Nyang

Thanks for considering me but I don’t want to join such effort. 

I want parties to forge relationship as they see fit. I don’t think their relationship is one of national interest. Again, am not against it but it will not work. Certainly I prefer anyone of them to Yahya.I also believe none of them will make Gambia a functioning democracy

On the other hand I would like to contribute my part with forces who tailored efforts on ’The Republic to be Govern with Democracy. That’s a more worthwhile fight I would subscribe.

Burama 

On Mar 18, 2014, at 10:40 PM, Modou Nyang <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Burama,

Thank you for the good wish. But I will want to solicit your help and support in bringing that alliance in to being. Is that a possibility? 

Regards

Nyang 

On Tuesday, March 18, 2014 9:04 PM, Burama Jammeh <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Nyang

I wish you all the best for a total opposition alliance

Burama 

On Tuesday, March 18, 2014, Modou Nyang <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Burama,
There is nothing contradictory in what i have put forward. my take is that with or without reform change is possible through an opposition alliance but with the attainment of reform being the the surest. I hope this is clear. on what reform to pursue, i will take constitutional reform when it is available but personally i am of the view that a number of amendments and the rectification of Yaya's butchering of the constitution it is a fine document to govern with. It can always be amended in the future to improve its capacity.
Part of what made it impossible to remove Yaya through elections the past 20 years is because never have had a total opposition alliance. This is a fact and that is what makes it a viable option still today.

Regards,
Nyang

On Tuesday, March 18, 2014 8:23 PM, Burama Jammeh <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Nyang

I don’t know your political alliance(s). Is no consequences for the big picture. Am sure I will choose to vote for someone given the opportunity.

No problem if you believe an opposition alliance will remove Yahya. I say good luck and I mean that because I want to go back home now.

I will add that whatever made it impossible the last 20 years are still there and maybe more

Your proposal is contradictory. If you can win without reform - why waist time on fighting for reforms? If you can ensure electoral reform why not demand Constitutional Reform of which election law is a small sub-set?

Burama

On Mar 18, 2014, at 7:55 PM, Modou Nyang <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Burama,

Thank you for the forward of the “The Working Paper”. I will not be able to read it now but hopefully in the future will manage to go through it. But anyhow, if I am to rely on what you have shared so far in this topic I am sure to be clear with what you aiming at and referring to as a “national democratic vision” aimed at institutionalizing democracy in the Gambia. I think you know that I am a student of PDOIS hence is no stranger to the ideals and near deification of democracy.

What I now see as the fundamental difference between the two of us is while you rally your hopes on the way to the institutionalization of democracy in the Gambia through a non-political approach, my stance is radically different. I subscribe to the school of thought advocated by Nkrumah that declared “seek ye the political kingdom and everything shall follow”. Burama, without the control of state power – the power to make laws, design policies and implement them, one is at a disadvantage if not at a total loss to directing the affairs of a state. Remember the dictum, that the state is the legitimate monopoly of force. And what is there the need of politics if not for the management and dispensation of the force of society? Burama, the lesson is that in politics power must be accrued in order for one to be able to direct the course of society. The magic course for me is political change to be followed next by institutional reform and building to enable the flourishing of democracy among the people.

You challenged me to state in chronological order on how to effect political change in the Gambia.  I will oblige you.

1.       Build an alliance of opposition parties on the ground in partnership with all other forces outside of the country that are opposed to the regime in Banjul for the purpose of effecting change through the ballot box.

2.       With such a grand alliance in place, they can table demands for electoral reform as a condition for their participation in the elections.  With or without prior reform I am of the strong conviction that a grand opposition alliance can still manage an electoral victory against Yaya.

3.       Reform or no reform, and whatever the election results turn out to be in the presidential race an opposition grand alliance can easily pull off a majority in the NA elections. With a deciding majority in the house Yaya’s fate is seal. Or if we wish to consider the other side even if Yaya’s party is to get a majority in the house the alliance can still manage a sizable minority that would require their endorsement before any legislation is to be passed in the assembly.

While all this is working its self out a lot of work will have been going into the agitation, mobilization and organization of the people for change. The power of the alliance will ensure the safety and right to conduct their affairs as dictated by law. Any attempt to forcibly and

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