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Yahya Jammeh begins re-election campaign defying IEC starting date

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By Alhagie Jobe

 

Gambia’s incumbent President Yahya Jammeh and presidential candidate of the APRC party on Monday kicked-off his nationwide campaign for re-election, two days ahead of official starting date as declared by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

 

Campaigning for the upcoming presidential election as officially declared by the electoral body should start on Wednesday, November 16th, 2016 and according to the electoral laws, no party or candidate has the right to go in for campaign ahead of the official starting date.

 

Many political analysts say this clearly shows that Mr Jammeh has no regards for the electoral laws and the electoral body by starting his campaign ahead of official starting date.

 

Mr Jammeh who is seeking for a fifth term in office has rule the small West African nation for the past 22 years with fear. He is been challenged by a very popular and strong opposition coalition comprising of seven political parties and an Independent Candidate and another lone party, the Gambia Democratic Congress Party of Mama Kandeh.

 

Last Thursday, Jammeh submitted his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) like Mama Kandeh of GDC and Adama Barrow of the coalition who also submitted their nomination papers earlier in the same week.

 

Meanwhile, the IEC has announced the approval of the nominations of the three aspiring candidates in the upcoming election.

 

During the campaign period, the three aspiring presidential candidates will criss-cross the entire nation to sell out their development plans to the people for either change or maintaining the same regime.

 

Mr Jammeh is widely believed to lose this year’s elections as the opposition coalition is looking stronger than the ruling party.

 

Gambia under the presidency of Mr Jammeh has the worst human rights violation records in the continent. The government has infringed on privacy rights, restricted freedom of speech and shown little or no respect for the fundamental human rights of Gambian citizens. Arbitrary arrests and detentions have increased; security forces continue to harass and mistreat detainees, prisoners, opposition members, journalists, and civilians with impunity.

The Gambia’s Constitution Disqualifies Mama Kandeh

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First of all, I believe that the Gambia’s constitution disqualifies Mr Mama Kandeh to be president . This is based on the simple reason that Mr Kandeh failed to fulfill the requirements of a being high school or senior secondary school graduate. According to 1997 constitution part 1:

 

(1c) A person shall be qualified for election as president if: he or she has completed a senior secondary school education; and

 

(1d) He or she is qualified to be elected as a member of the National Assembly.

 

Part (3) went further to state disqualifying factors: A person, while holding public office in The Gambia has been;

 

(3a). Compulsorily retired , terminated or dismissed from such office or

 

(3b). Has been found guilty of any criminal offense by any court or tribunal established by law; or

 

(3c). Has been found liable for misconduct, negligence, corruption or improper behavior by any commission or committee of inquiry established by law shall not be qualified for election as president.

 

As far as education requirement is concerned, Mama Kandeh has never attended high school or senior secondary in The Gambia, therefore he is not qualified to run for office of presidency. When Mama Kandeh was in the National Assembly, he was dismissed and expelled by president Jammeh from the APRC which resulted to his lost of public office. The question which is very essential to ask ” why Mama Kandeh was dismissed and expelled from his former party , APRC?”. Was it because of improper behavior, corruption or misconduct as it has been rumored in many places? These are the most important questions which must be answered by president Jammeh and APRC . If Mama Kandeh was dismissed from public office because of corruption, improper behavior or misconduct from the investigative result of established APRC committee then it is violation of our constitution to let Mr Kandeh contest for election for the office of presidency.
I believe that Mama Kandeh is not qualified to contest presidential election if our constitutional provisions are strictly and truly adhered to for the common interest of Gambian people.

 

The office of presidency is the highest political office in The Gambia. The office of presidency should be occupied by someone with exceptional moral leadership values, skills and responsibility. He or She must be someone with highest Moral standing with strong sense of conviction to pursue the common interest of Gambian people. Mama Kandeh has failed to show moral leadership when he was in the National Assembly. He has given blind eye to atrocities committed by Jammeh’s regime.Mr Kandeh has supported and advocated for all the repressive laws which oppresses and violates the constitutional rights of Gambian people. Therefore , he is not different from Dictator Jammeh as far as his political belief and leadership values are concerned.

 

In open and democratic society, Mama Kandeh is not even qualified to be elected in local city council because he lacks basic leadership qualities such as empathy, humility, reliability, visionary and problem solving skills. Mr Kandeh spend ten years in the National Assembly without advocating and supporting any laws which advance our democracy or economic well being. Why would Gambians even listen to Mama Kandeh as he never truly care about their economic development and constitutional rights. Mama Kandeh is simply a political opportunist and an agent of dictatorship. He and Dictator Jammeh continue to be in bed for the exploitation of Gambian resources so that the oppression of ordinary citizens can continue. Both Jammeh and Kandeh do not care about rampant corruption and lawlessness in The Gambia.

 

Mama Kandeh has questionable qualifications and leadership skills which truly disqualified him as a leader of a political party much more to be president of The Gambia. In essence,Mama Kandeh is the most disqualified presidential candidate in the history of The Gambia.

 

Please publish. Gambians need to know why he was dismissed and expelled from APRC.
Thank you .

Maxs

Mama Kandeh can Upset the Presidential Election

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By Sait Matty Jaw

 

On 1st December Gambians will head to the polls to elect a president. Most if not everyone agrees that this election will either shape or break Gambia. It is no longer doing business as usual. Gambians both at home and abroad have grown bolder and stronger over the course of Jammeh and APRC‘s 22 years rule. If the APRC was successful in any way, it was putting fear into Gambians for so long that Gambians are now resilient to fear. The evidence is in the number of people that have piled the roads since April 2016 to demand the state to arrest them or even use violence against them. It is also the number of people that rally and openly defect to the opposition political parties. Indeed the Gambia is changing and changing fast.

 

So, this election we have three presidential candidates: the incumbent dictator president Jammeh, Adama Barrow for the opposition coalition and Mama Kandeh of the GDC or aka the “new boy”. I have nothing to say about Jammeh. Everything I say will be repetition and I have neither the time nor the patience to indulge in such. I am happy that after 20 years, the traditional political parties are finally involved in politics and not radical activism. Politics is about compromise. It requires vision and foresight. To give away some and receive some at another time. Our parties have never been able to do this whilst knowing that the electoral system is not in their favor. So, we are grateful that they are finally able to put aside their so called differences and have decided to come together for Gambia and her people. The third candidate Mama Kandeh has received wide criticism mostly from diaspora Gambians. He has been seen as a spoiler. In fact, he seems to be the Donald Trump of Gambian politics at this stage. Only that he is way more sensible and better looking. He also has a great posture and proper message that he is able to sell to the real people that matter for his campaign – the voters. We’ve seen the crowd he is pulling and yet we are in denial, we continue to reject him, calling him names and accusing him of been funded by Jammeh. For me all these things are not new in Gambian politics. It has been the epicenter of our politics. I am not sure if it will ever change. However, I think when we engage in such deliberations we always miss the bigger picture.

 

 

Let me be clear. This is not an endorsement of Kandeh or his GDC party. I am all for coalition. I have voted coalition in 2011 and will vote it again and again. However, we must understand what is happening and accept the fact that GDC can upset the elections.

 

Mama Kandeh is real. We must wake up to that fact. He is here to stay and he has his own strategy and his ways of politicking should not be brushed aside. It is real and it is making head ways for him and the thousands of Gambians that rally around him. Kandeh understand the psyche of the ordinary Gambian and that’s the reason he continue to emphasize his peaceful message. He has painted his party as the non-violent peace loving party that only engages in politics. This is the message that every ordinary Gambian wants to hear even if they living in abject poverty. Is it true that his party is the only peaceful one? No. But is it selling? Yes.

 

See, there is a huge disparity between the Gambians at home and those abroad. For most of us outside, we either do not see the real picture or we have decided to ignore it. Most of the time we engage people that we share the same ideas with to feed us information from the ground and we sometimes take this to be the gospel truth. I am in denial at times even though I talk to people in every corner of Gambia to measure up what is happening. That is not sufficient, but has always given a different picture. How do we relate these two pictures in order to get one real picture that tells us what the reality is? I have no idea how to do that.

 

I will just say again that Kandeh’s crowd is real and it will undoubtedly upset both the APRC and the coalition. However, the APRC will suffer more as most of their sympathizers have crossed the carpet to join the GDC. Many accuse the GDC of APRC style politics, but they are totally different.

 

GDC’s approach is personal, home-to-home and grassroots. They seem to be culturally sensitive. For instance taking kola nuts to mosques, meeting elders to pray for them, Kandeh joining prayers with elders…etc. Honestly, GDC knows the terrain and at this point, it is working for them.

 

On the side of the coalition, they can lose votes to the GDC if they spread vulgar messages. Just on nomination day, I was talking to some people and they told me that the coalition militants were using foul messages. I remember during the convention all the opposition leaders emphasize how important language is, if one wants to win the support of others. Many or majority of Gambians will vote for a candidate they consider respectful and sensitive and not one that perceive otherwise. Adama Barrow should be the inspiration for the coalition militants. The minute we go out using unwarranted language, we are distancing him from the electorates and rendering the coalition vulnerable. A lot of work needs to be done on that side. I sometimes argue that the reason why UDP could not win many sympathizers before was the language that comes from some of the militants. I have seen the same trajectory since the 1996 elections. If we are to succeed in this process, language should be nice and welcoming. I know for a fact that we are angry and we want to see change, but the change we are seeking can only come about if we are able to mobilize others to join us. Let us use our heads and not hearts. If we fail to do so, let us be rest assured Kandeh is standing

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UN West Africa Envoy calls for inclusive, credible and peaceful elections in Gambia

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By Alhagie Jobe

The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for West Africa and the Sahel has called for an inclusive, credible and peaceful election in the Gambia as the country heads to the polls on December 1st.

 

Mohamed Ibn Chambas made the call on Thursday at a Press Conference at the UN Library in Banjul as he concludes his two day consultative visit in the context of the ongoing electoral process in the country.

 

During the visit, the UN diplomat held meetings with UN development partners, NGOs representatives and leaders of political parties.

 

Earlier this year, in May, Mr Chambas was in Banjul as a member of the ECOWAS-AU-UN Joint High Level Mission. During that mission, they reiterated the international community’s support to the people of The Gambia for the electoral process and encouraged the political parties and all electoral stakeholders to work together and to address all disagreements through peaceful means and dialogue with a view to ensuring the conduct of inclusive, credible and peaceful election.

 

On his second visit this year, Mr Chambas said he met with the members of the Inter-Party Committee, civil society representatives as well as members of the diplomatic community, including Ambassadors of ECOWAS countries, as well as the Ambassadors of the EU, UK, and US, the charge d’Affairs of Spain and other government partners.

 

He expressed happiness with the outcome of his various interactions, which provided an opportunity to discuss issues as well as possible concrete steps to contribute to creating the conditions for the successful conduct of a participative, credible and peaceful presidential election. He revealed that he has observed a pre-election atmosphere conducive to the functioning of the political parties than during our previous visit and commended the Gambian people for their strong attachment to democracy manifested by the animated campaigns of the various political parties.

 

The top UN diplomat used the opportunity to reiterate the call by the UN and other partners on the government to conduct an independent investigation into the death in custody of Ebrima Solo Krummah and Sandeng and release political prisoners.

 

“I entreat the government to release the thirty protesters involved in the April demonstrations, as well as the fourteen others who are in pre-trial detention following the May demonstration. It is also my expectation that in the post-election period the government would conduct a review of existing legislation pertaining to the exercise of the right to assembly and peaceful demonstration” he urged.

 

To the security forces, Mr Chambas reminded them of their duty to provide security for the electoral process, including the protection of all candidates and voters. He urged the police and other security services to discharge their noble responsibilities in a diligent, impartial, professional and strictly apolitical manner. “Security services must at all times avoid public display of loyalty to any political party” he said.

 

Mr Chambas emphasized that healthy and strong civil society organizations have a very important oversight role to play in each society, and especially so, during the electoral period, in particular through voter education and electoral observation. He called on the Gambian Civil Society Organisations, religious and traditional leaders, women and youth organizations, as well as all stakeholders to stay actively involved and to contribute to safeguarding the principles of an open, transparent and peaceful electoral process.

 

On behalf of the UN, he appealed for the holding of a transparent presidential election, and stressed the importance of a level playing field as a key pre-condition. He reminded the government of its obligations stemming from the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance as well as the AU African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.

 

The former ECOWAS diplomat stressed the primordial role of a strong, independent and professional electoral commission and welcomed the IEC chairman’s commitment to ‘uphold electoral integrity’ and the principles of ‘electoral democracy, ethical conduct, accuracy and transparency’.

 

“Political parties and the Presidential candidates have a responsibility to defend not only the interest of their own party and supporters, but also to safeguard the unity of the whole nation. In this regard, I urge all political parties to make use of the existing mechanism, like the Inter-Party Committee, to engage in meaningful dialogue as a means to resolve dispute peacefully and in the spirit of cooperation. It is regrettable that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, defining best practices and guidelines for a peaceful and fair campaign period scheduled for 8th November was called off. I therefore call for a rescheduling of the signing ceremony without further delay” he urged.

 

While he renewed the commitment of the United Nations to accompany the people of The Gambia throughout the elections of 2016 and beyond, the UN Special Representative also called on all Gambians to commit individually and collectively, to working towards a successful 2016 presidential elections.

IEC chief raises ‘election rigging’ concerns before Jammeh during nomination

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By Alhagie Jobe

 

The Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has in a surprised move before incumbent President Yahya Jammeh, raised the general concerns by Gambians and the international community about election rigging in The Gambia saying many believe that there will not be free and fair elections in December.

 

In an eye-to-eye contact with Yahya Jammeh during the submission of his nomination papers, Alieu Momar Njai also talked about the registration of foreigners which he said even though is baseless but is a rumor circulating which can taint dark and puts the credibility of the polls in question.

 

He implored on the ruling party and opposition to ensure that there is a level playing ground to ensure that the elections are peaceful, free and fair.

 

The IEC chief assured that they [IEC] will make sure that nobody complains about election rigging, adding that they will show to the whole world that IEC is independent and fair. He also rubbished the claim that IEC are registering foreigners.

 

Chairman Njai commended Jammeh for all the facilities, transportation and funding that the country’s electoral body is receiving.

 

In reply, incumbent President Yahya Jammeh who is standing for the APRC Party told the IEC chief to do what is right and fear no one.

 

He told the IEC chairman that the only way to shut the mouths of the people talking and complaining is to let them come over and observe every stage of the elections – starting from day one up to the counting and for them to see how the counting system is conducted.

 

““Invite them (International Community) to come and observe the elections. You cannot listen to everyone and satisfy everyone. Do what is right and fear no one” Jammeh told IEC chief.

 

According to Jammeh, the IEC should know that whatever he [Jammeh] does, even if he dances in the waters, the opponents will say he is raising dust. He urged the electoral body not to waste their time and simply invite those claiming that Gambian elections are not free and fair, to come and observe the process.

 

Regarding the issue of foreigners been registered, Jammeh said if foreigners are being registered with the IEC, why didn’t the people or his opponents go to the IEC Registrar to ask why they registering those foreigners.

 

“If someone has a national passport or Identity card, how can you say that person is not a Gambian? Look, just ignore them and do what is right and fear nobody because everyone’s destiny is with the Almighty Allah” Jammeh told IEC boss.

 

He then made it clear that he will win the coming elections because he is the choice of the people. “They already know who is going to win and no matter what, I am going to win. Again, this is the second election that nobody is financing except the government entirely and 100 percent” he said.

Runaway journalist Alhagie Ceesay sentenced in absentia

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By Alhagie Jobe

 

Runaway Gambian journalist and Managing Director of the private and Independent radio station Teranga FM was Wednesday sentenced in absentia to a mandatory jail term of 4 years with a fine of D200, 000 in default to serve 2 years imprisonment.

 

This came after the court found him guilty of six counts of sedition and a count of publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm to the public. He was also found guilty of acting on the same seditious intention by publishing and distributing a seditious phrase.

 

Alhagie Abdoulie Ceesay was charged with intent to excite disaffection against His Excellency the President, Sheikh Professor Dr. Alhagie Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh and the Government of the Republic of The Gambia when he acted with the same seditious intention by Publishing and Distributing pictures of a gun and five bullets, pointing towards the image of the President of the Republic of The Gambia on or about 17th July, 2015, at Sinchu Alagie Village and other diverse places.

 

Wednesday’s sentencing in absentia came after he escaped whiles receiving medical treatment at Edward Francise Small Teaching Hospital after spending more than 200 days in prison.

 

Justice Simeon Abi who delivered the verdict recalled that the prosecution called four witnesses to lead evidence in the case and that at the end of the prosecution’s case, the defence maintained that the second prosecution witness Fatou Drammeh was not completely cross-examined so her evidence should be expunged.

 

“This was objected to by the Director of Public Prosecution who stated that such circumstance should not warrant expunction of the evidence, as PW2 was partly cross-examined. Ceesay’s defence lawyer made a no-case submission, which was overruled and he (Ceesay) was called to open his defense but he opted to remain silent” she said.

 

According to her, while the case was ongoing for him to open his defence, Ceesay absconded from prison custody while under medication at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital but he was continued to be tried in absentia.

 

She then gave a rundown of the entire proceedings saying she had received evidences and submissions from both parties but the seditious message sent by Ceesay is capable of inciting fear and lawlessness in the country, considering the fact that there was an attack on the State House just six months before. “Therefore, anyone who received such message will be in a state of fear” she said, saying the accused is found guilty of the offences charged.

 

Defense Lawyer C. Gaye who stood in for Journalist Ceesay in her plea of mitigation, urged for mercy saying her client is a first time offender and a young man of only 26 years and at the time of his arrest he was gainfully employed as the managing director of Teranga FM radio. She urged the court not to impose a custodial sentence but a fine.

 

The judge in her sentenced convicted Ceesay on count 1 and 2 to a mandatory jail term of 1 year and a fine of D100, 000, while on count 3, 4, 5 and 6 he was sentenced to 1 year imprisonment and a fine of D100, 000 and in default of paying the fines he shall serve an additional 2 years imprisonment. On count 7 Ceesay was sentenced to 2 years imprisonment. The court also ordered that this sentence shall take effect any date the convict is apprehended and further ordered the police to effect arrest on the convict on sight as he is a fugitive.

 

Meanwhile, this week alone, two journalists from the state broadcaster and the Director General are all detained that the National Intelligent Agency for reasons still unknown.

 

Gambia is a country with absolutely no press freedom. The country’s parliament passed laws that severely hamper press freedom.

Coalition’s Barrow says Jammeh is already defeated, urges IEC to be independent

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By Alhagie Jobe

The standard bearer of the opposition coalition in The Gambia has said that incumbent President Yahya Jammeh is already defeated in the upcoming December 1st presidential elections.

 

Adama Barrow was speaking at the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Wednesday, where he was accompanied by coalition leaders and thousands of supporter to submitted his nomination papers to stand for the forthcoming elections against incumbent Yahya Jammeh who is seeking a fifth term.

 

With the massive number of supporters who accompanied him to the Election House, Mr Barrow’s nomination is seen as a moral boost for a coalition and for Gambia to make changes in this coming poll.

 

Submitting his papers to the IEC, Barrow urged the electoral commission to be neutral in the process to ensure free and fair elections in which the results will be easily accepted by all.

 

“You are expected to be independent; if you are independent, it will make a better Gambia. If you are independent, it will make it easy to accept the results. We will maintain peace and stability and we will respect the rights of each and every Gambian likes” Barrow told IEC Chairman.

 

Speaking to waiting journalists after his submission, Barrow confidently re-emphasized that the incumbent Yahya Jammeh is already defeated. He said he has the backing of well experience politicians in the country.

 

He also commended the rest of the his colleagues for choosing him as the flag bearer and called them his ‘generals’ as they have sacrificed a lot for them to come together and challenge the incumbent come December.

 

Meanwhile, Alieu Momarr Njai, IEC Chairman told Barrow and delegation that the IEC will ensured a free and fair elections. He received the coalition’s submitted nominated papers saying “the documents submitted will be subject to scrutiny. That is the law”.

 

He reiterated that the elections cannot be rigged assuring that it will be free and fair. He said before voting starts, all the party agents will ensure that the polling booths are totally empty, seal in the present of party agents and representatives and after which nobody have the rights to enter the polling booth except the voter.

 

IEC vice chairman Malleh Sallah appealed to all stakeholders to maintain peaceful election saying at the end of the day, everybody that is involve in the process is for the interest and development of this country.

 

The coalition of parties is formed by the UDP, NRP, PPP, GMC, NCP, PDOIS and an Independent candidate.

Dictator Jammeh cancels scheduled Inter-Party MOU signing for peaceful elections

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By Alhagie Jobe

 

The Fatu Network has obtained credible information that President Yahya Jammeh made a last minute cancelation of the scheduled Inter-Party MoU signing ceremony to take place Tuesday at the Kairaba Beach Hotel ahead of elections.

 

The Memorandum of Understanding content aimed at reaching an agreement between political parties to maintain peaceful election was agreed by all political parties registered by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

 

According to sources, President Jammeh who is also the leader of the ruling APRC party decided in last hours to indefinitely postponed the meeting without any advance reason to the public.

 

Signatories to the MoU would have committed themselves to the code of conduct alongside that of IEC, to guide their activities in general and their conduct in the lead up to the 2016 presidential elections in particular. The code of conduct includes compliance with the constitution and other laws; respect for life of political parties to campaign freely and to disseminate their political ideas and principles without fear; respect for freedom of speech, of the press, of assembly and of peaceful demonstration provided permit is obtained.

 

It will also ensure avoiding the use of inflammatory or defamatory language, desisting from threatening or inciting violence, not seeking in any way to influence or use other arms of government for political purposes, refraining from using civil servants and government resources for campaign purposes etc.

 

The Gambia heads to the polls on December 1st with three presidential aspirants including incumbent President Yahya Jammeh who is seeking for a fifth term. He is being challenged by a coalition of six parties and an independent candidate headed by Adama Barrow and the other opposing single party of The Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) party of Mama Kandeh.

 

Meanwhile, nominations for aspiring candidates for the upcoming presidential election opened Monday, November 7th, with Mama Kandeh of the Gambia Democratic Congress party submitting his nomination paper and accepted by the electoral commission.

 

The coalition of parties with standard bearer Adama Barrow will submit their nomination papers on Wednesday while incumbent President Yahya Jammeh and his APRC party will follow on Thursday before campaign opens the following week.

 

GRTS Director General Momodou Sabally Fired And Detained

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By Alhagie Jobe

 

Momodou Sabally, the director general of the Gambia Radio and Television services has been fired and currently detained, The Fatu Network can confirm.

 

According to sources, Mr Sabally is fired by dictator Jammeh for the television coverage accorded to the opposition which began in Banjul yesterday, Monday November 7. The coverage started with GDC’s Mamma Kandeh who submitted his nomination papers at the Independent Electoral Commission.

 

Sources say Sabally was personally seen bragging at the IEC offices and is reported to have allowed the airing of GDC supporters who accompanied Mama Kandeh to the IEC which makes incumbent Yahya Jammeh uncomfortable saying Gambians have betrayed him.

 

Meanwhile, no one has yet been named to replace Mr Sabally.

 

This is not the first time Mr Sabally has been arrested. He was previously arrested, detained and put on trial after serving as Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service and Minister for Presidential Affairs.

 

The Gambia is experiencing again the very potent engines of terror Yaya Jammeh used to lift himself to unjust dominions of power

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Yaya Jammeh’s knows very well his 2016’s abridged catalog of high moral crimes against every category of Gambian —is more than enough to earn him the biggest loser in the upcoming elections, but he wants to seduced the unwary public with excessive fear as usual. More telling, that’s why he speaks with such boorishness, xenophobic outbursts, and mincing his words with abhorrent statements of 6 feet deep. Indeed, either way, the sharp increase in the events of terror on our children in recent days, pulling of welcome mats of the ICC- ties this past few weeks and women tortured in past months— have made 2016 remain a profoundly consequential year of terror for Gambia’s calendar in history. His policies are clearly attuned to following his idological shrines astrological signs, inexorably pursuing evil barbaric ideology above the country’s peace and equally administering any utterances of his “Jallang” idol whispers as death sentence for any Gambian.

 

 

Besides fending off his perceived rivals with never-ending taint of intentional fabrications, he is well known to use evil spiritual means to ruinously dominated Gambia politics using fear for 22 years. Even still, much like the frustration and division he has caused to the country, he is determined to destroy Gambia back to the stone ages. These trends of events in 2016 along, may well be his self-inflected fatal flaw that will end his presidency this December. Simultaneously, he has illustrated a track record for making horrendous crimes against every category of the human being: Burying infants alive, feeding remains of Gambian’s with crocodiles, his convoys killings spree and sacrificing virgins. He foresaw with remarkable clarity back in 1989/1990, Gambians succumb to his scaremongering tactics — when he lifted a bag full of amulets “Jujus”, claiming anyone who dears to speaks out during a line up identification parade about their crime — will meet his death. That was the very engines he used as his ambitions ladder to lift himself to unjust dominions of power. How else to explain this?

 

 

And it’s no wonder: He has conned his unprincipled men to become potent engines terror and petty thieves grown fat— just to enabled him to usurp the reins of government and subvert the power of the people to himself alone. Every campaign against him by the brave Gambians citizens in the past comes to a merciful end because —he surprisingly uses those very idolistic engines of fear —to buy the loyally of certain service men and suppressed voices in certain institutions. A police officer once told a friend— Yaya Jammeh organized a shrine loyal pledge factions, using hired marabouts from other countries to effectively override any grievance people had about him— using deceptive tactic to make officers fearful of him embarrassing them. One police officer now exiled, refused to participate by protesting — it was indifferent to his faith, and to the end, he was branded as an enemy and has a personal story to tell.

 

 

He will also hire every marabout in the country for reasons best known to him— to help him stay in power and use barbaric rituals to make sure our citizens blood pressure are never at rest — whenever his name is mentioned. This is the reason why he can pretty much in the past, ride out the waves of a plethora of scandals; lashes out at nations elders and illustrates a disdain for the Gambians; his burrowing owl bankrupt our nations foreign; he consistently engages in derogatory language about Gambians diasporians and name-calling; he engages in childish feuds with those below him; and he has an overall temperament and demeanor that are unbecoming of any serious head of state. Gambians are aware — that he is ready to use the state’s power to exact revenge on his perceive enemies at the expense of the country. Yet, at the same time, these trends of devil worshiping will pose a difficult to separate them as policies of his regime, but not necessarily insurmountable, challenge— if we are ready to massively vote him out.

 

 

The presidency according to him — is something he put his life on the line to achieved.

 

 

Therefore — he will use his position to sell favors, influence and even the nation’s resources in a brazen pay-to-play scheme to enrich the Jammeh family. The coalition has already Cemented most of these worries —Gambians have about the regime. By working tirelessly to make sure we deliver votes to the coalition, Gambia can have returned to its glory days of the smiling coast. The current ongoing crimes and the backlog of crimes in the hearts of people, has certainly highlighted the country’s need to move on from Yaya Jammeh. Hence, there are many words that can be used to accurately describe Gambians 2016 presidential election but the word “unprecedented” certainly comes to mind. This is why he has deployed another rebellious contingent of terror against our children— ready to commit even worst crimes. This team of coalition leaders, represent hope and peace for Gambia.

 

 

It is the civic duty of every Gambian to play one part or another to ensure this regime is history, whether — is oversaturation of information about his crimes since 1994, enlightening our families about the coalition or providing resources where needed. Yaya Jammeh has the state coffers to illegally use at his disposal and he has enjoyed support from the rich, powerful and well-connected because of —intermediation and use of scare tactics on their businesses. Yaya and Zainab Jammeh conned many people to access towering cash and kind from their recent business panhandling event, for the supposed children they are kidnapping today. How did they fooled the affluent Gambians who gave $10,000 for children causes and now they are going on— a wave of kidnapping spree on same children for barbaric rituals? This tendency toward atrocities directed at citizens will never stop, unless we vote him out peacefully this December 1st.Vote No to despotism ever again and Yes to hope!

 

By Habib ( A Concerned Gambian)

Reactions to Mamma Kandeh’s Nomination

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Reactions to the nomination of GDC’s presidential candidate, Mamma Kandeh, has become a subject of controversy among the people. “It will be premature to make a conclusive analysis on the way his nomination will affect the polls,” said Alagie Jaffuneh, a youth activist. Jaffuneh said probably GDC presidential candidate may split the votes of the ruling party because of his influence after serving ten years as member parliament in the party.

 

Sunkari Kandeh, a middle age woman said she was a former APRC women mobiliser at Brikama. She said she has cross carpeted along with dozens of people from the ruling party to the new party. She said only GDC could remove the regime from power. “I am delighted at the nomination of our party leader. Those who said he will be rejected were shame,” she said.

 

Meanwhile, Alfusainey Samateh from Busumbalas has sharply accused GDC president of working for Jammeh. “Mamma Kandeh is a puppet. He cannot be trusted,” he pointed out. Samateh described the former Jimara parliamentarian as a failure. He said he is not bothered about the plight of the people. He urged people to vote for the coalition.

Coalition Standard Bearer Adama Barrow Resigns From UDP, Party Accepts Resignation

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By Alhagie Jobe

Adama Barrow, the standard bearer of the coalition of opposition parties in The Gambia has formally tendered his resignation to his party, the United Democratic Party (UDP), to allow him contest as an Independent Candidate heading the coalition in the December polls.

 

Mr Barrow, formerly the UDP party leader, was elected as the coalition leader on October 3o at a convention held at the Kairbaba Beach Hotel.

 

In his resignation letter dated November 3, 2016 and addressed to the Deputy Secretary General of the UDP Mariama B Secka, Mr Barrow thanked the party for the support accorded him. The letter reads:

 

Following my election on the 30th October 2016 as the Standard bearer for the opposition coalition for the 1st December 2016 Presidential election, I wish to inform you that I shall be contesting as an Independent Candidate in the aforementioned election. In the light of the above I do hereby tender my resignation as a member of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the position that I hold in the party with immediate effect.

 

On that note, Deputy Secretary General and Deputy Party Leader, allow me to take this opportunity to thank the National Executive Committee members and the entire membership of the party particularly the Party Leader and Secretary General Lawyer Ousainou Darboe for the unflinching support and cooperation you accorded me since the inception of the party.

Whilst wishing you success in your future engagements, may the Almighty Allah continue to guide and protect the party. Thank You!

 

Meanwhile, Mariam B Secka, Deputy Party leader and Deputy Secretary General, on November 5, 2016, acknowledged receipt and confirmed that the party executive have met and unanimously accepted Mr Barrow’s resignation. The acknowledging letter from Mariam B Secka reads:

 

I acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 3rd November 2016, on the above subject, For your information, the Executive has met and unanimously accepted your resignation in the best interest of The Gambia.

 

In this regard, we thank you so much for the invaluable services you have rendered to the party and the executive committee since 1996. We wish you success in pursuit of your political ambition.

 

May Almighty Allah guide and protect you during the campaign. Thank you!

 

Meanwhile, Mr Barrow with the coalition are expected to submit their nomination papers to the electoral commission on Wednesday, November 9th. The Gambia goes to the polls on December 1 with incumbent President Yahya Jammeh seeking for a fifth term.

 

Political parties to sign MOU governing inter-party relations

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By Alhagie Jobe

 

Political parties registered by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) are meeting on Tuesday, November 8th, at the Kairaba Beach Hotel to sign the agreed content of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ahead of elections, The Fatu Network has confirmed.

 

The MoU is geared towards facilitating a peaceful and stable political environment, underpinned by a transparent, plural and democratic political dispensation.

 

Signatories to the MoU will commit themselves to the code of conduct alongside that of IEC, to guide their activities in general and their conduct in the lead up to the 2016 presidential elections in particular.

 

The code of conduct includes compliance with the constitution and other laws; respect for life of political parties to campaign freely and to disseminate their political ideas and principles without fear; respect for freedom of speech, of the press, of assembly and of peaceful demonstration provided permit is obtained.

 

It will also ensure avoiding the use of inflammatory or defamatory language, desisting from threatening or inciting violence, not seeking in any way to influence or use other arms of government for political purposes, refraining from using civil servants and government resources for campaign purposes etc.

 

A letter signed by Halifa Sallah, co-chairperson of the Inter-Party committee confirmed the signing ceremony scheduled to take place on Tuesday, November 8, at the Kairaba Beach Hotel at 5pm. The letter reads:

 

This is to convey to you that all political parties registered by the Independent Electoral Commission have agreed to the content of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that should govern inter-party relationship.

In this regard they have agreed to convene a signing ceremony at the Kairaba Beach Hotel on Tuesday, 8th November 2016 commencing at 5:00pm.Guests are expected to be seated at 4”30 pm prompt.

While anticipating your presence to grace this occasion, please accept the assurance of our highest consideration.

 

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The Gambia heads to the polls on December 1st with three presidential aspirants including incumbent President Yahya Jammeh who is seeking for a fifth term. He is been challenged by a coalition of six parties and an independent candidate headed by Adama Barrow and the other opposing single party of The Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) party of Mama Kandeh.

 

Meanwhile, nominations by aspirants for the upcoming presidential election opened Monday, November 7, with Mama Kandeh of the Gambiaa Democratic Congress party submitting his nomination paper and accepted by the electoral commission.

 

The coalition of parties with standard bearer Adama Barrow will submit their nomination papers on Wednesday while incumbent President Yahya Jammeh and his APRC party will follow on Thursday before campaign opens the following week.

 

Parents accompanying their children from school after reports of child abductions in The Gambia

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IEC accepts Mama Kandeh’s nomination subjects to further scrutiny

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By Alhagie Jobe

 

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Monday, November 7 accepted the nomination of Hon. Mama Kandeh as candidate of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) for the December polls.

 

Kandeh accompanied by his wife and hundreds of party surrogates arrived at mid-day at the Election House along Bertil Harding Highway to submit the nomination papers which is a requirement for every aspiring presidential candidate.

 

Receiving Mr Kandeh’s documents, the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission Alhaji Alieu Momar Njie briefed the GDC boss and delegation of the submission procedures and requirements for one to be accepted. He said all documents submitted will be put under scrutiny.

 

Chairman Njie also highlight that as part of the requirements, the aspiring candidate must first be a Gambian citizen between the ages of 35 to 60; holds a Gambia Senior Secondary School Certificate; declares 5000 supporters with 200 from each administrative region; declare assets, submit receipts of tax payments, declares party symbol, colour and picture of candidate; present party manifesto and campaign itinerary and commitment to respect the electoral laws.

 

He then assured him and every Gambian of a fair and transparent elections saying “Elections in The Gambia cannot be rigged by anyone. It is not possible. The process is fair and transparent”.

 

He then accepted Mr Kandeh’s nomination saying it is subjected to further scrutiny.

 

For his part, Mama Kandeh, the GDC presidential candidate thanked the IEC for availing him the opportunity to submit his nomination and for the excellent voter education they are undertaking nationwide.

 

He supported the IEC chairman’s claim that no one can rig Gambia’s election system and expressed confident with the electoral commission that they will conduct a free and fair election.

 

“GDC is a party that respects everybody. We are no violent people, the message is always peace. I urge all parties to maintain this spirit. The election is few days and we will remain as one family. Gambia is small place that we don’t need violence here” Kandeh said.

 

He then expressed confident with the documents submitted for the nomination saying it is valid.

 

During an interview outside after the submission, Kandeh spoke about the coalition of opposition saying his doors are always open to join.

 

“My doors are always open to join the coalition but the process has to be done right. I am not anybody’s puppet and no individual is putting me up as a presidential candidate. I am not sponsored by Yahya Jammeh. In fact most of our supporters you seeing here are from the ruling APRC party and they are with us” he concluded.

 

Meanwhile, the coalition of opposition headed by Adama Barrow will submit their nomination papers on Wednesday, November 9th while the incumbent President Yahya Jammeh who is seeking a fifth term will submit his nomination on Thursday, 10th November.

 

 

 

 

Nomination Process For The Run Up To The December Polls Starts today

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By Alhagie Jobe

 

Nomination for aspiring presidential candidates in The Gambia’s upcoming December polls opens today, Monday, November 7th 2016.

 

Presidential hopefuls are all scheduled to submit their nomination papers and filing fees to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) along the Bertil Harding Highway according to dates earlier scheduled by the commission.

 

The IEC was established in accordance with Section 42 of the 1997 constitution of the Republic of The Gambia. It operates within the confines of the Electoral Laws in the Constitution (as amended) and the Local Government Act 2002 (as amended).

 

The Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) of Mama Kandeh will open the nomination submission today, Monday, November 7th, 2016.

 

On Wednesday, November 9th, the Coalition of parties led by Adama Barrow will submit their nominations and on Thursday, 10th November, the ruling APRC party of incumbent President Yahya Jammeh will submit accordingly.

 

Meanwhile, each presidential candidate is required to return his or her nomination form with 10, 000 (Ten Thousand) voters and a filing fee of D500, 000 (Five Hundred Thousand Dalasi) to the Independent Electoral Commission to be accepted to contest.

 

The Gambia will hold presidential election on 1st December, with legislative and local polls to follow in April 2017 and April 2018. A total of 886, 578 Gambians have been registered to vote in the election as opposed to 796, 929 in the last election.

 

The small West African nation of less than two million people has been ruled by Yahya Jammeh since 1994 and eyeing a fifth term.

 

 

Mandinaba Car Accident Leaves Many injured And Claims One Life

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BREAKING:

 

Sources have informed The Fatu Network that two ‘gele geles’ from Base transporting supporters of The Gambia Democracy Congress (GDC) were involved in an accident around Mandinaba, Kombo East few hours ago.

 

The accident resulted in the death of one driver with several others sustaining injuries. Ambulances were said to have been busy transporting the injured to The Edward Francis Small hospital in Banjul.

 

Sources say the supporters were on their way to Banjul to attend the nomination of Mamma Kandeh at The IEC scheduled for Mobday morning, November 7.

Dr Isatou Touray finally appends signature on coalition agreement

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By Alhagie Jobe

 

Following her public declaration of joining the opposition coalition last Thursday, the only female Independent presidential aspirant Dr Isatou Touray on Sunday finally appended her signature on the coalition agreement signifying her support and joining the forward movement for change in the upcoming December presidential elections.

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As Dictator Jammeh Dares The Nation On His Human Sacrifices: More Reports Of Child Abductions Coming From Banjul

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We are keenly following reports of children being abducted in The Gambia, initially there were reports that the abductions were conducted clandestinely by what appears to be marauding soldiers lying in wait at the cover of the darkness to pounce on their preys and sped off in tinted unnumbered vehicles.

 

But apparently we are getting disturbing reports that the abductors are now doing their nefarious acts openly where the victims are said to be dumped in Kanilai for their eventual sacrifice to dictator Jammeh’s shrines all as part of efforts for him to remain in power at all cost.

 

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