Mr. Saine,

Your analysis from the October 2001 Presidential Election in The Gambia,"
(p.27) clearly represents an honest observation and  summary of the
situation and urgency of Gambians at home. However, what I find
increasingly interesting and factual is the point below.

Mr. Abdoulaye Saine Wrote:

"Blind opponents or devotees to Jammeh do not help the situation much."

It solidifies my belief that regardless of how convincing and balanced
one's assessment of the current situation is, there are those who will do
all they can to ignore them.   For example, as harsh as Dampha is
sometimes, he often and most of the time make very reasonable and relevant
points,just like Gassama and I have to say, it is minds like that we must
continue to nurture, but with guidance and suggestions here and there.

What is important is that,  as Gambians we need to  understand that the G-L
is not and should not be used as  a forum to personalise issues, but rather
as a medium for us to inform and make suggestions,  so that we can all
learn from each other.  Let us face it, it is a luxury to be able  to read
the  informative, intelligent and well written articles some of us
subscribe on a daily basis, I personally cannot get it better from anywhere
else.

Furthermore, it does not require a rocket scientist to know that there are
lots of people in The Gambia who are not happy with the status quo, but the
bottom line is that it is Jammeh who have  been given the mandate to rule.

My real issue is what are the Gambians abroad doing to make a difference in
the Gambia, for example, has there been any mention of our rights to vote
away from home during elections (Absentee Votes), although I might be
behind on this issue since I am fairly new to the G-L list?

This in my opinion is one step we can all collectively take to find
solutions and  make a difference regardless of our political affiliation.


Best Regards,


Ablie Njie- Lekbi

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