Malamin,

Let's hope that the election will be on fair play ground.With lot of scenarios all over the world,I think our security officers will be behave well.The experience of Cote D'voire is living examples of African countries. Personally I trust all those  charged with the responsibility will work hard to avoid face-bending.

What is important to note is that Security officers are not our enemies;they are our brothers and sisters who need our support and encouragement.I have never been one but think the job is a tidious one.We need to sensitize them and to antagonize them.Once there is a friendly atmosphere with them we can always work towards formidable achievements in the interest of the nation.

The issue of Nov.10&11 was shocking and surprising to all. Nobody ever thought that it will be bloody as that.It was panicking!I beleive some of security acted disperately out of panic.They must be regretting now.Some people feared  how it would have been if the situation of that nature continued upto night. Didn't envisage more chaos and possible more voilence?It was a sad issue horrifying and delicate one.Lessons are learnt by all those who were involved.We hope it won't be repeated anymore.Voilence has never solve a problem.

Despite such a tradegy,it should not be use as the base for calling the external observers to have a free and fair election. Gambians,if convinced that they need a change, can do it.Why not? How was Apartheid driven out? How did Senegal change their leadership,or the small Island of Cape Verde? It is question of people doing what they should fearlessly and faithfully.I am convince that APRC still enjoys popular support of the people and that all.If Gambians are still fearing facing the truth in electing the political leadership then they are finished.Intimidation at this era is not an excuse. I may tend to believe that voters are greedy and sometimes fall prey of politians who use money. Also the real truth of the matter is that some oppostion sometimes have no serious agenda to present.If they do the applicability of their programmes are doubtful.No meaningful guys will go to political rallies to listen to insults or issues that they now are not appropriate.

However,  I think Roberts and his guys will do job as expected.Days are gone when people should beleive that APRC will witch hunt anybody with different political ideology or for performing his/her duties deligently.If they do it will not help them sooner or later.If you are counting on Senegal,OAU and ECOWAS to make a difference, you are rather wasting time and money.Realitically what have OAU or ECOWAS done in Africa and the sub-region respectively?Apart from big conferences and blank statements.

Let's challenge our own people by giving them such heavy assigments. If they fail the take them through the rule of law. That is my view.APRC leadership cannot oppressed all the Gambians if they don't want.It is the people who have the power as long as they know what to do and how to do it.Sometimes it is a mere excuse that people make that political leadership cannot be changed by a ballot box in Africa.

Paul

From: Malamin Johnson <[log in to unmask]>