yaya Jammeh is a non-issue for me because we can argue until the sky turns red but that would not change the facts on the ground.

3. I do not support a change of government brought about by violent means because it tends to create a continuous cycle. I believe in a change of government brought about through democratic means. The option open to the opposition in my opinion is to study their mistakes in the past elections, create strategies and mechanisms to fight another election in five years.

4. Given the fact that Yaya Jammeh is probably going to be there for the next five years unless something drastic happens, I believe that different approaches need to be used to ensure the best for our people. These can range from the uncompromising to the compromising but it would be counterproductive to have a single line and it would be nice if some can choose a position that is not on a collision course without being labelled opportunists. 

 

The above are some of the reasons why I accept the presidency of Yaya Jammeh. I chose my stance (which is not an everything or else one) on this issue and other issues which affect our country and upon which I shall dilate should the need arise, based on pragmatism and not opportunism. It is therefore wrong and misleading to brand ALL who call for dialogue as opportunists. Thanks.

                                                                                                              Buharry.

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