The Gambian electorate have passed their verdict. At least, the majority of the electorate have their decided to grant the APRC another term of office to continue implementing their political programmes. However, it would be in contravention of the laws of the land and humanity after the elections, as it was before it, for the policies of the regime to include killings of the innocent, detention without trial and torture, supression of the independent media and mismanagement of resources and blatant corruption. The APRC should realise that an affective opposition is a necessary check against the abuse of power in any democracy. The opposition must also continue to fulfil the expectations of the nation in offering constructive criticism of government policies and actions to qualify their respective parties as credible governments-in-waiting. The APRC should use the opportunity that has arisen from extension of its mandate to serve the people by entrenching the Rule of Law, uplifting the standards of living of the people and respecting the fundamental human rights of all Gambians and residents in the Gambia. The new term should be haralded by genuine accountabilty and trasparency of government; truth and reconciliation by the release of all political prisoners. The divided opposition owe it to the Gambia to concede defeat and congratulate President Jammeh and the APRC on their re-election. For now, i say to president Jammeh congrats! but you must change for the better of yourself and all Gambians. BMK From: TOMBONG SAIDY <[log in to unmask]> >Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list ><[log in to unmask]> >To: [log in to unmask] >Subject: COMMONWEALTH OBSERVERS >Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2001 08:24:28 -0500 > _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp <<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>> To view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html <<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>