Another Opposition Coalition Imminent, As NCP And NRP Discuss Modalities The Independent (Banjul) August 27, 2001 Posted to the web August 27, 2001 P.K Jarju Banjul, the Gambia Reports reaching The Independent indicate that the National Convention Party (NCP) and the National Reconciliation Party (NRP) are meeting behind the scenes to launch their own coalition in the run-up to the October's polls. The two parties who are not part of the newly formed coalition of opposition parties which adopted the United Democratic Party leader Ousainou Darboe as their presidential flag bearer, are said to be nearer to forming their own coalition. According to reports the two parties were prompted to the set up their own coalition after they felt a sense of betrayal in the adoption of the UDP leader as the coalition flag bearer which they all have been advocating for immediately after the repeal of Degree 89 by President Jammeh. When contacted to shed mote light on the issue the NRP leader Hamat Bah confirmed the story adding that advance discussions are currently going on between the two parties for the formation of a coalition. He however declined to dilate further. According to him, a committee of the two parties has been set up which he said is working on some recommendations that would be finalized in days to come. He added that the failure of some of the opposition parties to join the GPP, PPP, and UDP coalition should not be used to justify that the opposition parties are disjoined hence according to him the most important thing is that people should join them and flush out the APRC from power. On his part the NCP leader Sheriff Mustapha Dibba also confirmed the story adding that his party was looking into the possibilities of forming an alliance with the NRP. He added that the discussions are currently in progress but it would be difficult for him to predict their out come, hence according to him the success for an opposition break-through depends on the two parties. Asked whether their decision to form a coalition is not a challenge to the already formed UDP/PPP coalition Mr. Dibba responded in the negative adding that both of them should be seen as contenders for the October elections. _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 and remember to write your full name and e-mail address. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------