Reading all the comments on the List since the announcement of the breaking
news of the opposition not able to come together, I can't help it but waking
up to the realities on the ground.
A lot of exchanges transpired here in favor of a forged opposition alliance
for so long now, and here the day comes empty. It is clear that some of us
have been sitting on the fence and our reasons were ignored or blasted as lip
services. And now the fact that only two of the parties joined the UDP, this
is seen as a victory. What is going on in some people's mind is certainly a
great naivety. May be in denial too. It is clear that there are so many
things that needed to be done to move our country beyond such politics.
I cannot imagine having people like Lamin Jabang, Landing Jallow Sonko and
Jawara trying to come back by joining a party like the UDP. I fear what the
repercussions of such might be. How could the people of Gambia not move
forward, but back forty years?
I hope the Gambian voters come to realize that we need to move forward and
not one step forward and two steps backwards. It is great to have the ban
lifted, but certain people like those PPP stalwarts need to be ashamed of
themselves trying to come back in the arena. I guess this just proves to all
why the UDP was accused of sleeping with the PPP.
This is why I am not surprised that the PPP and the UDP connived to nominate
Darboe. Where has democracy been? These people who were present at that
meeting, were not representing their party grassroots; for they have not met
them for almost a decade. Therefore, why could they not have a congress and
have the people vote. Oh yes, I can hear some crying that there is no time,
but why would a limited time be the excuse for forcing on the opposition
members?
What qualifies Jabang, OJ, Sonko and all those former members of parliament
to represent the PPP voter from Basse? I guess that is democracy.
No wonder Sheriff Dibba bowed out. Anyone who knows the formation of the UDP
under the PPP umbrella to bring Jawara back will not be able to join the
alliance hence his 30+ rule was the worst some of us witnessed. Dibba is not
only a very good politician but his seat in parliament is guaranteed. I have
no doubt that he has some malaise in him too, and may be will not be the best
leader. I am not sure he went into that meeting to join any alliance. I think
he did to show face, and he already has his plans laid.
The APRC is going to win this presidential elections big. Mr. Dibba is a very
good friend of my family, and I have been honored to meet him before, but the
NCP is not capable of winning. The Gambian people have been thought by the
PPP that it is a Mandingo party. They have a lot of work to do to convince
the voters differently.
The PDP lead by my own brother-in-law, and formed in my own household cannot
even win a single constituency. This party was formed because there was a
fall out between the ranks of the NCP, and I still remember their first
meetings in Brikama in my own compound. They might end up joining the
alliance for they will do anything to show to the people they are alive too.
NRP lead by Hamat Bah who I have a lot of respect for after meeting him
several times and talking to him is not a presidential winning party either.
PDOIS's record speaks for herself. And I guess they know that more than any
one might.
And the PPP/UDP alliance will even lose more than they gained last elections.
They have now shown their true colors to the Gambian voters and probably not
the Gambia-L, but they are doomed for failure.
I am here by predicting a big win for the APRC and an inauguration for Jammeh
as the president. I am making an early call to all Gambians to respect the
results of a fair ballot. I hope the nation will be able to go through this
despite some calls for people in the streets, to know that we have a lot more
at stake than this. Our nation need all her people and who ever the mandate
is given to by the Gambian voters need to be respected.
Thank God that I never voted or have a voters card. If I were not abstaining
this elections, the choice is very clear.

Ousman Jallow Bojang.

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