PRESS RELEASE 
            NADD IS STILL ON COURSE                                       29 January 2006                              The number of telephone calls, letters and petitions received by members of the Executive Committee from concerned persons at home and abroad attest to the fact that NADD is a truly democratic political entity.  Democracy entails the exercise of power by the people to determine their manner of government.  Democracy requires that a leadership derives its authority from popular consent and exercises such authority to satisfy the needs and aspirations of the people.
   
  The Executive Committee of NADD wishes to convey acknowledgment of the unreserved trust and confidence that supporters of the opposition in particular and many Gambians and non Gambians in general have in NADD.  It takes note of the general view that NADD currently provides the only alternative for political change in 2006. The call on the leadership to conserve and enhance the integrity and trust that NADD has already earned has been noted.
   
  The demand for the leadership to put the collective interest of the Gambian people before personal or partisan interest in the selection of a flag bearer is given serious consideration.  In order to be accountable to the people the Executive Committee has resolved to explain the development which had taken place, so far, regarding the selection of a flag bearer.  This is designed to dispel the rumours and any climate of uncertainty which may surround supporters of NADD.
   
  The first point to note is that NADD is founded on the principle of government based on the rule of laws and procedures.  This is why all members of the Executive Committee are signatories to the Memorandum of Understanding.  The Executive Committee wishes to transmit that the M.O.U has clearly stated how a flag bearer is to be selected.  It states among other thing that: 
   
  “The selection of the candidate of the Alliance for the Presidential, National Assembly and Council elections shall be done by consensus, provided that in the event of an impasse selection shall be done by holding a primary election restricted to party delegates on the basis of equal number of delegates…..”
   
  The Executive Committee is mindful of this provision and has been exploring the principle of consensus in selecting a flag bearer.
   
  The first method utilized to try to arrive at a consensus was to request for nomination.  Some people were nominated by members of their original parties, others by members not belonging to their original parties. Some nominations were not seconded.  This was followed by withdrawal of nominations.  In short, this method gave rise to an impasse which could have left the Executive with no option but to hold primaries.
   
  Subsequently, the Executive decided to explore a second method of arriving at a consensus.  To eliminate partisan considerations the executive committee opened up a list of candidates for selection.  It established a vetting committee which provides for equal representation for all political persuations in the Executive Committee.  The committee was mandated to draw up criteria for the selection of a NADD candidate and then grade the candidates whose names have been entered in the list, on the basis of the set criteria.
   
  The vetting committee has already drawn up nine criteria for the selection of a flag bearer which had taken note of all the recommendations made by Gambians at home and abroad.  These criteria have been reviewed by the executive committee and have received unanimous approval.
   
  This method will therefore give rise to a consensus once each candidate whose name appears on the list, gives an undertaking proposed by the vetting committee.  This is how matters stand.  Any achievement made in utilizing the current method to arrive at a consensus or otherwise shall be conveyed to the public.
   
  In the interim the Executive Committee wishes to express its appreciation for the sustained interest the people have displayed in moving it closer to achieving its final and most difficult task, in its preparation for the 2006 Presidential election. All the consultative fora established by the supporters of NADD and all the attempts made at mediation are commendable. 
   
  This has confirmed that NADD is not a property of any person but a common property of all those who aspire for a Gambia owned by the people and whose wishes shall be respected by any government they put in office.  This is the way forward.
   
  Forward with Democracy in action!!
   
  Long Live NADD!!!
  Long Live the People!!
   
  Issued by Executive Committee of NADD
   
  Accountability for the press release
  Coordinator Halifa Sallah
  NADD Headquarter 
  30 Papa Sarr Street
  Serrekunda



			
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