Former Minister Defiant On Right to Contest



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The Independent (Banjul)

August 24, 2001
Posted to the web August 24, 2001

Alhagie Mbye
Banjul, the Gambia

Omar Jallow alias (OJ), chairman of the consultative committee of the
People's Progressive Party (PPP) and former agriculture minister has said
that nobody can stop him from contesting as a candidate in the parliamentary
elections. He argued that it is only Gambians who have the mandate to
determine their destiny and not a group of people who are only interested to
entrench themselves in power.

Answering questions from The Independent regarding his eligibility to
contest the forthcoming elections, OJ, maintained that "nobody can stop me
from standing. If the people who appear before the commission and are
supposed to pay D26 million have all their assets returned to them, and
those required to pay D900, 000 nominated as National Assembly members,
while others are elected as National Assembly members no one can stop me
from contesting."




OJ stressed that everyone was aware that the whole commission was a "sham"
and without respect. He added that "their so called white paper report is
just a toilet paper and has been fabricated, in the Kangaroo commission of
inquiry to justify an illegal military take over." He claimed that everyone
was also aware that those who ordered such commissions of inquiry were only
out to enrich themselves and stay in power.

He also said that the PPP never said that former President Jawara was to
contest for the presidency but he should be allowed to return home as an
elderly statesman and lead a happy live. OJ acknowledged that Sir Dawda is
now over 70 years and therefore not qualified to contest for the presidency.
"He is a father of the nation and should not be treated unfairly. They
seized all his assets and properties so what we are saying is that he should
come back home for the interest of everyone and have all his asset returned
to him."

OJ intimated that what former President Jawara acquired during his 30 years
in power, the incumbent President Jammeh, has exceeded him in just seven
years and therefore there is no moral or legal justification for the regime
to accuse anyone. He added that trying to compare the two is like comparing
"God and Satan" and further indicated that the level of corruption under the
APRC has never taken place in the history of The Gambia.

OJ confirmed that they also met with the IEC and discussed issues regarding
the counting of the ballots. "Counting on the spot is not for negotiations
and if they are actually independent and want people to see them in that
light, the important decision of the majority of the parties be respected"
he suggested.

OJ stressed that the situation of the APRC is a "movement of fear" as he see
no reason why they are still insisting on the former president's return. He
further noted that it is one of the principle of his party not to insult on
their platform considering the culture and tradition of the country. He said
leaders should be more responsible and that insulting an elderly person on a
political platform is uncalled for.

OJ further challenged the IEC to respect the voice of the majority of the
political parties and contact private security firms or retired security
officers to help them conduct the necessary security needed as claimed by
the ruling APRC. "If retired security officers can be sent to Kosovo or East
Timor I see no reason why they cannot serve their own country," he added. OJ
maintained further that the peace and security of the Gambia is now in the
hands of the IEC. He also outlined his optimism that in a free and fair
elections, the APRC will be voted out of office and that this has been
indicated during the launching of the coalition in Brikama. "These people
have suffered a lot and Gambians are determined to choose for the better" he
added.



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