GAMBIA: UNITED DEMOCRATIC PARTY NAMES CANDIDATE FOR 2016

Going into 2016 Presidential Elections, the United Democratic Party (UDP) started on a GOOD FOOTING.

Our political ball court is prepped up, with a lot of players in different uniforms. The success or failure of the tournament isn't dependent on the spectators as is the players (candidates) and tournament organizers (Parties).

The UNITED DEMOCRATIC PARTY, Biggest opposition Party per the previous election numbers, today unveiled Mr Adama Barrow as their flagbearer. The first ever since its formation, after veteran lawyer Hon. Ousainou Darboe's constitutional barring. Earlier PDOIS presented Hon. Halifa Sallah, NCP did Dr LB Bojang and the GDC brought us Hon Mama Kandeh. We're expecting the first female aspirant in gender activist Dr. Isatou Touray to announce her interest as an unaffiliated Independent Candidate. No doubt, this coming weeks are going to be interesting.

What did impress me and give me hope, in Mr Barrow's presentation was his Youth, but most importantly, his declared willingness and commitment in pursuing and engaging sister parties, to coalesce and present a formidable candidate against the incumbent, pursuant to the outlined outcome of their March Convention. 'In the coming days, my fellow Gambians I will be stretching my hands to other parties to come together to form a single front to once and for all take this soulless dictator out', he promised in his Acceptance Speech. I think this is a positive that almost ALL Gambians yearning for change have been wanting.

We're presented an opportunity (rare?) to do a miracle that eluded us for four election cycles. Would the parties have a consensus within themselves to select a candidate (however that comes about) it would they agreeable look for an unaffiliated Independent to lead us into the December 1st polls.

Strategy with patience would be crucial. We never fail to shake the foundations of our efforts, especially from a far. ALL must go in to the alliance/coalition efforts in good faith with one thing I mind: SINGLE Candidate against the APRC Government. It's doable.

Congratulations, Mr Barrow. It's commendable, admirable to shoulder this monumental task at the time the party is facing its biggest challenge.

Pata PJ

September 1, 2016