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Momodou
Denmark
11744 Posts |
 Posted - 16 Jan 2007 : 15:33:33
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Foroyaa EDITORIAL
THE FIRST WEEK OF CAMPAIGN
Foroyaa has been monitoring the quality of the messages by the different candidates on Radio, television and the campaign platform. We have also been examining the reaction of party supporters in the various constituencies. On TV and radio some candidates have promised to ensure that roads are built and projects initiated in their constituencies. Even some opposition candidates have made such promises. Some even mention concrete roads such as Mandinaba - Seleti Road. Since April, 2006 works to construct the Barra - Amdallai Road, Transgambia Highway, the Basse - Sabi Highway, Soma - Basse Highway and the resealing of the Mandinaba - Seleti Road should have commenced because the European Union had accepted to finance their reconstruction. The National Civic Education Council should have helped the Gambian people to know the functions of the executive, the legislature and the area and municipal councils. Taking the views expressed on political platforms it appears that many of those who speak cannot distinguish the functions of the different organs of the state.
The preamble of the constitution states; "The functions of the arms of government have been clearly defined, their independence amply secured with adequate checks and balances......." In short, no one is qualified to be a National Assembly member if one is a member of a municipal or area council or a secretary of state. It is not the responsibility of the National Assembly to formulate and execute policies. This is why the National Assembly is not given powers to collect taxes and implement projects. The National Assembly is responsible for making laws, ratifying international agreements and monitoring the policies of the executive and the nature of their implementation. It is the executive or the cabinet that is responsible for policy formulation and implementation. Hence, if a National Assembly Member wishes to take part in policy formulation and execution he or she should request to be appointed a Secretary of State.
In the same vein, if a National Assembly member wants to bring stand pipes, markets, garages and build roads he or she should seek to be a mayor or chairperson of a council or councillor.
A National Assembly member cannot indeed do for the executive or the councils what they have neglected to do or are incapable of doing.
Notwithstanding this, the real problem of ignorance in matters of governance is the lack of civic education. This should have been promoted by the leadership of political parties and the National Council for Civic Education which is given the following functions under Section 199 of the Constitution.
(a) to create and sustain within society an awareness of the principles and objectives of the principles and objectives of this Constitution as the fundamental law of The Gambia
(b) to educate and encourage the public to defend this Constitution against all forms of abuse and violence;
(c) to formulate, from time to time, for the consideration of the Government, programmes at national and district levels aimed at realizing the objects of this Constitution;
(d) to formulate, implement and oversee programmes aimed at inculcating in the citizens of The Gambia awareness of their civic and fundamental rights, duties and responsibilities.
(e) to educate the citizens of The Gambia about international, regional and sub-regional matters relevant to The Gambia and
(f) such other functions as an Act of the National Assembly may prescribe.
We hope after the National Assembly elections Gambians will insist that the council functions as expected. The IEC should also not wait for the complaints of political parties. It should monitor the messages on the ground and issue periodic statements to caution political party representatives to desist from violating the code of conduct. For example, some supporters of a given party openly tell youths that how they vote will be known and those who vote otherwise will be deprived of all benefits. Some women even got into the compounds of their neighbours who had decided to vote differently in the National Assembly election. A gang of them physically confronted the supporters of another party which almost led to a police case but was handled through negotiation. The IEC should continue to conduct voter education so that everyone will be free to express his or her will without enticement or intimidation.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 006/2007, 15-16 January, 2007
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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