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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask] if you have problems accessing the web interface ----------------------------------------------------------------------------