On October 28, following an exchange with Ansu Koroma on the Mighty, I penned this short memo to myself on the outcome of Halifa's Convention slated for yesterday, 03/11/11.
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[log in to unmask]Subject: MEMO TO MYSELF ON THE 24 NOVEMBER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE FOR HALIFA SALLAH'S CONVENTION CAMP
Date: Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:29:51 +0000
"Can you guess the presidential candidate for the convention proponents? Stay tuned for the joke and the insincerity of the year. Let me know if you are up for a private bet on who the presidential candidate for the NRP, PDOIS, and GPDP will be. We live in absolutely hilarious
times!"
Memo to self
After above statement in response to to Ansu Koroma on the GPost, I here
offer a short reflection on why I think Hamat Bah will emerge as the Presidential candidate for Halifa's convention-adherent parties of PDOIS, NRP, GPDP. As NADD and PDOIS represent the same interests, I am not fooled by any unwarranted attempt to treat them as different entities.
After taking a battering, it is obvious Halifa's reputation is in tatters from Gambians who yearn for a united opposition front against the Professor on 24 November. Except for PDOIS's doctrinaire supporters, the pragmatic majority of opposition Gambia are not amused by Halifa's insistence on united flag bearer selection mechanisms calculated to push the UDP off the table. Even on the GPost, there is a noticeable negative shift in support for Halifa.
Consequently, and with a view to restoring his battered reputation, Halifa will not be the presidential candidate for the so-called convention camp. His motivation His motivation can
only be underscored by his overwhelming desire to be seen as a high minded person who takes the high road. I do not buy into this ostensible high mindedness, but accept that in the overall calculus of what is at stake for Halifa, Hamat Bah will emerge as flag bearer for the convention camp.
Although Henry represents only Henry, he is a good candidate for Hamat's running mate, but to curtail the ridiculousness of the whole process, I think this honour will go to either Halifa or Sidia. For Henry to be running mate, PDOIS/NADD must first decline the nudge, but again, to curtail the ridiculousness, Henry has no chance. He will have a good consolation prize for a person who represents only himself.
At the end of the day, the whole thing will be purely farcical, and Halifa will be the biggest loser in the long run.
LJDarbo