Joe,

Bala Jahumpa was here in Oslo last summer, and the issue of Gambians living abroad exercising their voting rights was discussed. Our association received a copy of a letter to him from Rev. Tilewa Johnson sometime last August. Part of it reads thus;

"The issue of registration of Gambian nationals resident in foreign countries in view to extending the right to participate in national elections in The Gambia, have been taken up in the National Good Governance Programme and at a subsequent National Roundtable Conference which aimed at looking for funding to cater for this constitutional requirement. Meanwhile efforts are being geared towards the realisation of this exercise and the IEC is happy to announce that a number of international bodies, agencies and governments have made pledges to support the project, which is yet to be formulated.

If the project materialises, the IEC shall be sending its officials abroad to some selected countries where the density of Gambian nationals meets the criteria, to study the modalities and conditions of registration of Gambians as voters which will enable them to express their voice in the choice of the country`s leadership.

It is the Commission`s hope that during the next presidential elections scheduled for year 2001, Gambians abroad will be able, for the first time, to take part in this important exercise" (end of quote).

Note that this letter was written during the time of Rev. Johnson, and as he is gone now this dream might just be another nightmare. As you rightly stated, October is fast approaching and I hope the IEC is following up what the Rev. started.

Regards,
Omar.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: Joe Sambou <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, March 19, 2001 8:48 PM
Subject: Re: Unity Conference: Appeal - Attn: Lamine, Joe, et al


> Saul, good to hear from you and thanks for your response to our inquires.  I
> am aware of the effort behind the scenes by the community, to form a united
> front to organize the July 4th festivities and avoid last year's drama.
> However, I asked the question now because October is almost here and we
> still do not know if Gambians in the diaspora could vote in the coming
> elections and we still do not know the party platforms of the various
> parties.  As the negotiations unfold, could you guys keep us posted at
> intervals, so, that inquiring minds would not bug you'll as you negotiate.
> Again, thanks for getting back to us and we look forward to future updates.
> 
> Chi Jaama
> 
> Joe Sambou
> 
> 
> >From: Solomon Sylva <[log in to unmask]>
> >Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
> ><[log in to unmask]>
> >To: [log in to unmask]
> >Subject: Unity Conference: Appeal - Attn: Lamine, Joe, et al
> >Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 13:46:17 -0500
> >
> >Hey Y'all,
> >
> >The Atlanta Community is right now, as we speak, is in the middle of
> >trying to form a new community organization that will hopefully be
> >responsible for these kinds of issues that you all have raised.
> >Many members of the Gambian community, Baboucarr Sillah included,
> >are part of this effort in uniting the community, in creating one
> >community organization, which is a big task of it's own, as you all know.
> >
> >Lamine Conteh Wrote:
> >
> > >Mr. Sambou:
> >
> > >I am glad that you have responded.  May I suggest
> > >that we contact Mr. Babacarr Sillah?
> >
> > >Babacarr used to be on the L.  Do you have his
> > >e-mail address?  Another person we can contact is
> > >Mr. Kebba Jallow.  I will call him today.
> >
> > >So please try and contact as many people as you
> > >can.  You are right, the election is fast
> > >approaching and we cannot waste time.
> >
> > >Naphiyo,
> >
> > >Comrade M.Lamine Jassey-Conteh
> >
> >Mr. Kebba Jallow was at the last community meeting that took place.
> >Mr. Baboucarr Sillah is still on the Gambia-L and I hope he will respond
> >your
> >e-mail to you.
> >
> >
> >I hope this info helps.
> >
> >Peace
> >King Solomon
> >
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