(JollofNews) – The Spokesperson of the United Democratic Party (UDP) Lawyer Almamy Fanding Taal announced Wednesday that Gambia’s leading political organisation will be celebrating its 22nd anniversary.The move comes as the party continues strenghtening its influence and widening its political base across the country.
“The United Democratic Party (UDP) was founded on the 23rd of August 1996,” he told reporters during a press conference held at their headquarter in Manjaikunda, some 9 km away from Banjul. Lawyer Almamy Taal was also flanked by Deputy Party leader Aji Yam Secka and a good number of Parliamentarians and Councilors.
He revealed that a symposium will be held to reflect on the struggles, and fallen comrades of the party. “We are also going to reflect on the demand of leadership in an age of globalization, social media and citizen journalism,” he added.
The UDP emerged victorious during recent electoral consultations, affirming its growing influence since Gambia’s longtime ruler was voted out in December 2016.
As part of the celebrations, UDP spokesman disclosed that they will also use the occasion to honour Hon.Dembo Bojang who has dedicated 40 years of his life for the triumph of democracy and rule of law in the tiny West African nation.
“The commemoration of the party’s anniversary is a very important activity and will be organised during the first weekend following the Muslim Feast commonly known as Tobaski,” Taal said. “The party leader will deliver a keynote address, and there will be discussions on the challenges UDP is facing.”
He further stated that internal democracy constitutes a reality within UDP as party members are going to elect their executives at all levels starting from September through December.
“We believe in internal democracy. Every office holder in the UDP has a two-year mandate,” he emphasized while making it clear that this in line with the rules and regulations of the Independent Electoral Commission (UDP).“The ideals of Lawyer Ousainou Darbie is that of a party of rule of law, constitutional order, and legalism,” he said.
As the party’s popularity has reached its climax, Lawyer Taal said there are a lot of people who have expressed interest to join UDP. “Our doors are wide open for everybody,” he assured.
“UDP Is Not A Mandinka Party”
Speaking earlier, Aji Yam Secka, the second-in-command at the level of the party, expressed gratitude to President Adama Barrow for appointing Ousainou Darboe as Vice-President.
She reiterated the party commitment to the National Development Plan (NDP) spearheaded by the Gambia gov’t.
An emblematic figure of the “Kalama Revolution” that precipitated Yahya Jammeh’s downfall, Aji Yam Secka seized the opportunity to debunk accusations made by some people, describing UDP as a Mandinka party.
“UDP has nothing to do with tribal politics!” she exclaimed.
She said she has never been discriminated, adding that she cannot still understand why people are spreading such rumours.
In recent times, the polarisation of voters along tribal lines has been an issue of concerns for many Gambians.
She denied that identity politics is playing a preponderant role in the party, citing Aji Soukeyna Kah, Adama Jallow and herself who are all holding top positions in the party.
“UDP members have done all what they can to restore democracy, rule of law, human rights and peace in the country.”
Why now?
Indeed Alex.
The UDP doesn’t have the wherewithal to undertake this ill advised propaganda gambit!
This is how it all starts. Embark on worthless celebrations and then go winking and nodding to public corporations and Area Councils to cut checks for “donations” that they don’t have.
Now that’s one sure way of enabling malfeasance and further aiding and abetting CORRUPTION!!
Indeed, why now, but let’s wait and see how it’s celebrated. The idea of a symposium to discuss the challenges facing their party appeals to me.
I hope they will consider an open forum or radio/tv public interaction platform, where they can be challenged on their policies/ programmes and how they wish to fund these.
It’s a huge disappointment that the political discussions and the battle of ideas that we anticipated for new Gambia is woefully missing. It is important that we have this culture in our politics.
May I also add that those heads of public corporations who refused to contribute or make donations will be seen as anti-UDP and ready to face the sack. Yes, Andy Pjalo you’re right this one way of promoting CORRUPTION
I never heard the UDP organize a symposium, a seminar or a public lecture on anything. In fact the UDP has never answered any pertinent question on governance, even though it wants to govern. It has not diligently expressed how it will manage the economy, education, health, agriculture, marine resources, the perpetual energy crisis, unemployment and the demographic catastrophe caused by the mass migration of the youth male population.
Now that we have a pseudo UDP government in office, instead of capitalizing on the new conducive political dynamics on the ground to effect change, Ousainou and co want to hoodwink us into wasteful and morally questionable celebrations that are meant to cement their grip on power. Just like good old Dawda and Yaya.
The culture of politics in The Gambia is not about to change any time soon for the good. This celebration just like any other will see our poor women folk spending their little capital on Asobi and paying for Benachin and drummers all over the place. Nothing of substance will be discussed that we can benefit from. That’s the reality of postcolonial Africa.