Questions have been raised some relevant others irrelevant. Views and
opinions have also been expressed. The most baffling and confronting views
have been that of boycotting the elections, and forming a United Opposition.
While forming a United Oppositin is a great idea, boy cotting the elections
is both disenfranchising, and at the same time, a method of legalising a
Government irrespective of the views of the governed.

Supporters of boycotting the elections advanced such reasons as to not vote
and not have elections held at all. By all opposition politicians not
participating in the election process, breaking down all semblances of a
democracy, thereby, increasing international pressure on the incumbent for a
change. In my book, this simply will not work out  for both the country and
her peoples. What international pressure can be mounted by the West on the
Gambia which has not actually been enforced before? These tactics will only
affect the common man in the streets of Brikama, or the lady selling produce
at the Sere kunda market. Before it reaches to the top, the common man would
have died.
Every Gambian citizen has the right to choose who represents him/her in the
National Assembly, and the office of the Chief Executive, The President, is
also decided by such votes. Giving up this right is to give up all of your
rights far as the representation in government is concerned. You might as
well seal your mouth and give the ruling party a free ride. This shall only
help in impeding the democratic process even to its lowest ebb. No, this is
not a good choice.

A United Opposition as mentioned earleir is a good idea, but, there is only
six months to the elections, and there are no concrete strategies laid down.
As i'm made to understand, next week will decide which way the wind will be
blowing come the elections. Judging from how fast time is ticking away,
opposition parties and or their reps not having been briefed ( as i
understand ), not enough funds available, the formation of this ideal body
is bleak. I just cannot foresee it happening. Here's why: The opposition
parties coming under a common umbrella takes more than just convincing. It
means abandoning and or incorporating all manifestos into one unique
document with a common aim and objective, and more importantly, one leader.
Who is to lead becomes the question? Who will be accepted by all as the
leader? Some political parties will never buy the idea of being represented
by anyone other than their chosen leader. This is a fact.
Time is the essence, someone said earlier. Without doubt this is the case.
Having reached a political consensus and forming a United Opposition in
itself is insufficient. Messages must be prepared and be circulated to all
voters. These messages should conform with voter expectations, be appealing,
and motivational enough to make voters give their votes. Time is in short
supply.
An important aspect of any elections has to do with the availability of
funds. Elections are expensive enterprises. This is common knowledge. With
the available time, will enough funds be made available for the campaign? A
lot remains to be done, too little time and resources to do it.

To be or not to be, that is the question?

My thoughts,
Harona.
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