NO FLAG BEARER YET ON SATURDAY’S OPPOSITION TALKS!

NRP OPTS OUT FROM UDP PROPOSED ALLIANCE!!!!

Gambian opposition supporters both home, and abroad yearning for an opposition alliance in the November elections, must be very disappointed with the outcome of Saturday’s final meeting, as party leaders could not agree on one candidate to contest against incumbent President Yahya Jammeh, the Freedom Newspaper can authoritatively report. National Reconciliation Party Leader Hamat Bah, and his delegation remain adamant on their stance to lead the proposed merger, while the main opposition UDP under the leadership of Ousainanou Darboe, is still pressing for a UDP led alliance.  A stalemate erupted—leading to the NRP making its position categorically clear that it would not throw its support behind the UDP.  

The party wants to be availed with the opportunity to lead this time around, but the UDP on the other hand is not keen at allowing minority parties to lead the alliance.  It kept on trying to persuade Hamat Bah, and his party, including other opposition parties  to reconsider their decision, and give chance to the UDP to lead the proposed merger. But Hamat Bah said his party is still determined to contest the coming polls as a flag bearer—signaling no changes on his position not to join a UDP lead alliance.

The NRP said its decision was largely motivated by its local, and international supporters, who are pressing for an NRP led alliance. The party said it would not go against the wishes of its supporters—who are mandated to define the destiny of the party. “It’s not about Hamat Bah, but the party supporters right to shape the affairs of the party. The UDP should respect the views of NRP supporters.  They want Hamat to contest as a President,” said our source.

The PDOIS representative at the meeting Halifa Sallah, is also pressing for primaries to select the prospective candidate for President for Gambia’s divided opposition.  The PDOIS’S position remains unchanged, said our source. 

Opposition leader Hendry Gomez did not attend Saturday’s meeting. Mr. Gomez was represented by a representative of his party.  His party is of the view that a new candidate outside the UDP party should led the proposed alliance. 

Mai Fatty, of the opposition Gambia Moral Party was represented by his brother at the meeting, a source said.  Mr. Fatty, is currently residing  in Norway. 

The PPP’S Omar Amadou Jallow, (OJ) was also absent during the meeting. He is said to be in the United States on a visit.  Mr. Jallow, was represented by a PPP official on Saturday’s meeting.

The meeting ended without a flag bearer.  The UDP had appealed to Hamat Bah to talk to his supporters so that the much anticipated merger would be realized.  Bah, in response maintains that his party’s position remains unchanged. He wants to lead the proposed merger. 

The elections are scheduled for November 24^th, and yet the opposition is  playing games. It appears that both Hamat Bah, and Ousainanou Darboe are going to run for the Presidency.  

When contacted for comments, Hamat Bah said he doesn’t want to comment on the outcome of the Saturday’s meeting, but was hasten to add that the NRP’s position remains unchanged.  Mr. Bah said his party supporters wanted him to lead, and nothing can change their position. He rules out NRP joining a UDP led alliance.