Jasseh:

Thanks for a nice piece.  I must say that you bring a very interesting
persepctive to politics in The Gambia by virtue of you being around when the
101 of Gambian politics were being cemented by the early great politicians.

On political maturity, the begging question is whether the voting population
has 'matured' to the point where most can make informed decisions and thus
vote the dictator out of power. Based on the trends of voting patterns from
1970 to today, it seems as if this is not the case.

Therefore, it is paramount for the opposition to empower our population by
vigorously educating them about issues which they need be concerned about.
This is why the point you raised about the importance of the UDP bringing a
concrete agenda to Gambians is so important.  Up to this point, the UDP has
not done this.  I, for one, am more interested in concrete policies and plans
as opposed to the charisma of a political leader when it comes to making a
decision of which party will get my vote (if possible).

With respect to this issue of political maturity, unfortunately, it seems
like this will probably be part of what affects the outcome of the next
election in the APRC's favor.  For this reason, it is paramount that we look
to the future and, in the process, empower the political leaders who have
shown the commitment and ability to put empower our people by putting forth a
message which is universal and acceptable to most.

More to the point: If our efforts fail this time, we should collectively put
all our strengths and resources behind PDOIS and Halifa Sallah.  To me he is
the equivalent of our Abdoulie Wadda: Someone who has shown a remarkable and
unwavering difference commitment to our people and in the same vein, put
forth a concrete message of the vision he has for our people.  I believe if
they had our support and the resources to run a comprehensive political
campaign, PDOIS could make the difference.

On socialism, do not be fooled for it is not equivalent to communism.  There
are many modern democratic socialist countries which are doing very well.
This should not really be a factor in determining our future support for a
viable opposition.

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