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admin
130 Posts |
 Posted - 26 Dec 2008 : 12:25:16
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Poll Question:
b) Is the Gambia actually ready for democracy?
Please remember to vote in the other two polls.
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| Results: |
| I. Yes |
 [49%] |
24 votes |
| II. No |
[28.6%] |
14 votes |
| III. Maybe |
[20.4%] |
10 votes |
| IV. I do not know |
[2%] |
1 votes |
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Poll Status:
Locked »» |
Total Votes: 49 counted »» |
Last Vote:
15 Feb 2009 12:02:57 |
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MADIBA
United Kingdom
1275 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2008 : 12:49:22
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| This question is a bit strange to me. In that democracy is multi-layered. Each layer representing a completed requirement or tenet. So the more the layers , the more credible the democracy. As it stands today in The Gambia, the Gambia has achieved certain requirements and still has outstanding ones. Amongst the acquired are the establishment or political parties, regular elections etc, the outstanding ones are chief amongst them, freedom of expression i.e vibrant press, elected local authorities etc.So The Gambia is already a democracy. It is just a lesser demcocarcy as we would want it to be. |
madiss |
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toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2008 : 22:16:20
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"So The Gambia is already a democracy. It is just a lesser demcocarcy as we would want it to be."
madiss
So its neither one, or the other? You must be in politics to have made your observation ! which is all things to all men. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 29 Dec 2008 : 06:43:27
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| Madiss, I think what the question asks is whether sufficient ingredients are present in the Gambia for democracy to take hold if implemented. Is the lack of democracy in the Gambia is the failure/refusal of the government to serve it or is it that the Gambian people are not just receptive to democracy? I think that is the question. |
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MADIBA
United Kingdom
1275 Posts |
Posted - 29 Dec 2008 : 15:41:34
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2Bab, I am not into politics yet, but i have a keen interest in it for the past 20 odd yrs. And since then i hvent looked back.
Kay,Your first statement reflects my understanding of the question. For me, there is no complete democracy anywhere in this world. Democracy must be 'customized' to suit a people and its culture. What we have today in The Gambia is a democratic framework which needs beefing up. Political parties are permitted. There is regular universal suffrage.There is a 'violated' constitution in place. There are local gov't authorities with 'limited powers'. There is a 'hijacked 'judiciary in place. etc etc. With an educated masses, all the affected institutions in the democractic framework could be rectified. When real power goes back to the people, who would vote in responsible and politcally correct reps we will have a better democracy. Our problem in Africa and The Gambia is as follows, courtsey of Kondorong
"For me, i think education is our biggest tool to chnage this continent beacuse there is a sea of uneducated masses that it is easy to tell them to go to hell and they look forward to going." Kondorong
Senegal which has a been an example of a good democarcy in Africa is not even free of lapses. Just few days ago, a student protest was brutally crushed. Soldiers shot and killed many marchers. It has been enshrined in their constitutins for peaceful demos as a way of putting across their messages. The sitting president Wade had exploited that particular clause when he was in the opposition. But he wouldn't accept it now. Besides, he also extended the presidential term from 5yrs to 7yrs and wants to impoose his son on the people. The press was not also not spared. Press houses have been attacked by state agents and journalists arrested and man-handled.
So for me The Gambia is a bit ready to better her democracy. The people must be made to understand that power really belongs to them. NO one should take them for a ride. Its a pity , that most of the parties back home would rather have the masses in the dark than in the light. The only party and people who have been trying the difficult option of voter education is the PDOIS. Whether we like it or not these people paved the way for breaking the myth that surrounds political leaders in the Gambia. I could vividly remember before 1987, when opposition parties organized rallies most of the time , they exchange/trade insults and propaganda with the ruling party. Instead of telling the people the reasons why they should vote them in , all they were doing were political gimmicks or POLITIKI NAHATEH. |
madiss |
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 29 Dec 2008 : 20:12:18
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quote:
2Bab, I am not into politics yet, but i have a keen interest in it for the past 20 odd yrs. And since then i hvent looked back.
Hi Madis,
I laughed at the above.
Your formal pronouncement is not when you are in politics.
Politics is part of our daily lives. You are in the middle of the pool of politics. I will agree if you say, you don't want to occupy leadership positions. That's where I am at. I fear that most promising leaders end up becoming tyrants and dictators. To avoid being one, I am not interested in any leadership position.
Happy neay year in advance.
rgds,
D. |
"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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Edited by - Dalton1 on 29 Dec 2008 20:13:48 |
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MADIBA
United Kingdom
1275 Posts |
Posted - 29 Dec 2008 : 20:52:03
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Dalton1,
I hope you had a good laugh? Unfortunately,I think you laughed on the wrong side of ur mouth. You missed the line of thought completely.
When i say politics i mean active party politics. In simple English, i am interested in party politics home and abroad. I am not a full-time politician but maybe someday i would be .I know for fact we are all involve in politics on a daily basis. So bro i know very well wat am talking abt. Wats ur take on the issue at hand?
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madiss |
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 29 Dec 2008 : 21:46:44
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quote:
When i say politics i mean active party politics. In simple English, i am interested in party politics home and abroad.
I almost forget i say "Beemee" and not "I say". & thanks for your clarification.
Good luck to you as you aspire to be a politician or one to occupy political position. Just don't forget to be with the people, especially the ordinary people.
On a side note, Leadership should not be about the 'melting pot' ordeal where those on the top floats while those on the bottom boil. History taught us that most African leaders like Mughabe, Sekou Touray, Papa Eyadema, Professor Jammeh, et cetera....name the list, all came in camouflagged like chameleons in doves' uniforms and ended up being monstrous devils. When they speak to you, it is angelic and when they do, it is tear-dropping. Yet the world or few (those leaders and their supporters) are still in self-denial of a sytem of terror in existence. That's why I always supplicate to God never to make me a leader of any political position. If I should die a shepherd, O God, indeed an answered prayer for me. I do not like to have stains of blood on my hands like observed with these chameleon leaders under the microscope.
With regards to the polls, just like you, I was also greatly touched by it. I can openly state my vote. But in essence, here is where am at: If an overthrow is part of an alternative, then that is indeed too scary because the bloodbath of 1981 which you wrote about here in a poem a while back explains an eye-witness's account of it.
I wish you a holiday of love.
Rgds,
D...
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"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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Edited by - Dalton1 on 29 Dec 2008 21:55:59 |
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toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 29 Dec 2008 : 23:29:14
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MADIBA
My previous posting on this subject was not to imply that you were a political activist,but a tongue in cheek comment seemed apt,your posting did generate several replies to what is really a very serious subject and I fully support your view that "that democracy is multi-layered" It is an unfortunate fact that genuine full democracy exists in no country on the globe.Maybe in Ireland they have reached somewhere near the pinnicle,why? because recently the people voted not to become more involved with Europe,this was dispite political pressure being exerted,not much on the news about their decision was there  .
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article4133106.ece |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 29 Dec 2008 23:34:19 |
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MADIBA
United Kingdom
1275 Posts |
Posted - 30 Dec 2008 : 22:11:42
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Dalton1, Mee Nannee Mee famee kadee achu hackeh
Thanks for ur sober thoughts as well. Have a gr8 holiday too.
2Bab, Ok i get it now. I am impressed wit ur observations vis a vis the Irish stance against the EU 'bullying'. I was very proud of them.Thanks for sharing |
madiss |
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 30 Dec 2008 : 22:23:14
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I used to know of this historic naration Madis. It traced the roots of Fulas to the time of Musa (PBUH). It is said that Fulas can help some one become a leader but won't be leaders.
have you heard of this notion before?? If so, how can you break this.
Happy holidays.
I will be visiting London soon. We get some party and a wrestling competition on.
No heart feelings & good luck in your political career.
Dalton |
"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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MADIBA
United Kingdom
1275 Posts |
Posted - 30 Dec 2008 : 22:48:14
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Dalton1
To tell you the truth, i use to hear stories like that from old folks wen they visited our home. But within me i found it hard to believe. As i grew up travel around, mainly Africa i have noted some ressemblance to our physique and dialects. Fulas had their own leaders. probably better put, is Fulbeh are not too fussy abt leadership and are 'democractic'. In other words Poulo DEERAN TAA LAAMOU. They prefer to offered , rather than snatch or impose themselves. Thats my understanding. HUMILITY for lack of a better word.
Welcome to London. A buzzy city though. I prefer it in the North. In my small environment reminiscent of slow-moving Gambia.
I havt started my political career, just waiting in the wings for the right time to throw my hat in. Laugh my brother. |
madiss |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 30 Dec 2008 : 23:04:52
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madiba
Should you ru for office, please send us the breaking news right here on Banataba. I will campaign for you. |
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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MADIBA
United Kingdom
1275 Posts |
Posted - 30 Dec 2008 : 23:37:51
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Konds
I certainly will. There is more than enough rbrains to make a formidable Dream Team here on Bantaba. |
madiss |
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Topic Locked
