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Momodou
Denmark
11524 Posts |
 Posted - 19 May 2014 : 14:40:36
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PDOIS unveils Agenda 2016 party manifesto
The Point: Published on Monday, May 19, 2014
 Halifa Sallah secretary-general of PDOIS on Saturday briefed the press on “Agenda 2016” which has been launched in The Gambia by the opposition political party. Agenda 2016 “a provisional manifesto” of the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism, PDOIS, was formally launched at a mass meeting held in Wuli Barrow-kunda village in the Upper River Region, on Sunday 11 May 2014. PDOIS issued a summary of the contents of Agenda 2016, as follows:
A Third Republic Ushering in the Sovereignty of the People
PDOIS Agenda 2016 Publication Launch was graced by thousands of residents of Wuli Barrow Kunda , URR, and its environs on Sunday , 11TH May 2014 – see photos.
Strategic Objective of PDOIS Agenda 2016
The strategic objective of PDOIS AGENDA 2016 is to build a Third Republic ushering in the era of the sovereignty of the people commencing in 2016. PDOIS is of the view that the highest political expression of the right to self determination and Independence is the founding of a sovereign Republic on the basis of the consent of the people, which legitimises their equality in citizenship and sovereignty.
Hence, before 2016, PDOIS has the aim to conduct sensitisation sessions nationwide to ensure that all Gambians are cognisant of the fact that citizenship under a Republic guarantees the sovereignty of the person.
The first goal is to put a definitive end to voter apathy by ensuring that upon completion of the exercise each Gambian would recognise that the voter’s cardis an attestation of one’s sovereignty and equality in citizenship with all other Gambians, without which one is deprived of the power and voice to say how the country is governed.One is thus transformed into an alien in one’s own country.
All Gambians should then feel a self-motivated urge to possess and preserve one’s citizenship card as a manifestation of one’s national Identity, and a voter’ card as a symbol of one’s sovereignty.
The second goal is to put a definitive end to sectarian politics which relieson the perpetuation of prejudices or loyalties based on faith, gender, caste and ethno–linguistic origins and ensure that it is engrained in the consciousness of every Gambian that a Sovereign Republic is a community of sovereign citizens who enjoy equal rights and freedoms and are entitled to equal benefit from public services irrespective of place of birth, ethno-linguistic origin, religion, physical features, philosophy, gender and other demographic characteristics, in whom the sovereignty of the country resides, from whom the authority to manage the affairs of the community must be drawn and for whose liberty and prosperity.
A Case for Electoral Reform
PDOIS recognises that since 1965 the Gambia had never had a democratic transfer of power from one party or person to another. In the same vein the coup d’etat and the politics of transition has given rise to a peculiar political situation in the Gambia characterised by the inadequate development of Republican and democratic instruments, institutions , values and culture which are requisite to the building of a genuine multi party system.
This reality begs for appropriate strategies and tactics to bring about democratic change which would usher in the ideal sovereign Republic could put in place a genuine multi party system.
PDOIS AGENDA 2016 proposes two practical tactics to address the political situation.
The first arose out of the initiative of the joint opposition prior to the 2012 National Assembly Elections. To combat the abuse of incumbency through the use of state resources and personnel for party political objectives 7 opposition parties petitioned the IEC to convene a stakeholders’ meeting for all to give commitment to uphold the election laws under the watchful eyes of the press and electronic media. The failure of the IEC to meet this minimum achievable step as a start for effecting electoral reform led to the non participation of 6 opposition parties in the National Assembly Elections. The end result was reduced confidence in the electoral system.
In short, out of 48 constituencies with 796,929 registered voters, only 304,000 voters in 23 constituencies were supposed to have taken part. However, only 154,950 voters finally voted in the 23 constituencies. The APRC which contested in 23 constituencies had 80,249 of the popular vote. The Independent Candidates had 60,085 votes out of 18 constituencies. NRP had 14, 606 votes.
The Group of Six continued call for electoral reform was further legitimised by the results. Hence, when Jesse Jackson visited The Gambia after the execution and asked the opposition what role he could play, after the release of some prisoners, seven opposition parties and some Independent members of the National Assembly gave him a mediating role for electoral reform. The Group of Six was transformed into Gambia Opposition for Electoral Reform comprising all the seven opposition parties and some Independent MPs.
In the council elections, 45 seats out of 114 were contested. The Independent Candidates won 10 of the seats. NRP won no seat. In the Mayoral Elections in Banjul, out of 21,178 registered voters only 9,733 voted and the Independent candidate won.
In the KMC Mayoral Election, out of 187,757 voters only 36,755 voters participated. The APRC had 25,773 votes. It is, therefore, clear that the 2016 electoral cycle opens with a clean slate. Its outcome will depend on how the hearts and minds of the people are to be shaped in these coming two years.
The First Tactic
The first tactic is to work for electoral reform so that the second round of voting is restored and upper age limits barring candidatureare eradicated to enable interested parties to test their popularity and leave the electorate to decide the fate of political leaders.
The Second Tactic
The results of the Mayoral election inBanjul confirms that even if there is no electoral reform change would come if the people are resolved to support one candidate . Hence PDOIS proposes if no reform takes place up to the middle of 2015 opposition parties could meet to decide on how to select one candidate to contest the Presidential elections in 2016.
Electoral reform or not the political parties must be strong on the ground. Hence PDOIS plan is to work and consolidate its forces on the ground pending electoral reform or electoral Alliance. This is why Agenda 2016 proceeds explain how PDOIS intends to address the challenges facing the country.
Economic Transformation
PDOIS has the objective of building a self reliant economy aimed at eradicating poverty and ensuring prosperity
Public sector investment
In 2014 the estimated expenditure is 10.2 billion dalasi. If all this come from taxes poverty will increase. Hence PDOIS calls for the accumulation of sovereign Nation wealth through mining minerals like Illmenite, Rutile and Zircon which have been found in the coastal strip of Bato Kunku, Sanyang and Kartong as well as explore the oil resources of the country.
It will collect dividends from public enterprises which as far back as 1998 had a turnover of 804 Million dalasi and paid 68 Million dalasi into government covers. In 1999 the turnover increased to 940 Million and 82 Million dalasi paid into government coffers.
The Private sector will be the engine of mobilising capital and foreign direct investment for productive private sector investment to complement the aim of promoting poverty eradication and general welfare through corporate responsibility. In recent years, approximately, 1.6 billion dollars, amounting to more than 64000 Million dalasi, is exchanged annually in the foreign exchange market in the Gambia while exports in 2012 earned the country only 92.6 Million dollars or 3680 Million Dalasi. The investment of the private sector in the productive base of the economy falls far short of the volume of money that is currently in circulation.PDOIS will ensure that private sector capital is linked to private sector investment
The cooperative sector will be the engine of accumulation of Cooperative finances for grassroots development. In 2007 alone rice import to the Gambia amounted to 557 million dalasi, tomato paste, 121 Million dalasi; onions, 18 million dalasi; flour, 130 Million dalasi; vegetable oil, 457 Million dalasi, fruits and vegetables, 57 Million dalasi; Milk and Milk products, 149 million dalasi. If agriculture is linked to processing by cottage or light scale industries financed by cooperative financial institutions a sum of over 1489 Million dalasi would have been put in the hands of Gambian producers in one year.
The Social Security and housing Finance Corporation invested over 400 Million dalasi to purchase and refurbish Ocean Bay Hotel. Such sums of money should have been deposited in a Bank serving as shareholder since only a sum of 200 Million dalasi is required to establish a bank.
Establishment of cooperative marketing units in villages to which goods could be given in kind for sale and from which goods could be bought to enable producers to benefit from the economics of scale.
The cooperative banking system would be linked to a cooperative marketing system and the family farms organised as cooperatives for family members so that they could be given farming inputs to produce on a large scale and be given fair income due jointly determined prices for their produce.
The informal sector will be the means for promoting a multiplier effect of development down to all sectors which are not reached by the formal sector.
All land will be properly delineated land into agricultural, industrial, residential, commercial, recreational, conservational and infrastructural use and all property rights determined to put a definitive end to demolitions.
Industrialisation
We cannot just grow what we eat and eat what we grow and attained a self reliant and sustainable economy. We must process what we grow, rear, fish, mine and so on. PDOIS aims to register all the appropriate technology in the country aimed at determining our processing potential and challenges for the primary phase of industrialisation. It will facilitate joint public / private; public / cooperative and other continental linkages to facilitate the secondary phase aimed at light scale industries and the tertiary phase of industrialisationaimed at large scale industries and machine building.
Infrastructural Development
The North bank and the South Bank would have first class roads linked by a bridge somewhere in URR.
River transport would be enhanced by the construction of wharfs in all major towns along the river to ensure that all heavy loads are transported by river transport to reduce the rate of dilapidation of major highways and give new life to the economic activity of many towns.
The bridge being contemplated across the Gambia River will be extended to a ports’ projectto serve Southern Senegal, Eastern Gambia, Mali and beyond . This would facilitate road and rail links in the sub-region.
Political Transformation
PDOIS conceive the citizenry as the embodiment of the sovereignty of the Republic and collectively the architects of our destiny. It aims to eradicate all vestiges of monarchical or self-perpetuating rule and ensure that authority to lead at village, district, regional and national levels are determined by the will of the people.
Constitutional and Legal Reform
A commission of Gambian jurists would be constituted to conduct a review of the Constitution and laws and propose reform of all provisions which are unreasonable and unjustifiable in a democratic society after consultation with the wider public.
Institutional Reform:
Institutional Reform of the executive, legislature, judiciary, the Public service, the office of the ombudsman and the Independent Electoral Commission would be undertaken.
Executive
Combat monarchical and self perpetuating rule by advocating for a one term mandate after the transfer of power from the current administration followed by a constitutional amendment, to introduce a two four-year term limit, as is the case in Nigeria and USA; Introduce Gender parity for the filling of two thirds of Cabinet posts in National Assembly; Ensure security of tenure of parliamentarians by subjecting them to removal only through the exercise of the right to recall by the electorate; Introduce proportional representation for two thirds of the seats in Parliament, so that one third of the membership will always be balanced by gender; Eliminate the post of nominated members and its replacement by introducing a policy of proportional representation.
Judiciary
Establish Special Judicial Service Commission to appoint judges on the basis of merit and subject to removal only for misconduct and infirmity confirmed by judicial inquiry; Establish a jury system for district tribunals with presidents appointed by the Judicial Service Commission; Establish Special Public Service Commission to appoint members of the IEC with Party leaders having the right to raise objections and be heard by the commission which would sit publicly to preside over the hearing of the objections.
Local Government
Effect decentralisation and devolution of power by replacing governors with regional permanent secretaries to handle central government matters in the regions; Establish elected councils to administer villages, districts and regions.
Civil Transformation
PDOIS aims to build a society centred on the protection of the liberty, dignity and self worth of the citizen by upholding fundamental rights and freedoms and ensuring that all state institutions, agencies and natural persons are committed to such an endeavour. In this regard; Establish a National Human Rights Commission to monitor and ensure protection against violations of Human Rights; Ensure that all conventions on fundamental rights and freedoms that are ratified by parliament shall automatically be domesticated by promulgating the relevant provision in the constitution; Eradicate of all laws and policy directives which hinder freedom of expression, and the dissemination of divergent views and dissenting opinions by the state and non state media.
Enact a Freedom of Information Act to remove secrecy from public administration and make the administrators accountable to the public they serve and responsive to enquiries of the media which are supposed to keep the people informed.
A National Council of Media Practitioners will be established as a self regulatory body for media practitioners, which will have no judicial powers but will exercise persuasive influence aimed at promoting professionalism and integrity in the performance of duty and resolving disputes to decongest the courts. We are committed to the enactment of laws, establishment of institutions and law enforcement practices which would enlarge and protect rights and freedoms.
National Police Service Commission would exercise direction and control over the police force and appoint all senior officers of the force on the basis of merit. The Inspector General of Police shall be appointed with the approval of the head of state, but once in office, cannot be removed without judicial inquiry into allegations of misconduct o infirmity and subject to approval by the National Assembly.
Undertake reform the Criminal Code to decriminalise all provisions that are not reasonable or justifiable in a Republic or Democratic society, humanise law enforcement agencies and practices and rationalise penalties to be equivalent to crime committed; Undertake reform of prisons and prison administration. Introduce community service as alternative to imprisonment as measures to eradicate retributive justice.
Since no sovereign citizen would choose to occupy a government post of a killer of killers the death penalty would be abolished and life imprisonment maintained as the severest punishment for a crime.
A National Prisons Service Commission will exercise direction and control over prison administration and appoint senior prison officers. A Director General of Prisons shall be appointed with the approval of the head of state, but could only be removed by a judicial inquiry into allegations of infirmity of misconduct.
Imams of major mosques and priests of major churches, trade union leaders and leaders of registered civic groups or associations would be honorary human rights commissioners and social auditors who could visit jails, prisons and other places of detention to check conditions and make representation for compliance with the laws or propose improvement or reforms in the administration of public institutions such as prisons.
Courts shall be required to take judicial notice of any detention beyond the 72 hours established by the constitution, for a person to be held without bail or court appearance and count it as duress. Human rights defenders will receive maximum media coverage and protection to ensure that all violations are reported, exposed and violators named and shamed.
A sovereign person has a right to change a government, but has no right to kill and incite hatred to change a government.Hence the crimes of Treason and Sedition are not permissible in a sovereign Republic. Those who kill or destroy property could be charged for their conduct.
Social Transformation:
PDOIS aims to build a community of sovereign citizens whose sense of belonging to a community of Gambian nationals would be putabove other affinities; an informed citizenry who will have the right and audacityto ask of the community what is required to have education, skills, good health, employment, housing, proper sanitation, protection at old ageor in case of disability and adequate recreation in order tolive in liberty, dignity and prosperity and who will recognise their duty to give to the community what it requires to provide the needs of all and ensure that each enjoysindividual and social justice.
It will involve, in governance, the people organised into civil associations to serve as social auditors who will scrutinise, criticize and restrain the tendency for misrepresentation, bad governance, mismanagement and impunity, on one hand, and on the other hand, serve as the ears, eyes and mouths of the people who will speak truth to authority in defence of legitimate individual and public interest.
The Agenda has addressed the challenges of self determined education, the provision of appropriate healthfacilities , housing and other social amenities such as recreational facilities
It calls for special measures to be put in place to address past discrimination and injustices perpetrated on the basis of gender, disability, age, social origin and prevent their resuscitation.
Cultural Transformation
PDOIS is to promote and preserve all cultural heritages that enhance human dignity, self worth, liberty and prosperity and thus fuse all the identities and values originating from diverse cultural backgrounds into the identity and values of the sovereign community of sovereign Gambian citizens under the Republic.
It will combat all vestiges of prejudices emanating from ethno- linguistic origins, monarchical and caste systems, religious allegiances, gender orientation and all other practices which undermine the integrity of the sovereign person in particular, and diverse groups in general, and manage diversity in such a way that unity is enhanced by promoting republican and democratic values and their institutionalization to promote the equality of all Gambiansin citizenship, and all other communities resident in the Gambia in rights to ensure mutual respect, tolerance and appreciation of diversity.
It plans to establish a house of culture in each village, district, region and urban centre for artistic and other cultural expressions, in order to promote appreciation of each others’ origins and ensure respect for the upholding of republican and democratic values and ways of life of sovereign people.
Ecological Transformation
It advocates for the management ofair, land and sea in such a way that liberty and prosperity will be enhanced without putting into jeopardy the liberty, dignity and prosperity of future generations through improper management.
It will combat environmental threats caused by poor urban and regional, district and village planning, thus leading to floods and demolition of buildings, engendering poverty and hardship.
Integrate environmental impact assessment before any action is taken that could affect the environment at village, district, regional and national levels.
Regional Integration, African Unity and International Cooperation
PDOIS aims to give concrete expression to the aspiration to transform the world into a universal home for human kind, where each nation, big or small, will cooperate, and sub-regions and continents could establish Communities of states, and even federations, that will co -exist with similar entities, in the spirit of good neighbourliness, equality and mutual interest, and provide to each sovereign person the enjoyment of civil, political, economic, social, cultural and ecological rights.
Enter into a cooperation agreement with our neighbour Senegal, to establish a joint commission of jurists to review constitutional and legal instruments regarding governance with a view to harmonising, standardizing and adopting them to promote regionalintegration and African Unity on a democratic foundation that will serve as a pillar to uphold the fundamental rights of our peoples.
This template of a Republican Constitution will be presented to African countries and international community to promote the creation of a monarchy free century, and thus earn Africa honour and respect for promoting such an epoch-making agenda. Take concrete measures to harmonise economic, civil, political, social, cultural and ecological policies and plans with Senegal to serve as a blueprint for regional integration.
End
Source: The Point
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 19 May 2014 : 18:17:01
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I hope Halifa is aware that UDP's position is not to discuss how to select a candidate- it has to be a UDP led alliance with a candidate chosen by and from within the UDP - but for other parties to articulate what sort of conditions they would like to see attached to a proposed UDP led alliance in line with international standards of coalition building. We are not talking about coalition of personalities but of political parties, and of course UDP with the biggest following, has the legitimacy to lead that coalition.
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I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
Edited by - Nyarikangbanna on 19 May 2014 18:30:29 |
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sankalanka
270 Posts |
Posted - 19 May 2014 : 19:03:08
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| Nyari, apart from claiming the leadership of any opposition coalition, what actually does the UDP party has to offer? |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 19 May 2014 : 19:05:49
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WHO CARES ABOUT YOU NYARIKANGBANNA AKA DAFFEH DICTATING WHAT UDP IS GOING TO DO?
"This cause is bigger than any individual or group of individuals, elites, cabal, clique, cronies, opposition political party, party leader, ethnic group and/or tribe"
PLAIN SIMPLE LANGUAGE;
quote:
"PDOIS proposes if no reform takes place up to the middle of 2015 opposition parties could meet to decide on how to select one candidate to contest the Presidential elections in 2016."
IF OTHER OPPOSITION DON'T WANT TO MEET TO CONSIDER PROPOSAL SUBSCRIBED BY PDOIS; FINE LET THEM ADOPT & IMPLEMENT THEIR PARTY STRATEGY & TACTICS TO WIN PRESIDENT JAMMEH/APRC  |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 19 May 2014 : 19:10:15
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quote:
Originally posted by sankalanka
Nyari, apart from claiming the leadership of any opposition coalition, what actually does the UDP party has to offer?
That is a good question Rene. I am sure you have read UDP's policies on their website before. Unfortunately this website is currently down. Otherwise, I would have directed you to it. I hope the website is back online soon.
Thanks
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I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
Edited by - Nyarikangbanna on 19 May 2014 19:12:18 |
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sankalanka
270 Posts |
Posted - 19 May 2014 : 19:38:17
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Nyari, if we make a comparative analysis of UDP policies on their website against the well formulated policy objectives and strategies that PDOIS has just unveiled, it will be very difficult to convince the wider Gambian population that the UDP has a better political alternative that responds to the needs and aspirations of the Gambian state and citizenry.
Secondly, the majority status of the UDP party may now be challenged given recent developments in the resurrection of the P.P.P party, most of whose traditional members have been aligned with the UDP party when the P.P.P was banned. It is reasonable to argue that most of these people would now go back to their traditional base- the P.P.P. Therefore there may not be the legitimate basis for the UDP to claim that it is the majority opposition party in the Gambia. |
Edited by - sankalanka on 19 May 2014 19:45:38 |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 19 May 2014 : 19:51:06
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Rene, that is your opinion and you are entitled to it. Ultimately, however, the electorates are the judges and it is a settled fact that they have in the past consistently and repeatedly favoured UDP than any other opposition party in the country notwithstanding Pdois's monotonous claim of policy superiority.
What you have seen from PDOIS here is the upgraded version of their policies. You have not seen UDP's yet as UDP's policies are currently under review, and that means you cannot adjudged between the two.
I only mentioned UDP website published policies to make the point that UDP always offer The Gambian people concrete policies on issues.
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I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
Edited by - Nyarikangbanna on 19 May 2014 20:15:05 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 19 May 2014 : 19:56:18
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Someone is insinuating that PDOIS does not offer "CONCRETE POLICIES ON ISSUES". The above provisionally addressed few BURNING ISSUES by PDOIS |
Edited by - kobo on 19 May 2014 19:59:43 |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 19 May 2014 : 20:10:32
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quote:
Originally posted by sankalanka
Secondly, the majority status of the UDP party may now be challenged given recent developments in the resurrection of the P.P.P party, most of whose traditional members have been aligned with the UDP party when the P.P.P was banned. It is reasonable to argue that most of these people would now go back to their traditional base- the P.P.P. Therefore there may not be the legitimate basis for the UDP to claim that it is the majority opposition party in the Gambia.
Well, PPP has been an independent registered sovereign party since 2001 and was in fact aligned with PDOIS in the NADD coalition of 2006. None of that stopped the UDP from being the leader it has always been in Gambia's opposition politics.
You can cook stories as much as you like. The rest of us will continue to happily cling on to the incontrovertible facts as long as they remain so.
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I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
Edited by - Nyarikangbanna on 19 May 2014 20:13:50 |
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sankalanka
270 Posts |
Posted - 19 May 2014 : 20:15:24
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The point I am trying to impress upon you is, notwithstanding the fact that "it is a settled fact that they (the electorates) have in the past consistently and repeatedly favored UDP than any other opposition party in the country", the UDP is yet to be elected into office after almost 20 years and in a number of election cycles. This therefore does not put the UDP party in a better position than any of the other opposition political parties.
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Edited by - sankalanka on 19 May 2014 20:25:54 |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 19 May 2014 : 20:35:46
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Rene, The whole point of coalescing in politics is borne out of a recognition that no one is in the best ideal position. However, that never meant that the principles of legitimacy have to be jettisoned. In politics, there is no such thing as coalition of equals, and if that is what PDOIS is calling for, they must strive to get the same or more number of votes than the UDP in a given general election first. Until then, their arguments will continue to lack basis and the cogency they so desperately want to attach to them.
By the way; UDP is 10yrs younger than PDOIS.
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I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
Edited by - Nyarikangbanna on 19 May 2014 20:46:03 |
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bread man
300 Posts |
Posted - 20 May 2014 : 03:12:12
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Which country is Hallifa Sallah and the PDOIS living, Gambia?????? I do not think so, because in The Gambia no politics works there especially not pen and paper politics.
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It is the mark of intelligence to entertain an idea without accepting it. |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 20 May 2014 : 03:31:21
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quote:
Originally posted by bread man
Which country is Hallifa Sallah and the PDOIS living, Gambia?????? I do not think so, because in The Gambia no politics works there especially not pen and paper politics.
PDOIS ARE WELL INFORMED ON GAMBIAN POLITICS, HAS ADDRESSED THE STATUS QUO OR EXISTING POLITICAL CONDITIONS IN AGENDA 2016 AND ARE DEALING WITH THE CHALLENGES BY ITS SENSITIZATION & CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES. REFER FOLLOWING QUOTE:
- "A Case for Electoral Reform
PDOIS recognises that since 1965 the Gambia had never had a democratic transfer of power from one party or person to another. In the same vein the coup d’etat and the politics of transition has given rise to a peculiar political situation in the Gambia characterised by the inadequate development of Republican and democratic instruments, institutions , values and culture which are requisite to the building of a genuine multi party system.
This reality begs for appropriate strategies and tactics to bring about democratic change which would usher in the ideal sovereign Republic could put in place a genuine multi party system."
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Edited by - kobo on 20 May 2014 03:43:27 |
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sankalanka
270 Posts |
Posted - 20 May 2014 : 08:51:09
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"Rene, The whole point of coalescing in politics is borne out of a recognition that no one is in the best ideal position."
Nyari, when the second round of voting was removed and a simple majority was needed for a presidential candidate to be declared a winner, it then became almost impossible for any opposition presidential candidate to win against the incumbent president.
This is the reason why for almost 20 years and in all election cycles that the opposition political parties have put up presidential candidates, they have never been able to win.
The dynamics that create this reality is not different from the dynamics that kept the P.P.P in power for almost thirty years.
To insist that opposition political parties should go through the same route after being unable to win in all previous elections, is the height of unrealistic expectations. And that is essentially what you are, and have been promoting with your uncompromising stance on a UDP-LED party coalition. We have been arguing and debating this in all election cycles. And here we are again.
"However, that never meant that the principles of legitimacy have to be jettisoned."
Legitimacy on the basis of what? That the UDP has the majority share of the opposition vote. But this majority share of the opposition vote cannot win the UDP the presidency.
If there was a second round of voting and the UDP was in a runoff with the ruling party all the other opposition political parties would then have rallied behind the UDP.
The UDP should therefore be open to other coalition options besides only a party-led option.
"In politics, there is no such thing as coalition of equals, and if that is what PDOIS is calling for, they must strive to get the same or more number of votes than the UDP in a given general election first."
In this case I assume the opposition political parties will be doing what they have been doing for the past 20 years. Each party will put up its presidential candidate or a candidate if they manage some coalition of sorts, and then watched as the incumbent woefully defeats them.
"Until then, their arguments will continue to lack basis and the cogency they so desperately want to attach to them."
PDOIS's arguments have always been relevant and cogent, and I have no doubts that they will continue to make them. They have always articulated their position on all national issues and this coming election cycle is not different. Thus the reason for Agenda 2016.
"By the way; UDP is 10yrs younger than PDOIS."
Then show me its youthful vigor. Where is the vibrancy? Where is the motivation that can make everyone to want to rally behind the UDP party?
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 20 May 2014 : 10:05:25
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Nyarikangbanna. ON "UDP is 10 yrs younger than PDOIS", is nothing for credibility or to be proud of because We know how UDP is formed and why UDP leader Lawyer Ousainou Darboe came into politics; by default as a redemption political party for former PPP, NCP & GPP and who is already a spend force NOT ELIGIBLE TO CONTEST 2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS AND SUPPOSED TO HAND OVER LEADERSHIP BUT STILL CLINGING ON AS PARTY LEADER. UDP Deputy leader Yaya Jallow, a former PPP veteran politician appear to be isolated, DORMANT & NON-EXISTING
This is not a personal issue or about your preference/choice and also not primarily coalescing with UDP. Agenda 2016 is PDOIS party manifesto; a registered independent political party and position of the party offered to the ELECTORATES (i.e. GAMBIAN CITIZENS)to prepare for 2016 Presidential/General elections. PDOIS maintained it is "clear that the 2016 electoral cycle opens with a clean slate. Its outcome will depend on how the hearts and minds of the people are to be shaped in these coming two years."
VALID FACTS ANALYSED BY A CITIZEN FOR BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
"If we reflect back to 1992,we will remember that there were two main parties vying for power: PPP and NCP…(There was GPP,PDP,PDOIS,but the tussle was between Jawara and Dibba). Lets look at what the records show in the Elections in 1992…
DK Jawara (PPP) 58.48% ( If time permits,I will show you why because..)
SM Dibba (NCP) 22.21% (Jawara was losing popularity)
As can be seen,between the two leading contenders,they polled over 80% of the votes…but where are their election results; since 1996.
Lets look at the 1996 Election results…WITHOUT PPP & NCP contesting but its militants or members seen to scatter and joined ranks with the APRC, UDP & NRP.
Y.Jammeh (APRC) 55.77%
O.Darboe (UDP) 35.84%
Again,between these two,they polled over 80% of the votes cast..Where did the UDP’s 35.84% come from…? Planet Mass…"
"Governor Touray: Yes I was one of the founding fathers of the UDP but Ousainou Darboe and Femi Peters were not founding members."
DAILY OBSERVER ARCHIVES Monday, January 31, 2011 Interview with Governor Ganyie Touray on BIRTH OF UDP as a PPP BABY
PDOIS ADDRESSED IN AGENDA 2016:
- "A Case for Electoral Reform
PDOIS recognises that since 1965 the Gambia had never had a democratic transfer of power from one party or person to another. In the same vein the coup d’etat and the politics of transition has given rise to a peculiar political situation in the Gambia characterised by the inadequate development of Republican and democratic instruments, institutions , values and culture which are requisite to the building of a genuine multi party system.
This reality begs for appropriate strategies and tactics to bring about democratic change which would usher in the ideal sovereign Republic could put in place a genuine multi party system."
What a genuine opposition should do is criticise and then offer alternatives; as demonstrated by PDOIS consistently since inception; unsparingly addressing all burning NATIONAL ISSUES WITH SOUND POLICIES, PROGRAMMES, STRATEGIES & TACTICS
Unfortunately, our people have shown that they do not deserve good governance and respect for their rights,by continually supporting parties and "politicians" who have shown NO clarity in what they wish to do in government and HOW they wish to do it..
And worst of all Gambian electorates consistently "voted" for an individual (and his party) who has become one of the worst "leaders" in Africa."
So Nyarikangbanna; what credit or credibility are you claiming since every 5year cycle of general elections, its worst under Jammeh/APRC regime and UDP NEVER HAVING ANY CHANCE OF WINNING. If UDP-Party led strategy was credible and plausible G6 (COALITION Group of six opposition parties on EQUAL FOOTING) would not exist, post 2011 Presidential general elections
PDOIS the party with visions and dynamic programmes is welcome with another laudable feat unveiling Agenda 2016 of VERY CLEAR PARTY PROGRAMMES & STRATEGIES!
NYRIKANGBANNA AKA DAFFEH. EVERYONE KNEW YOUR OBSESSION WITH PDOIS (ESPECIALLY HALIFA SALLAH) AND DEEPLY MESMERISED; AS YOU FOLLOW THEM KEENLY BUT NO VICIOUS MALICIOUS HATER & OPPONENT CAN SPOIL PDOIS PARTY'S PROGRESSIVE IMAGE & DYNAMISM IN POLITICS
Related Bantaba topic PDOIS’ POSITION ON WORLD FREEDOM DAY 2014 |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 20 May 2014 : 14:16:03
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Rene, I am not insisting on anything you are insinuating. I am saying as a matter of legitimacy and in line with international standards, all parties should rally behind the UDP since it has the largest following. This has never happened as PDOIS in particular is always opposed to it since 2001 and each time bringing a different excuse. So it will be a new thing if this happens.
Now, do not tell me a party led alliance was tried and failed because what PDOIS is calling for have also been tried and performed far worst than a party led alliance. Suffice it to say, UDP led alliance never had all the parties on board,which is what has always been called for; an all inclusive UDP led alliance. PDOIS on the other hand, wants a coalition that is based on the totality of Halifa's will; never mind it's obscure nature.
The lack of second round does not negate the fact that there is still a party out there with the largest following and it's called the UDP. If PDOIS party wants to contest this fact once again, then they should not talk about coalescing with the UDP but rather should meet them in a general election and endeavour to get the same or more number of votes than the UDP. Until that is done, The rest of us will continue to recognise the UDP as the main opposition party in The Gambia as a matter of settled fact.
I only mentioned UDP being younger than PDOIS because you talked about UDP being there for 20yrs and achieving nothing. It makes me wonder what you would have said about pdois's 30 yr existence if you were not a PDOIS supporter. They obviously have very little to show for this in terms of political achievement, and of course worst than UDP.
You lot are a bunch of disingenuous politicos, and I think the earlier you recognise that you will hoodwink nobody in this struggle, the better it will be for your blood pressure levels.
Thanks |
I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
Edited by - Nyarikangbanna on 20 May 2014 14:39:39 |
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PDOIS unveils Agenda 2016 party manifesto
