Yero,

Demba is right; we have too many toys some of which has not been tested. We have yet to know their capabilities, range and effects so we are itching to test them (joke).  Asad and his number one allied made the right decision to not test the United States Military might. I will say though it is always a higher ground to give diplomacy a chance; however the Russian led diplomatic intervention looks, smells and walks like a duck and eventually it will quack. The outcome won’t be good.

Speaking on a united front for elections reminds me of a saying one of my high school teachers used to say, “ a lion’s heart is a vain wish for any dog”. Every election, we put our hopes on having a fair and open elections and it never happened. We can be as hopeful as we want but the fact and records remain that there has not been and won’t be a chance for the opposition through the usual national election procedures.

The opposition must challenge and overturn certain rules and policies of both the IEC and the Jammeh government (which is the same body). Loosen up some of the steel chains around their necks and ankles to give them a shot in competing. I will go on record now and say unless the opposition works diligently to make some significant changes to facilitate open and fair election, we will have another Jammeh term.

My solemn recommendation of some of the changes we need to push for:

    1.     Change the role of the IEC and lobby to make it an independent body from the government. Request a seat at the table and be a part of vetting its members.

    2.     Request that the additional voting marbles donated by Japan accounted for and under the control of the IEC.

    3.     Work on changing the policy for Gambians in the diaspora to be able to vote in the national elections as long as they can be in Banjul to vote, since absentee ballots won’t be a realistic option.  

    4.     Work diligently with Gambian organizations overseas and encourage them to plan their vacations during the national elections timeframe to cast their vote and let their voice be heard.

    5.     Work with the current regime to guarantee the safety of the Gambians in the diaspora while they are in Banjul to exercise their legitimate constitutional right.

    6.     Work with international bodies to ensure that the Gambia government will follow through in allowing Gambians across the globe come back and register with respective embassies and that their safe return is attained.

    7.     Finally we need to sacrifice for the country we love so much if all these terms can be met and cast our votes during the national elections rather than going to Banjul in December to party our life away.

If these and many other changes you may have can be obtained, maybe the opposition can stand a chance in winning elections or come close to it. If none of these including the ones you have can be attained, then I think its better to boycott the elections than to go through the motions again while we already know the outcome.

Khaleel