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Momodou
Denmark
11733 Posts |
 Posted - 04 Aug 2006 : 20:52:20
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Foroyaa Editorial
THE PRESIDENT, IEC AND THE OPPOSITION
The person appointed Chairman of the IEC has been sworn in. In our last issue we published a letter from the NADD flagbearer indicating that the IEC could not make any valid decision until it had a sworn Chairman. A constitutional amendment would also be necessary to create the post of Deputy Chairperson to act in the absence of the Chairperson. During the swearing in ceremony the President made remarks touching on the conduct of the IEC and the opposition.
It is important to point out that the motto of the IEC is fair play, integrity and transparency. The IEC however has disenfranchised Gambians who have a right to vote because of the shortage of films. It has been categorically stated by an IEC official that those people will not be allowed to be registered. Is this fair play? It is not. If anybody makes this an issue could that person be accused of dictating to the IEC. No! The IEC should abide by its motto, then it will not make the type of mistakes that would warrant any criticism from the camp of the government or the opposition. What is rather strange in the Presidents’ speech is the mention of money given to the IEC to buy films. He told the IEC “You cannot take my money that is meant for public interest and think that I will not ask how it is spent. I did it so that it could be used by IEC for films to be bought.” The Chairman of the IEC needs to call a press conference and explain what this money is all about. The IEC should have access to the 120 million dalasis reserved for electoral purposes. We need explanation why the President had to finance the IEC in his personal capacity.
Furthermore, the President indicated that the if the minority wants to provoke the majority he will give them more than enough, that the minority will not dictate how elections are to be held in this country. He claimed that an SoS was stoned during the Kombo East by election and the provocation was not condemned by the foreign embassies. He warned that if provocations happen in the coming election he will set an example that the whole world will live to remember in the next 1000 years. He said the IEC should not receive instructions from foreign embassies.
Foroyaa’s advice to the President is that there is an inter- party committee set up by the MOU which should be utilized to resolve inter party differences. A nation that is heading towards election within two months does not need words of antagonism.
We are convinced that The Gambian people will go through this election to cast their votes without fear to make their choice.
The opposition are also expected to elevate themselves to the level of statesmen and women who tell the people what they intend to do to change their conditions rather than trade antagonistic words with their opponents. Gambia has changed for good. We expect this year’s campaign will be unique in African history.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 61/2006, 4-6 August, 2006
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