The difference between a successful leader and a great leader is dictated by timing, political climate and relevancy. Nkrumah is still regarded as one of the few Great ASfrican leaders because of his participation in the propagation of self rule when the idea was not popular. Another Great African leader, Mandela is still seen as one of the Greatest world leaders, and this is clearly dictated by his bold political stand against apart-heid at a time when it was both dangerous and suicidal. Clearly, relevancy, ie ending apart-heid and bringing majority rule to South Africa contributed to earning Mandela respect in the world community. Maybe, I am overlooking other successful African leaders, but it is evident that to call them great would be seen as a hyperbole. Corrupt, incompetent, failed and dishonest leaders would be the umbrella that most African leaders would find themselves. To the Gambia, heading to the dawn of the new mellinium; after our present generation witnessed the overthrown of a corrupt and ineffective Jawara leadership, and still find ourselves in what most characterize as an extension of the Jawara regime with a flagrant disregard to personal freedom, the new century could be the turning point. The year 2201 is election year in the Gambia and this can pose an opportunity for President Jammeh to take a bold move and shake-up the political landscape that would lead to a much more democratic Gambia, one Gambia, one destiny. A. Open up the political system and lift the ban on all political parties including the PPP; also lift the ban on all ex-politicians and put the power in the hands of the Gambian people. After Gambia's experience with a regime different from Jawara, it would be fair to give them the opportunity to make a choice. If Serekunda East wants O. Jallow to represent them, they should have that option; if the people of Kiang wants to vote for Jawara as President , they should be surely given that option. It is not about setting the clock back, but rather give the people the right to choose. President Jammeh, certain political moves can be very risky, politically expensive, but that is what differentiate a great leader from a failed leadership. The question is not what works for Jammeh and his political survival, but your honest contribution to our quest to descent shelter, access to food, and a liberated society. It takes boldness to become a great leader ! Musa Jeng ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html ----------------------------------------------------------------------------