Comrades:

Yesterday's exchange of words and explicits used by Mr. Joe Sambou have
indicated that we may fail because there are some who just will not accept
mistakes they have committed.  We may fail because we are unable to
read between the lines relative to issues that face us.

Over the years, some are unwilling to work with others for some unknown
reasons.  The presidential fund drive failed because it was poorly planned.

I had mentioned the fact that decentralization of fund collection would be the best.
Why?  Because people know their communities and that they can easily ask those
that they know to contribute.  After talking to numerous Gambians, I was
informed that they were unwilling to send their contributions because they were
excluded from decision-making.

In any organization, those that freely join should be given the opportunity
to provide input.  You just cannot ask people to contribute to a fund when
they are excluded from decision-making.

I was also informed that since the opposition met in Atlanta in July 2003, they
had not met in the Gambia to discuss forming a coalition.  This is disturbing.
Why?  Well, for some unknown reasons, people just talk the talk but they are
unwilling to forego their personal feelings.

We will fail because we shy away from talking about tribalism.  Tribalism
is a cancer that must be cured.  We can condemn yahya, but when the
word jola is used we get offended.  If a president favors only his tribe, what is
wrong if we condemn that?  This does not mean that all jolas are bad.  Mr. Shyngle
Nyassi is a perfect example.

I affirm that if we continue this trend, we will fail.  I want to apologize to those
that I offended.  I would rather be disliked by some rather than shy away from
talking about discrimination.

I also want to state that Joe cannot have it both ways.  He cannot
condemn yaha, but then defends him as a jola.  What is wrong if we
condemn the favors given to some jolas?  Does this mean that all jolas
are favored?  I don't thing so.

We should rise up.  We should have the guts to say the truth.  We should not
be afraid to condemn anyone in our midst who thinks that his or her
opinion is supreme.  We must indicate with certainty that our journey for
a democratic Gambia cannot prevail if we shy away from the truth.

My decision to seek the presidency Will be A CONTRACT WITH THE
GAMBIA.  This contract will be a duration of two years and it will not be
renewable.  The purpose of this, is to establish an interim government.
During the two years, we will frame our nation's constitution.  No Gambian will
be excluded.  Those that will serve with me will also sign a contract.  By doing
this, we will ensure that elections are free and fair.  All candidates will equal
time slots of advertising.

I will withdraw from the race if my candidacy will dilute a vote for the other
presidential candidate.  This is to state categorically that I will not run if
there is another opposition candidate, who may have a chance of defeating
jammeh.

Naphiyo,
Comrade ML Jassey-Conteh

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