PEOPLE REACT TO PROPOSED OPPOSITION COALITION by Pa Malick Faye Following the announcement of the formation of a coalition by the UDP, PPP and GPP ahead of the forthcoming elections with the exception of the NCP, PDOIS and NRP, the Daily Observer went out and about town to capture people's reactions. Kebba Sanyang said, "I have not yet supported any political party but I believe it will be good if all the opposition parties came together". Sambou Fatty also said, "I have been on the political stage for 22 years. The PPP which has no leader should not appoint one person to lead. OJ doesn't have the right to pick Darboe to be the coalition leader. I think they have acted prematurely without nationwide consultation. All they want now is disunity and hypocrisy". Babanding Kanyi, said no one had the right to impose a leader. "Assan Musa Camara should listen to all as the chairman of the meeting meeting and choose a candidate which will be accepted by everybody". Free Sanyang said he belonged to the NCP and was committed to Sheriff Dibba and his ideas forever. Yahya Kijera said he was really confused about the issue. "The opposition has really disappointed us". Alagie Jagne said, "I am one hundred per cent for Jammeh and the APRC. We are not afraid of the coalition because we know we will win". Gunjur Fatty: "I have nothing to say yet because I am studying the issue with great concern." Kebba Saine from Kerr Omar Saine, described Mr Dibba as very inconsistent. "This is because he has been mute for the past seven years and now he wants to lead those who have sacrificed their lives during the seven years". Almami Daffeh thought all the opposition parties should go on their own during the elections. "If there is a need for a second round, then the bigger opposition parties can unite with the smaller ones to enable them to win." Kebba Dampha is of the view that Sheriff Dibba should be the leader. "It is because of him we voted for the UDP in the last election. If he came back on the scene, he owns my vote and that of my family". Kebba Jobe of Tallinding said, "its an irony to see those found corrupt by the commissions wanting to lead us again. We don't need the wife of a corrupt former government official to even read the comminuque. This shows that the UDP and PPP are both the same. I think I will either vote for APRC or NCP." Mamanding Saidy said, "I think the NCP should join hands with the UDP. If not, neither party will make any difference. For the opposition to be able to make gains, it should unite". Ismaila Ceesay of Churchills Town also expressed the view that the NCP was a very good party because it was a party that can lead this country peacefully. "Darboe and the UDP are the same with the PPP. Mr Dibba took a wise decision and I hope he will be a good opposition leader". Fatou Secka, a trader at the Serrekunda Market: "I am a staunch supporter of the APRC, but Sheriff is a good man and I hope he will join hands with his son, President Jammeh, for the development of this country. Darboe and the PPP are disgruntled people who cannot make a difference". Pa Conteh: "Well, I don't support the whole opposition but I think Sheriff Dibba has the right to do what he did. Because the PPP is the party playing a hypocritical game. They are corrupt and want a comeback so they decided to pick their son, Darboe, to lead. APRC will win with a greater majority". Fatou Njie: "I am not interested in the opposition. They are in a big disarray because Jammeh has played his cards correctly". A Bakau youth leader: "The reason why I voted for Darboe and the UDP in 1996 was that NCP was not existing. From now on, I and my family will surely vote for the NCP. Lamin Jarjou: "Well after the repeal of the decree, the opposition should agree on terms but now they are fighting each other. Time is against them and they should allow Sheriff to lead because he is a good man. Darboe is not at all good for this country". Lamin Jorbateh: "My support is for Jammeh and the APRC, but Sheriff's decision is good. You cannot pick the son to lead a father. Many people I know in the UDP will vote for the NCP now". Aji Cham Kotu: "Darboe is not good for this country. Apart from Jammeh, Sheriff is the one. Why should the PPP choose Darboe to be the leader ? Is this because they want him to cover them if he won? <A HREF="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Email </A> <A HREF="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask] </A> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------