Culled from the Daily Observer

In Local Govt. Electionstc "In Local Govt. Elections"Georges-Marc Andre,
Charge d'Affaires at the office of the European Commission in the Gambia,
regrets the delay in holding Municipal and Local Government Elections in the
country. In an interview conducted in his office over the weekend, Mr. Marc
Andre noted that the draft legislation for decentralisation had been
approved by Cabinet and was yet to be sent to the National Assembly."What is
important is to highlight that this legislation is fully Gambian and
original in the sense that it confirms the bottom-top approach, giving the
responsibility to the people for their development," he said.

He added that the EC together with the government had prepared a support
package towards the decentralisation process to the tune of D72 million. On
the issue of political tolerance, Mr. Andre urged politicians and their
supporters on either side to reconsider their roles. "There is the need for
all Gambians to work together for poverty alleviation, and the development
for this wonderful country. This can only happen if all the parties operate
in a democratic environment."He went on to note that democracy is not an
issue for the West alone, but is an African issue as well. Adding, "this is
why it is part of the OAU treaty."

Concerning the EU's recent statement on events in The Gambia which was
described by foreign affairs minister Dr. Sedat Jobe as unfair, Mr. Marc
Andre said, it is "certainly fair."If we consider the way events took place,
and the fact that a magistrate was dismissed was a clear indication of
interference by the Executive in the Judiciary in contravention of the
provisions of the constitution. He said the government should ensure that it
commits itself to the constitutional provisions and independence of the
Judiciary which is not being demonstra

 Mori

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