"Commenting on the issue of an opposition alliance ahead of the 24th November presidential polls, Darboe stated that opposition parties are engaged in discussions, but declined to elaborate further. I can only confirm that there were meetings. I don’t want to make any comment on the outcome of our meetings,” he said. According to him, he will never lose hope on the possibility of an opposition alliance ahead of the November polls. I am a man who is always optimistic and who looks at the brighter side of things, and I shall remain optimistic about the possibilities of a united front,” Darboe added."
The cat is already out of the box, so what is there to hide? Gambians gave you all space to "Discuss Indoors" and you all still managed to lower our standard of expectations. At this point, it is certain that three people have declared their intent to contest the 2011 Presidential Elections: Yaya Jammeh, Ousainou Darbo, and Hamat Bah. This is a fact that none can deny and it is about time you level with the people. Where is the optimism here? Without going through the merits or lack there of, Ousainou and Hamat both want to lead and none will move an inch. Again, where is your optimism? Are you going to let Hamat lead? Because that is the only way open, with your optimism.
Then you have PDOIS/NADD - Halifa who said they are not fielding a candidate, yet they are asking for a primary system to select the flag bearer. Are they going to field a candidate if there is a primary? On the issue of a primary, why do we need one at this time? Since 1994, three elections in a row, UDP/Ousainou had the largest number and percentage of votes, followed by NRP/Hamat, and PDOIS/Sidia or NADD/Halifa hovering around 3%. Why are we even talking about a primary when we know that if Elections were held today, UDP will have more votes than PDOIS, based on how our people vote and regardless of what informs their politics? So, the issue of a primary is neither here nor there for a party that has consistently fielded last in the polls when compared to APRC, UDP, and NRP. I can understand their position if their argument was centered on the question of controls and checks and balances, but not a primary. Thus, in the eyes of Gambians, PDOIS/NADD/halifa are playing nuisance at best, at a time of great need for our country. So we have three parallel lines that will never converge no matter the distance. Who among us can honestly say they did not see this coming? How long must we be in denial? What these folks demonstrate is that they have parochial interests above our national interest. The beneficiary in this madness is Yaya. They do not mind that the abuse of Gambians will continue as long as the other two crabs stay in the barrel. So, please stop the pretence for you ain't fooling anyone.
Joe
Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:34:56 -0400
Subject: [>-<] UDP leader on Gambian economy, others - WHAT ABOUT COALITION
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UDP leader on Gambian economy, others
Africa » Gambia
Monday, September 19, 2011
The leader of the opposition United Democratic Party has turned his focus on the economic situation of the country, stressing that the country’s economy as at now is not functioning as expected.
Ousainou Darboe, who spoke in an interview with this reporter, at the weekend, said if that is not the case, the poverty level in the country would not have been at its peak.
“People are not able to take care of themselves because of the worse economic situation in this country. Frankly speaking, poverty is on the increase looking at the number of beggars on the streets, the high unemployment, among others,” Darboe said.
While citing the recent results of the Gambia Basic Education Certificate Examination, the UDP leader said quality education has also deteriorated in the country.
“It is very disappointing to hear the news of the results. This shows that quality education is decreasing in the country, and these are the issues that any responsible government has to address,” he stated.
Commenting on the issue of an opposition alliance ahead of the 24th November presidential polls, Darboe stated that opposition parties are engaged in discussions, but declined to elaborate further.
“I can only confirm that there were meetings. I don’t want to make any comment on the outcome of our meetings,” he said.
According to him, he will never lose hope on the possibility of an opposition alliance ahead of the November polls.
“I am a man who is always optimistic and who looks at the brighter side of things, and I shall remain optimistic about the possibilities of a united front,” Darboe added.
Noting that his party respects a great deal the opinions of Gambians, Darboe said the UDP like all other registered political parties in the country will contest the elections.
“People tend to view political activities and the number of rallies as something very big, but rallies are not the only activity embarked upon by political parties,” he noted.
Commenting on his party’s preparations ahead of the polls, the UDP leader further stated that his party’s youth and women’s wings are out working tirelessly.
He said his party will work on, among others, the country’s economy, agriculture, and for a corruption-free Gambia.
“Gambians are a proud people because even with poverty on the rise, they are still contented,” he added.
Darboe also stated that his party had, and will continue to create the enabling environment for women’s participation in politics.
“We have fully fledged female and youth wings, and that shows what value the UDP places on women’s participation in politics. We are appealing, and will continue to appeal for them to join the opposition vanguard,” he declared.
Source: Picture: Ousainou Darboe
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GOD BLESS THE GAMBIA.
LET US JOIN HANDS AND SUPPORT SHEIKH PROFESSOR DR. ALH YAHYA JAMMEH (NASIRU DEEN) TO BUILD OUR COUNTRY.
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