Demba

It's still the same argument. I agree that working with a supposed willing government will. 

The next question - how do we get such supposed willing government? I guess the answer is Yahya go and anyone else at least for now would be consider a willing. I don't think in practice that will be the case but I will go along for now.

Then the question - How would Yahya go? 

If I remember correctly you suggested election reform before election. I couldn't agree more. But why would Yahya agree to reforms that may likely not favor him in the long run. He will not be a willing partner.

 He must be compel to go along. That is to say we have some leverage he fear otherwise he will not go along. 

Then I say if we achieve such lever why stop at election reform. Why not demand big such as Comstitutional Overhaul, Separation of Power, Decentralization, Defense of Constitution and Laws of the Land, etc.  of which election laws are a small but important subsection. 

I guess we can make all kind of wishes but we have to find a practical beginning of addressing this conundrum. Such answer should also ensure we are doers because there exist no alien Gambian elsewhere to do it for is. Equally each of us should after 20 years be able to come up with what one think could work rather than suggest group X or Y is doing A-Z. Groups doing A-Z is ok but individuals in such group has to suggest within the group and it gets adopted. Group itself can't do nothing.

Finally I will ask the same questions - What is the most logical to begin our struggle with? How do we do that - for instance if you think removal of Yahua should be the first thing and/or election reform should the first?

Please don't quote G-6 declaration. A  good idea but no practical follow-up was made and no mechanism exist to do such follow up. Let's assume we want to demand all that is in G-6 declaration and/or Obasanjo Accord how do we compel  Yahya abide?

These are questions for everyone and not just Demba. More importantly I don't understand why we are not challenging self and others to provide suggests of answers to these problem rather than accepting rhetorical statements as solutions. 

Regards

Burama

On Saturday, March 22, 2014, Modou Nyang <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Musa,
Good to know about that. Now please share with us how and what that tweaking will present.
 
Demba, the essence of it all have been clear if not all to most of us. What have been the stumbling block ever since was the formula with which to get it done. I am still yet to respond to Burama on his last posting hopefully will be able to do it tomorrow.
 
Nyang


On Friday, March 21, 2014 11:16 PM, dbaldeh <[log in to unmask]');" target="_blank">[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Exactly my assertions all along Nyang. We have to have a willing and or restrained gov't in order to achieve significant changes in governing and political level playing field.. some of these are equal access to the national media, unfettered political activities purely base on merit, separation of powers just to name a few... only then can meaningful particiption of the citizenry be achieved... One have to be in a position of influence to help formulate policies. 

Good night 
Demba


From my Android phone on T-Mobile. The first nationwide 4G network.


-------- Original message --------
From: Musa Jeng
Date:03/21/2014 7:08 PM (GMT-08:00)
To: [log in to unmask]');" target="_blank">[log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [G_L] How to Bring down Yaya and Build Democracy - My Take in contrast to Burama Jammeh's Plan

Nyang:
 
With a few tweaking, I really like the direction of some of the issues you raised.
 
Thank you

From: "Modou Nyang" <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2014 7:55:49 PM
Subject: Re: [G_L] How to Bring down Yaya and Build Democracy - My Take in contrast to Burama Jammeh's Plan

Burama,
Thank you for the forward of the “The Working Paper”. I will not be able to read it now but hopefully in the future will manage to go through it. But anyhow, if I am to rely on what you have shared so far in this topic I am sure to be clear with what you aiming at and referring to as a “national democratic vision” aimed at institutionalizing democracy in the Gambia. I think you know that I am a student of PDOIS hence is no stranger to the ideals and near deification of democracy.
What I now see as the fundamental difference between the two of us is while you rally your hopes on the way to the institutionalization of democracy in the Gambia through a non-political approach, my stance is radically different. I subscribe to the school of thought advocated by Nkrumah that declared “seek ye the political kingdom and everything shall follow”. Burama, without the control of state power – the power to make laws, design policies and implement them, one is at a disadvantage if not at a total loss to directing the affairs of a state. Remember the dictum, that the state is the legitimate monopoly of force. And what is there the need of politics if not for the management and dispensation of the force of society? Burama, the lesson is that in politics power must be accrued in order for one to be able to direct the course of society. The magic course for me is political change to be followed next by institutional reform and building to enable the flourishing of democracy among the people.
You challenged me to state in chronological order on how to effect political change in the Gambia.  I will oblige you.
1.       Build an alliance of opposition parties on the ground in partnership with all other forces outside of the country that are opposed to the regime in Banjul for the purpose of effecting change through the ballot box.
2.       With such a grand alliance in place, they can table demands for electoral reform as a condition for their participation in the elections.  With or without prior reform I am of the strong conviction that a grand opposition alliance can still manage an electoral victory against Yaya.
3.       Reform or no reform, and whatever the election results turn out to be in the presidential race an opposition grand alliance can easily pull off a majority in the NA elections. With a deciding majority in the house Yaya’s fate is seal. Or if we wish to consider the other side even if Yaya’s party is to get a majority in the house the alliance can still manage a sizable minority that would require their endorsement before any legislation is to be passed in the assembly.
While all this is working its self out a lot of work will have been going into the agitation, mobilization and organization of the people for change. The power of the alliance will ensure the safety and right to conduct their affairs as dictated by law. Any attempt to forcibly and illegally disrupt or deny them that right should then be resisted. This is what I mean by self-defense and what you term a call for violence. I do not hear those calling for violence mentioning elections in their discussions.
I am also well aware that fixing of our democratic deficiency will not be accomplished in one election cycle. But in order for such arduous task to begin the factors impeding its commencement must be uprooted.
Thanks
Nyang



On Tuesday, March 18, 2014 6:58 PM, Burama Jammeh <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Rene

Som
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