Questions for Jammeh The Independent (Banjul) EDITORIAL August 13, 2001 Posted to the web August 14, 2001 Banjul, the Gambia Our democracy is under the most acidic test as we prepare ourselves for October's election show-down. People across the acrimonious political divide are mud-slinging each other hoping to win the people's favour. The ruling party accuses the opposition of exaggerating wrongs committed by the APRC. The opposition on the other hand say the ruling party is intolerant and forment a climate of hate against its adversaries. All these though do not take anybody anywhere not least Gambians who over the last couple of years have rekindled interest in political matters perhaps more that ever before in our political history. However, one of the more salient political misgivings entertained in many quarters have been linked to President Jammeh's dogged refusal to bestow his blessings on the idea of on-the spot counting of ballots once the polls close. His curt stance on the issues could very well explain the level of intolerance for the opposition's view on matters that definitely affect all Gambians. Jammeh's lame assertion that on-the- spot counting is not anywhere mandated by our constitution left us all cold and shivering over the dreariness of our democratic future. It is weird that although the constitution is loudly silent over the process of vote-counting during election, the Sami chieftaincy election and the bye-elections results came after a successful on-the-spot counting of votes was conducted and concluded without incident. Gambians who have been divided politically all agreed that the elections were free, fair and transparent. Our democracy received thumbs up gesture of appreciation internationally. Another points, which President Jammeh clutched at was that on-the-spot counting was practised nowhere except Uganda and The Gambia would not second this so-called exception. While this assertion is incorrect we are left to wonder whether the President of the Republic has been very conversant with events around the world. He knows how his "next door brother" Abdoulaye Wade came to power. All political pundits agree that one of the more important things ever to happen in Senegal's elections was the counting of the votes there and then after the last votes were cast. The same worked well for Ghana, Guinea- Bissau and Uganda due to its transparent, quick and security-insulated ways of determining who wins where without the likelihood for the usual post-election anthem of riggings and irregularly claimed by the opposition. We would not want the opposition to cry foul over the popular vote. So in the best interest of reconciliation President Jammeh should consider the views of the opposition who are important stakeholders in the election process. It should not cost anything to entertain the opposition, who in all fairness argued convincingly for on-the -spot counting, which would make them more trustful of the election process. Although the security question in polling stations could be a logistical equation it is not sufficient to stamp a "presidential no" to the idea, which has proven to be the best bet for everyone in the political game not least incumbents. It worked in other countries so why can't it work here? _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask] if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------