THE POLITICAL PARTIES ARE NOT TOOTHLESS BULLDOGS AFTER ALL   They Worked Together to achieve the first mission, The second is for Femi’s Release. The UDP held its rally without any hindrance on Saturday 15 May 2010. GRTS has also put an end to its discriminatory practices by broadcasting the announcement of the UDP meeting. Both the ruling and opposition parties as well as the IEC could claim victory for having demonstrated political maturity to ensure that Political parties are not hindered in the exercise of their freedom of association and expression. Foroyaa hopes that the hindrance of the past is now history and no political party would be stopped from freely holding meetings to shape the political will of those who care to attend such meetings.   Foroyaa has also reliably learned that mature decisions have been taken by the ruling and opposition parties to address Femi’s case. Let us hope that sooner rather than later Femi will be united with the UDP executive and his family members and continue to seek the mandate of the people as they are guaranteed under the constitution.   It is important for the Gambian people to understand that the things that political leaders do may not necessarily be announced to the public. It is unfortunate that one of the local papers did even accuse the Gambian opposition as toothless bulldogs even though some of the problems they have highlighted had already been solved not only by the opposition but the combination of opposition and ruling party.   Political leadership requires taking the right steps at the right time. It is not an attempt to play to the gallery at all times to earn cheap popularity. It means solving simple problems in a simple way and complex problems in a more sophisticated way. Struggling to expand the democratic space for each party to exercise its right without hindrance is the collective endeavour of the whole population, irrespective of party affiliation.   Foroyaa hopes that more non partisan groups and individuals would assume the role of mediators to facilitate dispute resolutions. The real political battle is one for the hearts and minds of the people.

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