The matters raised by Mr. Juwara in his criticism of Ousainou Darboe are quite telling. Those readers familiar with my opinion on democracy within intra-party politics in Gambia would recognise that Juwara's criticism is symptomatic of what obtains throughout party political life in our country. 
Former President Jawara's position, while understandable and correct, cannot be taken seriously because he himself behaved in a manner worse than Ousainou Darboe is currently being accused of. In spite of their academic training and political experience, they have never learnt what democratic centralism and/or collective representation is all about. Once in positions of power, they become authorities onto themselves, answerable to none. This is one reason why they cannot in fact imagine, for the sake of the party, having to gracefully relinquish power to a better candidate, even if they should have failed in their primary mission.

What seems to be happening in the UDP is perhaps healthy in the long term, but the immediate consequences could be very damaging. And I do not think that Waa Juwara is handling the situation correctly. True, instead of carrying the entire party with him in his post-electoral pronouncements and actions, Ousainou Darboe seemed more concerned with lubricating his personal relationship with President Jammeh. Waa seems also to indicate that Darboe single-handedly decided on the boycott of the National Assembly elections, a move as incredible as disarming the party of any influence it might have had in the political evolution of the country for the current five-year term. Yet Waa Juwara, despite all his dynamism seems also to be engaging the media on Darboe's shortcomings without prior consultations with the party executive? Individually washing and hanging UDP dirty linen in public prior to a forthcoming congress is unhealthy both for consolidating the party's mass base and for enhancing the democratic process inside the party.

Momodou S Sidibeh, Stockholm/Kaatong.
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