(JollofNews) – The Coalition alliance, barely two months after ousting Jammeh, is unravelling faster than a cheap T-shirt. All due to disagreement with the method of fielding candidates for the forthcoming parliamentary elections.
The UDP, GMC, NRP parties have made a clean break from the Coalition to adopt a so-called tactical alliance for the upcoming parliamentary elections. Darboe, the head of this breakaway group, is against the idea of fielding independent candidates for each of the 53 constituencies, branding it as “illogical and ineffective”.
Halifa Sallah and the rest of the Coalition members consisting of PPP, PDOIS, GPDP argued for independent candidates in line with the Coalition Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in November 2016.
According to the MOU the political parties agreed “to put all differences aside to put a transitional government in place that would initiate constitutional, electoral, institutional, administrative and managerial reforms to create a democratic system which enables each party to seek the mandate of the people in a free, fair and genuine election after a THREE YEAR TRANSITION”.
This was the manifesto that the Coalition sold to the Gambian people during the presidential elections. And it is clearly stated in black and white that during this THREE YEAR TRANSITION period the members of the Coalition are meant to put all party loyalty aside and work together for the common good. A period of healing and rebuilding a broken nation still reeling from the pangs of a brutal 22-year dictatorship.
Wasn’t that the cry of our people? Wasn’t that what our people called for and demanded? So why embark on a tactical alliance when you already have a coalition? The answer is crystal clear. This wrangling has nothing to do with the method of fielding candidates but rather a grudge match between Halifa and Darboe.
There’s no love lost between these two formidable political heavyweights. The antipathy between the two had put paid to any meaningful opposition coalition in the past until last year when Darboe was temporarily remove from the political scene by Jammeh.
Darboe’s Freudian slip during his press conference gave us an insight into the bitter acrimony between him and Halifa. “In 2006, they disregarded my advice which caused us political havoc. My friend here (referring to Hamat Bah) lost his seat which he hasn’t regained ever since,” said Darboe. There was the genie out of the bottle for all to see. It’s rather unfortunate that they haven’t settle their differences.
This coalition though is different from the one in 2006. The 2016 Coalition was a rainbow alliance of Gambians of all shades and stripes in uprooting the Jammeh dictatorship. We should remind Darboe and his political acolytes that the option of using an independent candidate is rational, feasible and a winning model given our predicament. It was political alliance rather than tactical alliance that brought down the dictatorship.
And that the social contract the coalition signed with the Gambian people should be respected. There are bigger issues, such as rebuilding the country, strengthening of our weak institutions, nursing and nurturing our nascent democracy, probing the abuses and excesses of the Jammeh administration, justice and compensation for victims, that need dealing with pronto.
So stop this petty fight and bickering. We are yet to make it to dry land. We have a fragile peace which is still being underwritten by our sister countries from the Ecowas sub-region. And that the APRC is gleefully banging at the door asking to be let in to spoil the party. Do you want our people to suffer buyer’s remorse?
The term tactical alliance as a political strategy is redundant because there’s already one in place in the form of the Coalition. It’s a strategy mainly used in parliamentary democracy, according to Webster dictionary, “to prevent the strongest candidate from winning by supporting the next strongest, without regard to one’s true political allegiance.”
It’s staggering that a Coalition that has the support and backing of a large chunk of the populace will want to inflict self-harm on itself by splintering. As we speak they have the momentum and the upper hand and will most likely win a majority of the 53 constituencies if they stay together as one bloc. Anything short of this will be an own goal.
We should call the proponents of the so-called tactical alliance for what they truly are: a bunch of greedy, self-seeking, thin-skinned egomaniacs. Why reinvent the wheel? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. We will not allow them to hijack the change EVERYONE fought so hard for. No one individual, group, party or tribe will claim it for itself.
It beggars belief that after all the toil, tears and blood to end dictatorship in The Gambia, another is rearing its ugly head in the form of intolerance. Haranguing and shutting down opponents who don’t share your views are undemocratic. Debate is healthy for our emerging democracy and the currency of politics should be ideas not threats.
The behaviour of some supporters of the UDP, GMC, NRP alliance at a press conference last Sunday was disgraceful to say the least. Scolding and berating journalists for asking unfavourable questions were wrong and should be condemned by all. And the manhandling of Foroyaa journalist, Kebba Jeffang Jnr was repugnant and unacceptable. We thought that kind of incident was history.
Get your acts together and show leadership.
We know the Coalition is a short term marriage of convenience, so make the most of it while it lasts. In politics as in other facets of life we all make compromises to get things done. Build bridges and not walls. Don’t scupper this historic opportunity to make a difference and create a Gambia that future generations will be proud of. In other words plant a tree now for the next generation to enjoy the shade.
By Momodou Musa Touray
Twitter: @mmtouray
Momodou Musa Touray
I am confident that you have not read the memorandum. You have demonstrated it in your essay. Can you please read it. There is no where in the document where they said there will be coalition National Assembly candidates (at least the copy I saw). In fact the undermining of the coalition started with Halifa when he presented himself to be the leader.
This is the man who was appointing people to be candidates without consulting other members of the coalition; that was a cynical act. Most of the pronouncements and noises he has been making all over the place were definitely not in consultation with the coalition members. He should have known that it was incumbent on him to tell whether he is speaking for the coalition, PDOIS or himself. But going around and making statements on issues which you have not discussed with the coalition is cynical and undermining the coalition. you will surely say in your mind that he is the Spokesman. A Spokesman consults before making pronouncements particularly for a coalition of this nature.
The other thing is for him to state that he wants 20 seats even before negotiations started demonstrate his deceptive and cynical behaviour. As my child puts it – 20 seats = 40% of national assembly seats if there are 50 seats in total (i.e. going by Baks’ assumption); if you share the rest equally between all others = 10% for each. How on earth can and should PDOIS be allocated 40% of national assembly seats? All those who have joined hands with PDOIS have either been dormant parties of have never contested elections in the country. They are using this a launching pads. So that tells you why they are playing these cynical, sneaky and deception games. What UDP proposes is the most sensible or else let selection of candidates be left to grassroot community members but not for Halifa to be going round secretly appointing candidates. The problem with PDOIS is their mentality. They take everyone as unintelligent fools when in actual fact they are daydreaming. Let their pomposity not take you along. They say things that they themselves do not understand.
Halifa is the guy who contested to be the flag bearer of the coalition. The votes he got is known to all. For him not to accept to serve in the coalition explains the cynical and deceptive behaviours he is manifesting. I know he has provided explanations for this but you know what, as always is just full of noise and no substance. What was he going to do if he was the flag bearer? Decline to be the president?
Morro Touray
Mr. Touray I also believe your line argument is far-fetched encouraged by self-righteousness which by the way anyone can claim for himself. You didn’t even acknowledge that there are 2 competing ideas for the best way to contest the impending NA elections. Putting the blame squarely at Darboe (as OJ did ) failed to consider the intention and actions of the remaining coalition parties. Your analysis also stopped short of explaining how the coalition will effectively select candidates for 53 constituencies. Constituencies many of which only UDP has the structural, organizational and human resources to convene a selection process. You ignored the time gab. Of course Darboe won’t give the above as reasons lest he be called bluffer.
Finally, your dramatic doom prophecy is beyond the mark. Individual parties vying for seats in the NA will not dent the coalition spirit and it is possible that it even tame the coalition partners because each party will soon find out where they stand with the people. There are all sorts of blame on the UDP simply because we like that they abide by our wishes and benevolent to all their detractors but we can’t take it when they put up demands -like a obeying wife.
Mr. Sallah probably miscalculated the other coalition partners when gave that infamous press conference apparently without an agreement but implied that only 2 parties are against the option of contesting the election as a coalition. Today it turns out that 6 to 1 (with 1 abstention) are infact for the tactical based alliance. Who miscalculated the opinion of other members? Or should we point finger again to Darboe for coercing others to abandon Mr. Sallah? I think fear of UDP should not push us to make unfounded claims. The UDP will not dominate the NA and there will be a friendly but critical NA at the end of the day.
You seem to be very far away from the real voters on the ground. Kandeh has exhausted his vote potential. Analyse the vote tally of the last election and you will find out that Kandeh pulled a major following exceptionally in areas that will never decide the outcome of a presidential election in the Gambia. Go to http://www.iec.gm and see vote tally yourself.
Lack of the experience and the honesty and lack of transparency would end with the government of 7 mini parties, Mammah Kandeh are very good positioned as the future president of the Gambia
The Gang of four has already lost the plot.
Darboe at it again!!
At what again? Please elaborate so that we know the substance of your stance. Or critical!
Excellent analysis,,,But I think President Barrow will continue to assert his mandate, for the common good and in any case 3 years is a long time in politics. One is suspicious of who is behind all these accusations concerning President Barrow.
If the APRC, were to elect a new leader with charisma and charm, who’s to say they will not get re-elected….or maybe Jammeh may make a come back. All depends on Barrow….This is why none of these old parties have ever been attractive to the electorate. They know Gambian politicions..vary well. sad really.
You need to factor in that Barrow is part and parcel of the “old” parties. Jammeh has many victims to account for. Jammeh’s state apparatus is no more and that it is a manifested fact that he can only rule Gambia (past or future) under a climate of total brutality. A climate you and I don’t wish for Gambia. The rancour we are witnessing is normal and even welcome, as long as nobody get killed or disappears. When the dust settles Gambian will once again guide their nation. A task they never relented on despite the relentless crackdown on our sanctity as people.
Wise words.
Bambo
What happened to the Death Sentence law in our constitution? Is it now ok to keep it? Very sad that some crucial or most important issues nearly everyone yearn for are no longer mentioned as they used to be mentioned? Was it only necessary then just to get support to remove the past regime?
Though the new government took over in an unusual manner and understandable everything cannot be sorted immediately. However, the pace at which the sharing of or appointments to key government positions (to the extent of jumping the law via a short cut route before men of letters in the very field of LAW) where carried out somewhat suggest what really is considered today as a PRIORITY? Has Gambia been sold and is being disappointed or sold out again for the aspirations of an individual or a group? Are some people in a hurry to get to the mantle of power? Is the 3 years transition period too long to suppress our urge, quest, hunger , thirst (whatever one call it) for power ?
It can safely be said that Gambians are being disappointed and being hurt so deeply and so soon!!!!! Gambia and Gambians deserve better treatment from their politicians/leaders (those they trust their future with for the next 3 years sold to them!
I think if you have been in opposition for 22 years and grown old, you are likely to see the Gambia as an impossible ground for new blood to bring forth and present, the current situation. Its the same old story. Barrow is the fresh air that the electorate took a chance on.But only by a slender majority.
I don’t think the electorate will stand for this.Mr Kandeh could fill this vacumn, or a new young candidate from the APRC. If the present disunity persists and grows combative with each other, and the economy can’t be resurected in 3 years anyone with money can win.
It is so disappointing to see these comments. Its hardly a government of unity and its hardly 8 weeks old.
But it was predicted.
How can a beast with seven heads run anything apart from chaos.
Bambo
I feel ashamed as a Gambian to read that the people who Gambians trust so much and even show a rare show of support and pride can turn so quickly on the promise of a 3 transition period they sold out to innocent and ordinary Gambians! There could be a million and one way the different members of the coalition can come up with as a sample or model they want to follow through the parliamentary election and beyond, but Y do they want to experiment such theories on the lives of people they claim to want to improve when the model that brought them to power is workable and not fully tested or implemented yet? All these goes on while the most pressing issues (death sentence, skyrocketing price of basic commodities, unaffordable price of a bag of rice for low paid workers /rdinary Gambians) remain the same as before! Campaign slogans on cost of living, price of a bag of rice, flour, sugar etc. leaves one with an impression that the immediate needs of the population are on the priority list of those they voted for. In short it appears much now as if those everyday needs of ordinary Gambia are not on the priority list of the politicians or at least not talked about! The war of words as to who hold what position and whose words will define the order of the day can indeed be called a child play and bring those coming with such pronouncements very low! Disappointed Gambia!!!
Is it too early to expect the new government through its line ministries (finance, trade, the Central Bank, etc.) to study how the previous government handled the provision of these basic needs of the population and fix/correct the wrongs thereby bring down the cost of living for the ordinary people! That is one thing sold to Gambians and they bought it with hope that they will not be let down!!! The new government need to use the time well and get on with the real and the very business of improving the quality of life and ensure not only the availability but also the affordability of the basic needs of the majority of the people! It can be said that many countries (governments) in ‘developed, developing or underdeveloped’ countries have managed to keep peace mainly by making sure the basic needs of the majority of the population is not only available but also affordable to the majority of the population then a relatively calm atmosphere can can be expected! The anger, hardship and frustrations of youth as recorded campaign messages indicated will only accelerate in the atmosphere of power struggle or push & pull, preoccupation with mapping out a political future of an individual or group by and between factions of the newly formed government! It should be remembered that the high positions occupied by the members of the coalition are privileged positions and acknowledging that and acting not selfishly but with decency for the common good is a domain for the wise among leaders who eventually will occupy the highest seats in the pages of history now and for posterity!
Remember also that the last campaign have unearthed ills of the gone and future campaigns will do the same to the present, strife to be in the good pages of history as well as to face your lord with good deeds, for people can be fooled but He who created the soul can read what it contains before implementation of the act! May Gambia be saved from the greed of man especially politician that has destroyed many great nations, civilizations and a people!
Tabaski, What I want to know is what will be the price of meat cost, now that the great Yahya is not here to heavily subsidize the prices for the have nots(poor).?
And if the UDP Government (because that is what it has become really) can renege on their promise to the humble Gambian population not to serve beyond three years, what else can they renege on- youth employment figures, etc. In any case, they have probably read their supporters well, as not interested in progress beyond removing Jammeh from office (and we all do), and having Ousainou Darboe and his Gang of “serial failures” at the helm and at great cost to Gambian nation – which, of course, the rest of us (PPP types – despite its many weaknesses, surely the best government Gambia will ever have) don’t
Bambo,,,I wish I had wrote that.
You hit the nail fair and square. All is not lost while your intelligence and humanity guides us.
Lets hope those taking good wages in Government read your words and act.
Bambo
Thanks for the compliments and I wish and pray that the ‘hope’ of Gambians is not dashed away so cheaply so soon, let’s ‘hope’…….
There will surely be disappointments here and there. But the direction of events is on the right track. And to your earlier comments regarding death penalty. I am not sure for whom you are concerned about. I mean who do you fear the death penalty sentence might hit. To my knowledge all political death row inmates were released. Who do you have in mind that makes it urgent that the law be repealed?
Bambo
Thanks Kinteh for asking.
I don’t have any person in mind as you sound to think, however, I have something in mind bigger than a person or a group, this is the entire population of Gambia, both citizens and visitors or ordinary residents of the land I love so much! I believe every life on the land is safer without such a law than living side by side with a law that authorises taking a life. I believe too despite the release of those on the death row, you will agree with me that in this age, people as we are will continue to commit crimes of one nature or another, a reason why the prisons still exist and will continue to be, no government now or future will be able to do without prisond.
Do we have to wait until a crime that attracts death penalty according to the existing constitution is committed before we repeal it? Yes HE Barrow is not Yaya Jammeh but with such a law in our constitution will it be any easy for any legal authority (from the law enforcement officer down to HE Barrow to resolve the case (May Allah forbid) should one occur? Say the convict is spared, what will the victim say or feel base on the existing law? If this do not give you a clue, I will further give you a simple example currently earning the new government enough embarrassments. The age limit clause /section in our constitution is not a popular one and I want to take risk here to call it a bad law, however, ignoring it or not going by proper procedures (as happened recently) perhaps in good faith by the Barrow government with men known to be legal practiceners has already painted our new government with an unattractive colour (some call it ‘clueless’, others ‘inecperience’ some very bluntly put it ‘criminal’).
Had the right steps been taken, not only would the new government with so much on its hands to sort out be saved from the embarrassment but also the time and resources of having to do one job twice and the tendency of loosing the confidence of the population and partners. Would you still want to wait a little longer to get into the business of correcting such ‘bad’ laws or wait until an incident occurs then start acting? Either way, if your position is the later, please keep your cool, for you will find in me a loving brother who will respect you and your views despite the difference in our respective perception of the reality.
Finally I want to remind myself and all who genuinely wish the success of the coalition and future governments that reminding a friend to do good can only strengthen the position of the friend but standing by a friend and defending a friend even in wrong weakens that friend’s position. Whatever you position may be, blind support to a system that is not faultless is common place in our society and this very attitude contributes to creating the atmosphere for things that will hunt us for long when we waste our energies hating and criticising one another for our own creation and or support for it!
Bambo, sincerely take your advice in good faith and assure you that I am not a blind supporter. For me the reason to engage in Gambian politics was to confront an unimaginable barbarity and hatred by Jammeh. I was called to not look away but close ranks. Now that he is gone for good, I will follow the developments with constructive feedbacks. As to repealing of laws, age strapping effort also clearly shows that there are multitudes of laws and procedures embedded in that constitution that will require to time to overcome. One cannot expect overnight cure for all these laws lest one is then blamed for not following the correct procedures.