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Momodou
Denmark
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 Posted - 25 Jan 2007 : 13:18:36
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ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
APRC JOKADU CANDIDATE SPEAKS OUT
By Modou Jonga
As the campaign momentum is being sustained in all contested constituencies in the forthcoming National Assembly Elections slated for January 25th, the APRC candidate in Jokadu constituency, Mr. Kebba Gaye, has said that he will complement the efforts of the president of the republic in achieving Vision 2020 and the Silicon Valley project if elected.
Mr. Gaye made these remarks over the weekend in an interview with this reporter at his native village of Kerr Jarga. Mr. Gaye said that in order to achieve these national dreams it is relevant to empower youths and women groups, increase horticultural gardening, rural electrification, among others.
He indicated that he would be some how critical at the National Assembly, but that would depend on the nature of the bills brought before the Assembly. The APRC candidate urged the electorate to be peaceful and law abiding. He concluded by stating that his victory is a foregone conclusion.
UDP JOKADU CANDIDATE ADVISES VOTERS NOT TO SELL THEIR VOTES
By Modou Jonga
The sponsored candidate of the United Democratic Party (UDP) for Jokadu constituency, Mr. Sait A. Joof, has called on the people of his constituency to desist from selling their voting rights. Selling voting rights, he stressed tantamounts to denying oneself a vital civic duty.
Mr. Joof made this remark over the weekend in an interview with this reporter at Madina Madum village.
According to the UDP candidate, votes' selling in his constituency is common during the night prior to polling day. In this regard, Mr. Joof urged the IEC to do more to remedy such electoral irregularities.
On his plans if elected, he said he would transmit the wishes of the farming population in his constituency to the National Assembly to be addressed. He has also expressed his resolve to help facilitate the establishment of horticultural gardens for women empowerment and provide milling machines.
Mr. Joof further urged the electorate to desist from violence and be peaceful to ensure free and fair National Assembly Elections. "You must demonstrate respect and adhere to the law, he opined.
"FARMERS ARE MY PRIORITY" SAYS JOKADU INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE
By Modou Jonga
Barely few days before the National Assembly Elections, Mr. Ousman M.M Jallow, the independent candidate for the Jokadu constituency, has made known his resolve to address the problems confronting Gambian farmers.
The Jokadu independent candidate made this remarks over the weekend in an interview with the reporter at his native village Madina Madum. In addressing the difficulties of the farmers, such as the lack of markets for their produce, he said the Government needs to encourage independent and financially capable companies to buy the groundnuts.
On whether he could be critical in scrutinizing bills brought before the Assembly if elected, Mr. Jallow said he will be critical in the pursuit of the interest of his people. "My being an independent candidate is the will of the entire farming populace," he emphasised. On whether he could shift his allegiance to the ruling party if elected into the Assembly, Mr. Joof said he would maintain his stance of partisan political neutrality. The Jokadu independent candidate has indicated that his campaign symbols and political materials are not linked to any party.
LOWER NIUMI APRC CANDIDATE SPEAKS OUT
By Annia Gaye
The APRC candidate for Lower Niumi constituency, Mr. Cherno Cham, has described the former APRC National Assembly member for the constituency, as some body who was not performing his duty and political obligations very well. He said he has the vision to change the political momentum from a tribal based politics to a development oriented politics.
He added that he wanted to restructure the political situation in Lower Niumi Constituency, as Lower Niumi is the most neglected area, in terms of development, particularly, infrastructural development, such as hospitals and a road network which he admits is lacking in the area.
He further noted that all these problems will be solved through funding from donor agencies and international institutions.
The APRC contestant said a National Assembly member is a representative who should be able to recognise the needs of his electorate alongside his party's interest; that you should be able to alert government for assistance and to also express those needs as an agenda in the house of parliament. He also explained that this is his first time to contest a National Assembly seat. Mr. Cham said many changes have taken place in the country in terms of development.
The APRC candidate advices his supporters to restrain themselves and keep the peace and not to see the opposition as enemies but good citizens with divergent opinion.
He urged supporters to realise that the Gambia belongs to both the opposition and the APRC supporters and that let them keep the peace and abide by the law in order for the conduct of a free and fair elections. He assured this reporter that he is 100% certain of his victory.
NRP CANDIDATE FOR LOWER NIUMI SPEAKS
By Annia Gaye
The National Reconciliation Party candidate for Lower Niumi Mr. Babou Kebbeh, said "I believe that am a good citizen and I believe, I have the right to contest in my constituency."
He said he has a lot of plans for his people, such as the development of education in the area, fishing and farming which are amongst his targets. Mr. Kebbeh said all these projects would be implemented through support from donors and NGO's outside the country. He noted that this is his first time to contest for the seat but have been in politics for a long time; that he has now joined the NRP in order to develop his constituency which he feels the APRC cannot do; that he has learnt a lot in politics. Explaining the role of a National Assembly Member, Mr. Kebbeh said that it is about solving the problems of one's constituency; that it is about legislating laws that would help your constituency. He expressed his hope that he will win this election with the help of his supporters.
Mr. Kebbeh called on his constituents not to base their politics on tribalism. "We are all Gambians and everybody has the right to support his choice. The choice belongs to the people." He said.
He concluded by praying to the almighty god to help him to win and urged his people to put their votes in the blue box, "which is the right box".
"I WILL INITIATE A TRUST FUND," SAYS NADD'S CENTRAL BADDIBOU CANDIDATE
By Modou Jonga
The Candidate of the National Alliance for Democracy and Development in Central Baddibou Constituency has expressed his plans to work with the people of Central Baddibou to enhance development in the area.
Fabakary Ceesay, in an interview at his home in Salikene, over the weekend, told this reporter that development cannot be an individual's own drive, but rather it requires the collective participation of the people. On whether he will win, Mr. Ceesay said it depends on the verdict of the people; that it is the electorate that decide who will win or not.
Mr. Ceesay said if elected he will initiate a trust fund for Central Baddibou similar to the ones operated by NAMS of the Serekunda Central and Wuli West Constituencies. He said his National Assembly monthly salary will be halved to pay the school fees of needy school children whose parents are financially too weak to support their education.
Speaking further, the NADD candidate, said he hoped to do his best in initiating Information Technology programmes for upper and senior school students in his constituency; that he is determined, if elected to empower women and youths, enhance their earning capacity and improve their living standard by supporting the initiation of horticultural garden projects.
While urging the electorate of Central Baddibou to maintain peace and close ranks, Mr. Ceesay expressed his determination to articulate the needs of his people.
Mr. Ceesay also explained about an alleged intimidation of his supporters by an APRC stalwart which he said is as a result of his message which is geared towards self awareness and self empowerment. His campaign message, he stated, is a threat to the APRC in Central Baddibou.
UDP CENTRAL BADDIBOU SUPPORTERS URGED TO BE PEACEFUL
By Modou Jonga
Mr. Alasan F.K. Ceesay, the candidate of the United Democratic Party for Central Baddibou constituency, has urged his supporters to maintain peace and remain calm during the campaign period.
Mr. Ceesay made these remarks in an interview with this reporter over the weekend at his native village of Salikene. On his plans, Mr. Ceesay said if elected, he could mount pressure on the government to open up employment generating institutions. Mr. Ceesay further said, he hopes to address the problems confronting farmers, such as the marketing of their produce.
The UDP candidate has expressed his dissatisfaction over what he called the "unrealistic free education for girls policy" since many girls in his constituency are expelled due to failure to pay school fees. He expressed that he is resolved to live up to expectation in the Assembly. Mr. Ceesay is of the view that he will win the Central Baddibou Constituency seat.
In his conclusion, Mr. Ceesay has urged the electorate of Central Baddibou to stay away from violence in the build up to the polls. Violent politicking is a threat to the holding of a peaceful and fair election.
APRC CENTRAL BADDIBOU CANDIDATE PREDICTS LANDSLIDE VICTORY
By Modou Jonga
Barely few days to the National Assembly Elections, Mr. Momodou S. Touray, the APRC Candidate for Central Baddibou has said his chances of victory are great and as such his victory in the forthcoming elections is inevitable and a forgone conclusion.
Mr. Touray made these remarks over the weekend at his native village of Salikene in an interview with this reporter. On his plans, Mr. Touray has indicated his resolve to work with the government in making sure that the wishes of his people are addressed. The APRC Candidate, who brands himself as the only efficient candidate, has urged the electorate of Central Baddidou to be peaceful in the build up to the election. "Violent politicking in all its forms, is unhealthy to democracy, he stressed.
The APRC Candidate further expressed his desire to be always critical on bills and agreements placed before the National Assembly, if elected. He said his criticisms will be constructive and genuine in the pursuit of the interest of the people of his constituency.
'VEHEMENTLY, I WILL WIN'-UDP SERREKUNDA WEST CANDIDATE
By Amie Sanneh
The United Democarcy Party (UDP) candidate for Serrekunda West, Baboucarr K. Nyang, has stressed that he will take over the Serrekunda West Seat come January 25th-elections. "Vehemently, I will win because I know I have the people's support," he said in an Interview with Foroyaa. He noted that people are responding to his calls and everything is going on peacefully.
Mr. Nyang said if he is elected, he will serve as a servant of the people and will be serving them in the house of parliament. He also said he will participate in the debate on any programme, bill and polices which are the main things discussed at the National Assembly.
The UDP candidate added that he will be working closely between KMC and the people so that they (KMC) can make best use of the money (taxes) collected from the people. "I will convince the KMC to maintenance our roads and also help certain children who are unable to pay their school fees," he said.
Mr. Nyang thanked the people who nominated him and expressed hope that they will elect him to serve in the house.
He advised the people to cast their votes peacefully and go home to listen to IEC for the announcement of results.
"MY RALLY WAS INTERRUPTED" SAYS UDP KOMBO SOUTH CANDIDATE
By Modou Jonga
As the campaign for the National Assembly Elections intensifies, the sponsored candidate of the United Democratic Party for Kombo South Mr. Alasan Bojang, has alleged that his rally was interrupted by supporters of the APRC at Berending village on Saturday. Mr. Bojang made this statement on Monday in an exclusive interview with this reporter. Mr. Bojang said that while they were having a rally, an APRC convoy arrived at the venue insisting that they were supposed to have a meeting there; that in order to preserve the peace and avoid confrontation, he had to call off his meeting. He said he has reported the matter to the IEC regional office. On his plans, the UDP Kombo South candidate indicated that he intends to improve conditions such as water supply and good road network in areas like Sukuta to Gunjur and Farato to Tujereng. Mr. Bojang is optimistic of winning the Kombo South seat. He urged the electorates of his constituency to distance themselves from all violent forms of politics. "Always demonstrate regard for the law and vote for your choice," he emphasised.
Sidia Jatta, NADD Candidate For Wuli West
By Yaya Dampha
Foroyaa: Can you tell us how the campaign is going on and what are your chances of winning?
Sidia: Wuli people are liberated men and women. They know what is good for them, that's why when it comes to elections, they are never carried away.
They own their votes and my duty is to give them the message. The rest is left to them. And once I am re-elected my duty is to serve their interest. I am a man who always stands for the interest of the people, not Wuli alone. I will continue from where I stopped.
Suwaibou Touray, NADD candidate for Wuli East
Suwaibou said his people know him, and know he can serve them as a National Assembly Member. He said if he is elected, he will stand for the interest of Gambians. He said he will join other honest members of the house to advocate against all the bad laws and replace them with what is in the interest of the people. He said National Assembly Members can make a country progress by enacting good laws.
Kalifa Kambi, APRC Candidate for Kiang West
Mr. Kambi said he is confident of winning his seat. He said as a member of the Pan African Parliament, he did well for his people. He said his people have regretted voting for the opposition in the last Presidential election. He said he has succeeded in bringing his people together. He said that if he is elected, he will carry out his national and constituency obligations as required.
Karafa Dampha, UDP candidate for Kiang East
Mr. Dampha said the people of Kiang East have been neglected for many years. He said they have not benefited from any development. He said if he is elected, his priority will be to unite the people of Kiang. He said he is a Veterinary Doctor and will help his people to build health facilities where animals will be treated. He said that at the national level, he will join other members of Parliament to abrogate all the bad laws in our statute books. He said he will not be a rubber stamp MP in the Parliament.
Pa Jallow, UDP Candidate for Jarra Central
Mr. Jallow said he is sure of winning and it he is elected, he will continue to work with the people of Jarra Central. He said he has been working with the communities for a long time and knows their problems. He said he will campaign for good laws, and advocate against the bad ones. He said the people of Jalambere and Jappineh need him for the sake of peace and unity. He said he will bring schemes for the youths to access scholarships and initiate a skills training centre.
Kekoi Baajo, UDP Candidate for Jarra East
Kekoi Baajo said he is sure of winning and if he is elected, he will stand for the interest of his people. He said as an ex-Police man he knows the dangers of a bad law, so he will speak against them. He said he will create credit unions for his community.
APRC NIUMI CANDIDATE EXPECTS 95% OF THE VOTES
By Annia Gaye
As polling day draws close, the APRC candidate for Upper Niumi, Cherno Omar Jallow, is of the view that he wants to play a pivotal role in the development of his constituency and that is why he has decided to contest in the forthcoming National Assembly Election. Mr. Jallow spoke to this reporter at his native village of Kerr Mamma. He said he has served his people in his capacity as the councillor of the area and was able to negotiate 35 projects for them. He said this is why he has the support of his people and the APRC.
Dilating on his plans, Mr. Jallow mentioned that he would bring the people of his constituency together under one umbrella in order to enhance the development of the area. He said "development can come through unity." He also spoke of his plan to stage a youth conference where problems confronting youths would be discussed.
Mr. Jallow noted that this is his first time of contesting in a National Assembly election, but stated that he has been a supporter of the ruling APRC since its inception. He said he learnt a lot in the political arena.
He said a National Assembly member is a representative of the people. He said if he is elected, he will take up youth matters as a priority in parliament.
He advised the people in his constituency to be united and to adhere to the laws of the land. He urged his people to vote for him. He said by the grace of Allah, he will be called Honourable come January 25th. He said he expects to get 95% of the total number of votes cast.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 010/2007, 24-25 January, 2007
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