Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 010/2007, 24-25 January, 2007
Editorial
National Assembly Elections
Tomorrow the Gambian people will once again express their sovereign will in
accordance with section 1 of the constitution which states in subsection (2):
“The Sovereignty of The Gambia resides in the people of The Gambia from whom
all organs of government derive their authority and in whose name and for
whose welfare and prosperity the powers of government are to be exercised in
accordance with this Constitution.”
On 22nd September, 2006 the electorate elected Yahya Jammeh as president. He
and his cabinet have the responsibility to raise revenue and pursue policies
that will promote the prosperity, liberty and dignity of this nation.
Now, the people are to elect a National Assembly which has the function not
only to make laws but to scrutinize the government and other public
institutions.
It is crucial for every voter in deciding who to vote for to take into
account the quality of the candidate they wish to vote for, not the blood relation
or ethnic or other sectionalist considerations.
A voter should even be ready to vote against his/her party’s candidate where
that candidate serves no purpose in the National Assembly.
Section 112 of the constitution is quite instructive for the electorate. It
states: “The responsibilities of the members of the National Assembly shall
include the following – (a) all members shall maintain the dignity of the
National Assembly both during the sittings of the National Assembly and in their
acts and activities outside the National Assembly;
(b) all members shall regard themselves as servants of the people of The
Gambia, desist from any conduct by which they seek improperly to enrich
themselves or alienate themselves from the people, and shall discharge their duties
and functions in the interest of the nation as a whole and in doing so shall
be influenced by the dictates of conscience and the national interest.”
The electorate should also realise that a rubber stamp parliament is a
defacto one party state.
As for the IEC, they are expected to conduct the election freely and fairly.
They must make all effort to be impartial and be seen to be impartial.
IEC SET FOR TOMORROW’S POLLS
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
In a bid to show its preparedness for tomorrow’s parliamentary elections,
the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Monday held a briefing session
for domestic and international observers.
Mustapha Carayol, chairman of the IEC said out of the nine registered
political parties, only four have put up candidates for the January 25 National
Assembly Elections. Mr. Carayol said that the APRC has put up candidates in all
48 constituencies and five of which have gone unopposed.
According to him, the five unopposed candidates are consequently declared
elected to serve as National Assembly Members for the Foni Bondali, Foni
Brefet, Foni Jarrol, Foni Kansala and Kantora constituencies.
He also indicated that the UDP has put up 26 candidates, NRP has eight, NADD
has five, and there are nine independent candidates. “A total of 99
candidates will vie for the 43 remaining seats in the National Assembly,” Carayol
said.
The I.E.C chairman explained that out of 989 polling stations across the
country, only 930 will be used in tomorrow’s polls.
Carayol said: “Banjul Administrative Area 30 polling stations, Kanifing
Administrative Area 182 polling stations, Brikama Administrative Area 203 polling
stations, Kerewan Administrative Area 141 polling stations, Mansakonko
Administrative Area 80 polling stations, Janjanbureh Administrative Area 167
polling Stations and Basse Administrative Area 127 polling stations.” He added t
hat out of the 670,336 total numbers of registered voters, 628, 160 voters will
go to the polls tomorrow.
Carayol explained that the IEC, having drawn lessons from the presidential
polls, has recruited trained and employed ninety Assistant Returning Officers
to take care of the forty-three constituencies across the country.
“There will be a counting center at each constituency. There are seven
collation centers located at the I.E.C regional Offices, except in Mansakonko
where the collation center will be at the Rural Development Institute. Three
thousand one hundred and thirty three polling staff are contracted to render
quality service to the voters, stake holders and partners at the polling stations,
” Mr. Carayol pointed out.
He also said that polling starts at 7 am and closes at 4pm, but that voters
can still vote beyond 4pm if they were in the queue by 4pm.
Also speaking at the I.E.C briefing session was the Inspector General of
Police, Musa Mboob. The IGP said that they have mounted a joint security force
and two personnels will be deployed in every polling station.
Mr. Mboob indicated that the security offices are answerable to the
presiding officers.
Other speakers at the forum included Malleh Sallah, IEC’s Vice Chairman,
Kawsu A. Ceesay, Chief Electoral Officer, Sambujang Njie, Director of Operations
and Joseph Colley Director of Training, Communications and Public Affairs.
Contributions and questions emerged from the audience.
AT COURT-MARTIAL
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The General Court Martial trying the suspects of the March 21 alleged coup d’
etat, on Saturday finished hearing the testimony of a Police detective and
started hearing from a soldier.
Under vigorous cross-examination by the defence, detective Sergeant Lamin
Cham read a list of names written in Arabic. According to him, the document was
found in the house of a Marabout, Omar Faal Keita (also facing treason
charges). He said the document was aimed at making the alleged coup successful.
Sergeant Cham was asked to spell the Arabic alphabets of the names, which he
did. However, it was put to him by defence counsel Lamin Camara that he was not
spelling the alphabets, but instead reading the syllables. He responded by
saying that he was reading what he saw because he could not read some of the
writings apart from the names. The defence asked him whether that means
something to him. He answered: “I am not a marabout, I do not know what it means.”
On another document purportedly illustrating the charities the alleged
plotters were assigned to give out by the marabout, Cham could not say to who it
was to be given. Asked whether there is a Gregorian or Arabic date on the
charity document, he said there is no date in the English language.
The Police detective said the cautionary statements of Captain Bunja Darboe,
Captain Pierre John Mendy and Captain Abdoukarim Jah were not taken under
duress or intimidation. He also said there was a member of The Gambia National
Army who was stationed outside the door where Bunja Darboe’s statement was
obtained.
WO2 NFALLY JABANG TESTIFIES
Also appearing before the six member panel on Saturday, Warrant Officer 2,
Nfally Jabang, said he was called to join a panel at the NIA. Jabang told the
court that the panel comprising the army, Police and the Intelligence service
was meant to investigate the March 21 alleged abortive coup. He told the
court that the first accused person was brought before the panel and questioned
about his duties. According to Jabang, on March 26 after the investigation
was completed, the accused persons appealed to the panel that they wanted to
appear on television and explain to the public about the alarm they have
caused. He added that their panel deemed it necessary to give them the privilege
and after which they contacted Momodou Sanyang, Director of GRTS, who sent in a
team to record them. Jabang narrated that the accused persons cooperated
amicably and explained freely and this was attended by two Police Officers in
the hall. He said before the recording commenced, they were cautioned. He said
after the recording, it was aired on the 27th March and handed to the panel.
Jabang identified the cassette exhibited in court, saying it is marked “Coup
Plotters Video Cassette.” He also identified a micro cassette containing the
conversation between Corporal Mbye and Colonel Ndure Cham. He added that the
micro cassette and a recorder were handed to the panel on 22nd March. Jabang
also identified a document found in Captain Bunja Darboe’s office which he
said was intended to be read to the nation after the success of the coup.
He admitted knowing all accused persons, adding that he was serving under
the same unit with the 1st accused, Captain Bunja Darboe, at The Gambia Armed
Forces (GAF).
Cross-Examination
Jabang said he is working under the state Guard Unit, noting that he is an
investigative officer. He said that he did not write any statement after the
investigation, adding that he was appointed by the Chief of Defence Staff
(CDS) to be part of the panel. The CDS was not part of the joint investigating
panel.
The trial resumes on the 1st of February at the Yundum Military Barracks.
NADD AND UDP CENTRAL BADDIBOU CANDIDATES ALLEGE INTIMIDATION
By Modou Jonga
The candidate of the National Alliance for Democracy and Development (NADD)
Mr. Fabakary B. Ceesay and Mr. Alasan F.K Ceesay of the United Democratic
Party who are vying for the Central Baddibou constituency seat have alleged that
their supporters are threatened with arrest.
The duo made this claim in an interview with this reporter over the weekend
at Salikene in Central Baddibou. According to the NADD candidate, he heard
the Chairman of the APRC in Central Baddibou, Modou Bintou Dibba, at a rally
held in Salikene on Thursday 18th January, threatening his supporter with
arrest on polling day.
Speaking further the NADD candidate explained that the said Chairman has
said that he has contacted the NIA Director to arrest youths in Salikene on
polling day. “Many of my supporters are youths and the intimidation is having a
negative impact on my campaign,” said the NADD candidate. He said the
intimidation has cowered his supporters.
The NADD candidate, who does not take the said threat lightly, has expressed
his resolve to report the said intimidation to the Independent Electoral
Commission’s regional office in Kerewan North Bank region for redress.
The UDP candidate for Central Baddibou, Mr. Alasan F.K Ceesay, has also
alleged that three hundred of his supporters are threatened with arrests on
polling day. According to the UDP candidate he heard one of the Chiefs of the area
intimidating his supporters with arrest at a rally held in Salikene.
“This act is unconstitutional” charged the UDP candidate. The UDP candidate
has told this reporter that he has informed the I.E.C regional office in
Kerewan on the alleged intimidation of his supporters.
Speaking to this reporter, the APRC Central Baddibou Chairman admitted
threatening the supporters of the aforesaid parties with arrest, but was quick to
add that it is an empty threat and that he did not mean it. He further said
the threat was triggered by the throwing of a stone by the supporters of the
two parties while they were holding a meeting.
NIAMINA EAST INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE IN COURT
By Yaya Dampha
Mr. Ebrima L.S Marenah the Independent candidate for Niamina East
constituency who was arrested by the Police at Jareng last Friday, was on Monday
arraigned before Magistrate Tony Baldeh of Basse magistrate court.
Baldeh, who is a travelling magistrate, came to Jareng station where Mr.
Marenah and his coordinator, Talibou Ceesay, went to report on bail. Shortly
after their (Marenah and Ceesay) arrival at the station, they were taken before
magistrate Baldeh on charges of public disorderly.
When the charge was read to them Mr. Marenah and Ceesay both told the court
that they could not take their plea until their lawyer comes. At that point,
the matter was adjourned to 7th of February 2007.
ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
APRC JOKADU CANDIDATE SPEAKS OUT
By Modou Jonga
As the campaign momentum is being sustained in all contested constituencies
in the forthcoming National Assembly Elections slated for January 25th, the
APRC candidate in Jokadu constituency, Mr. Kebba Gaye, has said that he will
complement the efforts of the president of the republic in achieving Vision
2020 and the Silicon Valley project if elected.
Mr. Gaye made these remarks over the weekend in an interview with this
reporter at his native village of Kerr Jarga. Mr. Gaye said that in order to
achieve these national dreams it is relevant to empower youths and women groups,
increase horticultural gardening, rural electrification, among others.
He indicated that he would be some how critical at the National Assembly,
but that would depend on the nature of the bills brought before the Assembly.
The APRC candidate urged the electorate to be peaceful and law abiding. He
concluded by stating that his victory is a foregone conclusion.
UDP JOKADU CANDIDATE ADVISES VOTERS NOT TO SELL THEIR VOTES
By Modou Jonga
The sponsored candidate of the United Democratic Party (UDP) for Jokadu
constituency, Mr. Sait A. Joof, has called on the people of his constituency to
desist from selling their voting rights. Selling voting rights, he stressed
tantamounts to denying oneself a vital civic duty.
Mr. Joof made this remark over the weekend in an interview with this
reporter at Madina Madum village.
According to the UDP candidate, votes’ selling in his constituency is common
during the night prior to polling day. In this regard, Mr. Joof urged the IEC
to do more to remedy such electoral irregularities.
On his plans if elected, he said he would transmit the wishes of the farming
population in his constituency to the National Assembly to be addressed. He
has also expressed his resolve to help facilitate the establishment of
horticultural gardens for women empowerment and provide milling machines.
Mr. Joof further urged the electorate to desist from violence and be
peaceful to ensure free and fair National Assembly Elections. “You must demonstrate
respect and adhere to the law, he opined.
“FARMERS ARE MY PRIORITY” SAYS JOKADU INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE
By Modou Jonga
Barely few days before the National Assembly Elections, Mr. Ousman M.M
Jallow, the independent candidate for the Jokadu constituency, has made known his
resolve to address the problems confronting Gambian farmers.
The Jokadu independent candidate made this remarks over the weekend in an
interview with the reporter at his native village Madina Madum. In addressing
the difficulties of the farmers, such as the lack of markets for their
produce, he said the Government needs to encourage independent and financially
capable companies to buy the groundnuts.
On whether he could be critical in scrutinizing bills brought before the
Assembly if elected, Mr. Jallow said he will be critical in the pursuit of the
interest of his people. “My being an independent candidate is the will of the
entire farming populace,” he emphasised. On whether he could shift his
allegiance to the ruling party if elected into the Assembly, Mr. Joof said he would
maintain his stance of partisan political neutrality. The Jokadu independent
candidate has indicated that his campaign symbols and political materials
are not linked to any party.
LOWER NIUMI APRC CANDIDATE SPEAKS OUT
By Annia Gaye
The APRC candidate for Lower Niumi constituency, Mr. Cherno Cham, has
described the former APRC National Assembly member for the constituency, as some
body who was not performing his duty and political obligations very well. He
said he has the vision to change the political momentum from a tribal based
politics to a development oriented politics.
He added that he wanted to restructure the political situation in Lower
Niumi Constituency, as Lower Niumi is the most neglected area, in terms of
development, particularly, infrastructural development, such as hospitals and a
road network which he admits is lacking in the area.
He further noted that all these problems will be solved through funding from
donor agencies and international institutions.
The APRC contestant said a National Assembly member is a representative who
should be able to recognise the needs of his electorate alongside his party’s
interest; that you should be able to alert government for assistance and to
also express those needs as an agenda in the house of parliament. He also
explained that this is his first time to contest a National Assembly seat. Mr.
Cham said many changes have taken place in the country in terms of development.
The APRC candidate advices his supporters to restrain themselves and keep
the peace and not to see the opposition as enemies but good citizens with
divergent opinion.
He urged supporters to realise that the Gambia belongs to both the
opposition and the APRC supporters and that let them keep the peace and abide by the
law in order for the conduct of a free and fair elections. He assured this
reporter that he is 100% certain of his victory.
NRP CANDIDATE FOR LOWER NIUMI SPEAKS
By Annia Gaye
The National Reconciliation Party candidate for Lower Niumi Mr. Babou
Kebbeh, said “I believe that am a good citizen and I believe, I have the right to
contest in my constituency.”
He said he has a lot of plans for his people, such as the development of
education in the area, fishing and farming which are amongst his targets. Mr.
Kebbeh said all these projects would be implemented through support from donors
and NGO’s outside the country. He noted that this is his first time to
contest for the seat but have been in politics for a long time; that he has now
joined the NRP in order to develop his constituency which he feels the APRC
cannot do; that he has learnt a lot in politics. Explaining the role of a
National Assembly Member, Mr. Kebbeh said that it is about solving the problems of
one’s constituency; that it is about legislating laws that would help your
constituency. He expressed his hope that he will win this election with the
help of his supporters.
Mr. Kebbeh called on his constituents not to base their politics on
tribalism. “We are all Gambians and everybody has the right to support his choice.
The choice belongs to the people.” He said.
He concluded by praying to the almighty god to help him to win and urged his
people to put their votes in the blue box, “which is the right box”.
“I WILL INITIATE A TRUST FUND,” SAYS NADD’S CENTRAL BADDIBOU CANDIDATE
By Modou Jonga
The Candidate of the National Alliance for Democracy and Development in
Central Baddibou Constituency has expressed his plans to work with the people of
Central Baddibou to enhance development in the area.
Fabakary Ceesay, in an interview at his home in Salikene, over the weekend,
told this reporter that development cannot be an individual’s own drive, but
rather it requires the collective participation of the people. On whether he
will win, Mr. Ceesay said it depends on the verdict of the people; that it is
the electorate that decide who will win or not.
Mr. Ceesay said if elected he will initiate a trust fund for Central
Baddibou similar to the ones operated by NAMS of the Serekunda Central and Wuli West
Constituencies. He said his National Assembly monthly salary will be halved
to pay the school fees of needy school children whose parents are financially
too weak to support their education.
Speaking further, the NADD candidate, said he hoped to do his best in
initiating Information Technology programmes for upper and senior school students
in his constituency; that he is determined, if elected to empower women and
youths, enhance their earning capacity and improve their living standard by
supporting the initiation of horticultural garden projects.
While urging the electorate of Central Baddibou to maintain peace and close
ranks, Mr. Ceesay expressed his determination to articulate the needs of his
people.
Mr. Ceesay also explained about an alleged intimidation of his supporters by
an APRC stalwart which he said is as a result of his message which is geared
towards self awareness and self empowerment. His campaign message, he
stated, is a threat to the APRC in Central Baddibou.
UDP CENTRAL BADDIBOU SUPPORTERS URGED TO BE PEACEFUL
By Modou Jonga
Mr. Alasan F.K. Ceesay, the candidate of the United Democratic Party for
Central Baddibou constituency, has urged his supporters to maintain peace and
remain calm during the campaign period.
Mr. Ceesay made these remarks in an interview with this reporter over the
weekend at his native village of Salikene. On his plans, Mr. Ceesay said if
elected, he could mount pressure on the government to open up employment
generating institutions. Mr. Ceesay further said, he hopes to address the problems
confronting farmers, such as the marketing of their produce.
The UDP candidate has expressed his dissatisfaction over what he called the “
unrealistic free education for girls policy” since many girls in his
constituency are expelled due to failure to pay school fees. He expressed that he is
resolved to live up to expectation in the Assembly. Mr. Ceesay is of the
view that he will win the Central Baddibou Constituency seat.
In his conclusion, Mr. Ceesay has urged the electorate of Central Baddibou
to stay away from violence in the build up to the polls. Violent politicking
is a threat to the holding of a peaceful and fair election.
APRC CENTRAL BADDIBOU CANDIDATE PREDICTS LANDSLIDE VICTORY
By Modou Jonga
Barely few days to the National Assembly Elections, Mr. Momodou S. Touray,
the APRC Candidate for Central Baddibou has said his chances of victory are
great and as such his victory in the forthcoming elections is inevitable and a
forgone conclusion.
Mr. Touray made these remarks over the weekend at his native village of
Salikene in an interview with this reporter. On his plans, Mr. Touray has
indicated his resolve to work with the government in making sure that the wishes of
his people are addressed. The APRC Candidate, who brands himself as the only
efficient candidate, has urged the electorate of Central Baddidou to be
peaceful in the build up to the election. “Violent politicking in all its forms,
is unhealthy to democracy, he stressed.
The APRC Candidate further expressed his desire to be always critical on
bills and agreements placed before the National Assembly, if elected. He said
his criticisms will be constructive and genuine in the pursuit of the interest
of the people of his constituency.
‘VEHEMENTLY, I WILL WIN’-UDP SERREKUNDA WEST CANDIDATE
By Amie Sanneh
The United Democarcy Party (UDP) candidate for Serrekunda West, Baboucarr K.
Nyang, has stressed that he will take over the Serrekunda West Seat come
January 25th-elections. “Vehemently, I will win because I know I have the
people’s support,” he said in an Interview with Foroyaa. He noted that people
are responding to his calls and everything is going on peacefully.
Mr. Nyang said if he is elected, he will serve as a servant of the people
and will be serving them in the house of parliament. He also said he will
participate in the debate on any programme, bill and polices which are the main
things discussed at the National Assembly.
The UDP candidate added that he will be working closely between KMC and the
people so that they (KMC) can make best use of the money (taxes) collected
from the people. “I will convince the KMC to maintenance our roads and also
help certain children who are unable to pay their school fees,” he said.
Mr. Nyang thanked the people who nominated him and expressed hope that
they will elect him to serve in the house.
He advised the people to cast their votes peacefully and go home to listen
to IEC for the announcement of results.
“MY RALLY WAS INTERRUPTED” SAYS UDP KOMBO SOUTH CANDIDATE
By Modou Jonga
As the campaign for the National Assembly Elections intensifies, the
sponsored candidate of the United Democratic Party for Kombo South Mr. Alasan
Bojang, has alleged that his rally was interrupted by supporters of the APRC at
Berending village on Saturday. Mr. Bojang made this statement on Monday in an
exclusive interview with this reporter. Mr. Bojang said that while they were
having a rally, an APRC convoy arrived at the venue insisting that they were
supposed to have a meeting there; that in order to preserve the peace and avoid
confrontation, he had to call off his meeting. He said he has reported the
matter to the IEC regional office. On his plans, the UDP Kombo South candidate
indicated that he intends to improve conditions such as water supply and
good road network in areas like Sukuta to Gunjur and Farato to Tujereng. Mr.
Bojang is optimistic of winning the Kombo South seat. He urged the electorates
of his constituency to distance themselves from all violent forms of politics.
“Always demonstrate regard for the law and vote for your choice,” he
emphasised.
Sidia Jatta, NADD Candidate For Wuli West
By Yaya Dampha
Foroyaa: Can you tell us how the campaign is going on and what are your
chances of winning?
Sidia: Wuli people are liberated men and women. They know what is good for
them, that’s why when it comes to elections, they are never carried away.
They own their votes and my duty is to give them the message. The rest is
left to them. And once I am re-elected my duty is to serve their interest. I am
a man who always stands for the interest of the people, not Wuli alone. I
will continue from where I stopped.
Suwaibou Touray, NADD candidate for Wuli East
Suwaibou said his people know him, and know he can serve them as a National
Assembly Member. He said if he is elected, he will stand for the interest of
Gambians. He said he will join other honest members of the house to advocate
against all the bad laws and replace them with what is in the interest of the
people. He said National Assembly Members can make a country progress by
enacting good laws.
Kalifa Kambi, APRC Candidate for Kiang West
Mr. Kambi said he is confident of winning his seat. He said as a member of
the Pan African Parliament, he did well for his people. He said his people
have regretted voting for the opposition in the last Presidential election. He
said he has succeeded in bringing his people together. He said that if he is
elected, he will carry out his national and constituency obligations as
required.
Karafa Dampha, UDP candidate for Kiang East
Mr. Dampha said the people of Kiang East have been neglected for many years.
He said they have not benefited from any development. He said if he is
elected, his priority will be to unite the people of Kiang. He said he is a
Veterinary Doctor and will help his people to build health facilities where animals
will be treated. He said that at the national level, he will join other
members of Parliament to abrogate all the bad laws in our statute books. He said
he will not be a rubber stamp MP in the Parliament.
Pa Jallow, UDP Candidate for Jarra Central
Mr. Jallow said he is sure of winning and it he is elected, he will continue
to work with the people of Jarra Central. He said he has been working with
the communities for a long time and knows their problems. He said he will
campaign for good laws, and advocate against the bad ones. He said the people of
Jalambere and Jappineh need him for the sake of peace and unity. He said he
will bring schemes for the youths to access scholarships and initiate a skills
training centre.
Kekoi Baajo, UDP Candidate for Jarra East
Kekoi Baajo said he is sure of winning and if he is elected, he will stand
for the interest of his people. He said as an ex-Police man he knows the
dangers of a bad law, so he will speak against them. He said he will create credit
unions for his community.
APRC NIUMI CANDIDATE EXPECTS 95% OF THE VOTES
By Annia Gaye
As polling day draws close, the APRC candidate for Upper Niumi, Cherno Omar
Jallow, is of the view that he wants to play a pivotal role in the
development of his constituency and that is why he has decided to contest in the
forthcoming National Assembly Election. Mr. Jallow spoke to this reporter at his
native village of Kerr Mamma. He said he has served his people in his capacity
as the councillor of the area and was able to negotiate 35 projects for them.
He said this is why he has the support of his people and the APRC.
Dilating on his plans, Mr. Jallow mentioned that he would bring the people
of his constituency together under one umbrella in order to enhance the
development of the area. He said “development can come through unity.” He also
spoke of his plan to stage a youth conference where problems confronting youths
would be discussed.
Mr. Jallow noted that this is his first time of contesting in a National
Assembly election, but stated that he has been a supporter of the ruling APRC
since its inception. He said he learnt a lot in the political arena.
He said a National Assembly member is a representative of the people. He
said if he is elected, he will take up youth matters as a priority in parliament.
He advised the people in his constituency to be united and to adhere to the
laws of the land. He urged his people to vote for him. He said by the grace
of Allah, he will be called Honourable come January 25th. He said he expects
to get 95% of the total number of votes cast.
TEN SERVERS FOR NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
A ten-member multi disciplinary team of election observers from the African
Union Commission will participate in the January 25th parliamentary elections.
According to a statement from the team, the observers are led by Dr. Kwadwo
Afari-Gyan, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana. The other
members include Pan African Parliamentarians, Members of electoral management
bodies, civil society organizations and other officials drawn from various
African Countries.
The team arrived in the Gambia on 19th January and was preceded by an
advance support group which arrived two days earlier in order to make logistical
arrangements for the observer team.
“The AU mission, as a neutral non-partisan group, shall endeavour to make an
honest, independent, impartial and objective assessment of the organization
and conduct of the elections as well as evaluate the likely factors that may
impinge on the credibility of the election process as a whole and determine
whether the conditions exist for a free and fair expression of the will of
the people , and whether the outcome of the elections truly reflect the
wishes of the people of the Gambia,” according to a statement from the team.
The AU observer mission will meet and discuss with the political
stakeholders, electoral officials, civil society organizations, and interact with other
observer groups as well as assess the various shades of opinion of the body
politics of the Gambia. They are expected to observe the various stages of the
elections so as to enable the team determine the transparency, fairness and
credibility of the elections.
They will remain in the country until 31 January when all the results would
have been announced.
Meanwhile, other international observers in the country include the
commonwealth.
A coalition of domestic civil society organizations is also taking part to
observe the process.
AZIZ TAMBA’S ACCOMPLICES SENTENCED
By Yaya Bajo
Following the conviction and sentencing of Aziz Tamba by the court, over
charges of theft and the holding of unlicensed fire arm, two of his
co-consipirators, Bakary Jassey and Omar Sanneh, were both brought before Magistrate
Moses Richards of the Bundung Magistrates’ Court, charged for having unauthorised
fire arm contrary to Section 8 of the laws of The Gambia. The accused
persons changed their plea of not guilty to guilty.
Narrating the fact before a crowded court room, prosecuting officer, 870
Touray, explained that the offence happened during the detention of Aziz Tamba
(1st accused); that a search was conducted in his (Aziz) house and a pistol
with eight (8) live rounds were found. According to 870 Touray, Aziz Tamba told
the investigators that he got the fire arm and ammunition from one Bakary
Jassey, an Immigration officer posted at Ndunku Kebbeh. Touray added that
Bakary Jassey was then arrested and during interrogation, he (Bakary) revealed
that he only negotiated the selling of the fire arm between Aziz Tamba (1st
accused) and Omar Sanneh (2nd accused). The prosecutor added that the pistol was
sold to the first accused (Tamba) at a price of D5, 000 and Bakary Jassey (3rd
accused) was given a commission of D1000.
870 Touray further adduced that the second accused, Omar Sanneh, was also
arrested who claimed to have received the pistol from one Njaka Sanneh of New
Yundum who is no where to be seen.
At this point, the presiding Magistrate, Moses Richards, ruled that upon the
accused persons own plea of guilty, they have been convicted for the offence
of having unauthorised fire arm contrary to Section 8 cap 121 of the laws of
The Gambia. In his plea of mitigation on behalf of the two accused persons,
Lawyer Edu Gomez, counsel for the defendants, said any criminal offence is a
serious matter and that is why the legislature has taken a decision to
include it in a catalogue of laws. He added that for the protection of the society
and the rehabilitation of the offenders, the magistrate should take into
consideration that both accused persons are relatively young and they have no
pre-criminal record at all. “I urged your worship with all the persuasion and
consideration to temper justice with mercy, by not imposing a custodial
sentence on them, and also to be lenient in your fine,” he mitigated.
In handing down the verdict, Magistrate Richards posited that both accused
have been service personnel before and they know the laws governing the
possession of unlicensed fire arm. He accordingly sentenced each of them to a
prison term of two months which they have already served plus a fine of D10, 000,
in default to serve 12 months in prison. He said the aforesaid sum must be
paid on or before 31 January, 2007. Each of the accused persons was granted
bail in the sum of D20, 000 with a Gambian surety pending the payment of the
fine.
To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface
at: http://listserv.icors.org/archives/gambia-l.html
To Search in the Gambia-L archives, go to: http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?S1=gambia-l
To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to:
[log in to unmask]
|
