Momodou Bah et al,
 Please note this is simply an online poll. People who participated know
their opinions matter and am sure with clear conscience chose which
cadidate they wish to support. Now, while it may be true that not all
average gambian voter knows a little about the internet, it is worth noting
that supposedly people had access to information and are enlightened about
the real political climate in the Gambia in which the current ruling
party's reputation is associated with corruption, killings and God knows
what, then I can assure you that in a free and fair election the opposition
will by all means lash out the callous APRC by far.

But as you lamented, " matters of elections in The Gambia are a bit more
complicated than an internet survey can show". And the reasons are best
known to you Mr Bah. Maybe words like INTIMIDATION and INDUCEMENT will
echo your sentiment. Options most voters are subjugated to in the areas
dominated by you know who.

You wrote and I quote, "Perhaps it is only a representation of the
feelings of the users of the L. And for that, it is in no way surprising."

Well I got news for you Mo. If everyone in the Gambia are as enlightened as
members of the L as well as visitors of our website in regards to what this
current despicable regime represents and the damage they've already done
to our nation, then according to our poll, only 7% of the people would
have voted for APRC. Only a loser would suggest a recount after winning 7%
of the entire votes. By having this poll, we're making our point clear.
And that is an enlightened Gambian would NOT vote for a dictator period.
Let me leave you with this wonderful quotation from Mr Halifa Sallah :

  "Election is simply a mechanism for the peaceful transfer of
   the authority of representation. The most ideal state for
   elections is where people are totally free from inducement or
   intimidation and have total access to information from all
   those who seek representation in order to be able to make
   informed choices.

   History, however, has shown that those who are hungry for
   power hardly create conditions that are ideal for elections
   to take place. Inducement and intimidation are tools to cling
   on to power. Notwithstanding, history has made it categorically
   clear that no amount of inducement or intimidation can bar a
   people from bringing change when they are determined to do so.

   Power, therefore, lies with the people. Inducement only works
   when people do not treasure their liberty. Intimidation only
   works when people are ignorant of their worth. When people know
   who they truly are and what they are worth, they will not cower
   before any human being on the face of the earth. "

So Mr Momodou Bah , I just hope you've been enlightened. I have not yet
been convinced by a single supporter of this callous APRC. Do you want to
give me your reasons too? Why don't we have supporters of this regime
give us their reasons for being so loyal to such an unscrupulous and
authoritarian government. The ones(excuses i.e)I heard so far makes me
puke, but am still willing to listen and give them the benefit of the
doubt. Let's have clean debate , anyone?

                                                       Mr Makaveli (o-:)


From: MOMODOU BAH <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Real-Time Results From Our Online Presidential Election Poll
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Jan 20, 2001


SORRY GUYS,

I just do not think that this in any way gives a
picture of what the outcome of elections in the Gambia
are going to be like.  Perhaps it is only a
representation of the feelings of the users of the L.
And for that, it is in no way surprising.

I think matters of elections in The Gambia are a bit
more complicated than an internet survey can show. We
all know that the average Gambian voter knows little
about the internet, how then can a representative
sample of voters be taken from this survey?

But it is good to know that someone has a sense of
humour. I agree with the recount (not the suggested
result of the recount though).

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