Musa I am equally disappointed with the outcome of the elections, but mind
you, he won in some areas with the help of the Senegalaise, meaning the
Jolas, and I can confirm it. I know of 5 maids 4 from casamance and one
from Guinea Bissau that voted. I made it my business to interview these
maids, they said that a group of APRC miltants though, they refuse to give
names, gave them ID cards and told them to go and register. I think Mr
Roberts needs to be confronted, and why were people allowed to register and
vote on that day. It is unbelievable.
>From: Musa Jeng <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
><[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Never give up
>Date: Sun, 21 Oct 2001 20:45:25 -0400
>
>For these past several days I have been sicken to my stomach, and very
>much disappointed with the outcome of the Presidential election.
>Clearly, the Gambian people have made their decision, and inasmuch I am
>still convinced that they were woefully wrong, their decision is
>paramount. The Gambian people have spoken and President Elect Jammeh is
>given mandate to govern for another five years.
>
> Well-deserved congratulations to the opposition for not being sore
>losers, by accepting defeat and respecting the will of the people, which
>clearly amplify their commitment to a peaceful and democratic Gambia. To
>the GL, a medium that has played a vital role by making most of us in
>the Diaspora to be part of the electoral process and has tirelessly
>fought for what is seen as the reluctant embracing of the democratic
>values in the Gambia, you deserve a high five and a job well done.
>Surely, most of us on the GL are disappointed, but we cannot rush to
>judgment in analyzing the results and stand pointing fingers. Because
>from these results lie the answers to future victories. Yes, we are
>angry, disappointed and utter confused with the Gambian voters, but now
>as ever, maturity, principles, wisdom and powerful ideas should be the
>bedrock to our search for a better Gambia. Our fight was never a hatred
>for Jammeh, I hope, but our collective commitment and belief that as
>sons and daughters of our Gambia, we have to do whatever it takes to
>bring about a develop, democratic and promising Gambia. From the little
>democratic values injected into this year’s presidential election,
>the
>GL has contributed to the shaping of our dear country’s political
>direction. That is a hell of an accomplishment that cannot be
>overlooked, especially to the people who are thinking of moving on. Well
>if we all move on, who will still fight for the poor farmer in Sandu, or
>the Zero-income earner mother with six children in Palen; we just cannot
>give up.
>
>To the opposition I will say, and no intention of consolation rhetoric,
>remember 47% of the electorate rejected President Jammeh and the APRC.
>Before the elections we had the enormous tasks of coming up with at
>least 51% of the votes to deny an APRC government. Forty seven percent
>of the voters agreed with us this time around. If we hold our ground,
>and be proven right in the next several years to come that the Jammeh
>agenda cannot and will not address the real plight of our people for the
>next five years, we will only be saddled with the task of convincing
>four percent of the people that voted for Jammeh to switch their vote in
>2006. The Presidential elections are over, and we need to immediately
>comb through the results and begin the next phase of the legislative
>elections in February. Now than ever, a tactical alliance is needed
>within the opposition party to bring about dynamic, well-informed
>national assembly members. Having a voice in the National Assembly of
>people that will not cow tow to the Executive branch, and will put of a
>serious fight to deter any form of tinkering with the Constitution
>should be our preoccupation. The strategy of each party for itself will
>only bring about a national assembly full of Greens, and I mean GREEN
>PEOPLE, and it will not be funny. Furthermore, the National Assembly
>elections should not be against Jammeh, but rather for a campaign to
>elect serious and competent people that can effectively address the real
>issues confronting our country.
>
>To President Elect-Jammeh, congratulation and may God give you the
>wisdom to steer the ship to save harbor.
>
>Thanks
>
>Musa Jeng
>
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