To: Founders of The Gambia Democracy Dialogue/Stockholm: (Koro Sallah, Ebrima Mboob & Co.)
Thank you for sharing with us the formation of this new Gambian organization in Stockholm. We commend you for this initiative and the position you have taken regarding our homeland. I join you in emphasizing and insisting on " free and fair elections" come October 18. Anything less is unacceptable. Congratulations!
Abdoulaye
"Katim S. Touray" wrote:
> Hi folks,
>
> The following was sent to me directly, but given that it wasn't sent to Gambia-L, I thought I should. I don't know the person who sent it, but I guess you can contact him or her at [log in to unmask]
>
> Have a great week, and best wishes.
>
> Katim
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: GAMBIA DEMO
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Sent: Saturday, October 06, 2001 3:36 PM
> Subject: LETTER TO ALL CONCERNED GAMBIANS
>
>
>
> To all concerned Gambians
>
> Stockholm-Sweden 6 october 2001
>
> The Gambia must survive the october18 elections
>
> The Gambia Democracy Dialogue came into existence only recently, established here in Stockholm, Sweden to foremost endeavour to bring together Gambians of all political orientation in-order to ensure the pursuance of a permanent democratic dialogue for the benefit of our nation, The Gambia.
>
> We the founders of this non profit voluntary organisation strictly adhere to the principles of democratic political pluralism, thereby as a collective adhering to no particular political party. Individual members are free to have there party affiliations, and still belong to The Gambia Democracy Dialogue. Indeed that is the underpinning factor behind the establishment of the organisation to embrace any Gambian who is prepared to adhere to the organisation` s basic democratic principles, rules and regulations.
> In a nutshell we belief, in spite of our presence here in Stockholm, Sweden, that we can still come with our contribution towards the strengthening of democratic development of our much cherished nation. In this regard, we respectfully avail ourselves the opportunity to appeal to contesting political leaderships in the coming presidential elections to totally adhere to the maintenance of peace and stability throughout the election campaign period, and to election day and after.
>
> To all stakeholders and The Gambian electorate, it is incumbent to recognise the importance of fair play. Indeed the country is about to enter a very critical test in its political life. This is a period that is being watched by the world over. It therefore behoves us all to ensure free, fair and just elections, and in complete accordance with electoral laws. Let it be plain to all and sundry that the survival of the Gambia as a cohesive nation state depends entirely on the determination of all Gambians to see to it there is a level playing field in a conducive and enabling environment.
>
> This historical event must be honoured, and one of the best ways to ensure that, is to see to it the voters are not deprived of accessibility to polling stations. Secondly voters should under no circumstance be subjected to intimidation, harassment and humiliation of any kind by officialdom or by any other for that matter, especially on election day.
> The voter is the king/queen, with a right to choose freely and by secret ballot the future leader of the country and as stipulated in the constitution, the supreme law of the land. To vote is paramount in a democracy. After all voting is a true lifeline/lifeblood of a functioning democracy. Without this, democracy will wither. It should be in the interest of the contesting political parties to prioritise the maintenance of peace, tolerance and respect for the dignity of the voter.
>
> We the founders of The Gambia Democracy Dialogue are unflinching adherers of democracy, and are unconditionally determined to pursue the goals of The United Nations Declaration on Human Rights and the OAU Charter on Human and Peoples Rights. With this standpoint, we feel it is our duty to remind concerned citizens, and especially the political leaders to under no circumstance violate the underlying principles that provide safeguards for the peaceful conduct of elections. No one should highjack the electoral process.
> The IEC (The Independent Electoral Commission), all political parties, the electorate, the media and not the least the security forces must not allow the election to be derailed by any group of people at the detriment of the majority of Gambians. The Gambia Democracy Dialogue therefore urges all citizens to be on their guard to protect and preserve the tenets of democratic elections as already provided by the enacted electoral laws.
>
> No political leadership should circumvent the rule of the game. Political parties have a duty to enlighten their members , supporters and sympathisers to understand the rules of the game. After all politics in a democracy is about marketing of ideas, views and plans so as to attract maximum understanding, support and following for your party.
> Once again we want to register our appeal to all political parties to keep the peace for the good of all. The Gambia must be saved, and the citizens of The Gambia demands no less than a descent election.
>
> THANK YOU
>
> E-mail address:[log in to unmask]
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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