Gambia: GDC ARE A TUMOUR WITH NO CHANCE

Besides the incompetence and the dishonest agenda and dimension the Gambia Democratic Congress' executive took on the campaign trail by going off tangent, attacking the Coalition, what could they offer? What's their strength?

Let's take Hon. Adama Barrow out for the purpose of this argument. Check this team out:

Hon. Halifa Sallah
Hon. OJ Jallow
Dr. Isatou Touray
Hon. Amat Bah
Hon. Sedia Jatta
Hon Mai Fatty
Hon Majanko Samusa

These are few faces that chose to come together to draft and adapt a very tangible and progressive roadmap for the Gambia, beginning our way out of the barbaric dictatorship and stagnation to putting the Country on siratul mustaqiim! I implore you all to go read the Coalition's Manifesto Here.

These are sincere Gambians from all works of life, with a proven track record of National Service. With all what they'd given up in 22 years to all endured, how/why could these upright folks be feared? Who do you see within them with an iota of vengeance or ill will? Go ahead and line up the GDC's best and see if they'd come close. That's is why the GDC EXECUTIVE'S campaign to implant doubts with intent to cause division is a calculated lie to impede the looming change. And by December 3, win or lose, you'll never hear from the GDC again in our political arena. They'll either go back to the APRC or moved to Dakar.

What's saddening and offensive, is Mama Kandeh and his team of rejects from a 22-year old dictatorship, questioning a democratic process of selection. What about the APRC has ever been fair and transparent? With Mama and majority of his pan of deplorables been renegade graduates of APRC Party, isn't it disgusting that they accused the Coalition of conniving to box them out of democratic process? Shit makes no sense.

Mama could choose to not be a part of Coalition 2016, go about a decent campaign. You know... Two pronged assault on the common national cancer. But nah... They have chosen to not even tell Gambians the primary reason the Gambia needs a change from the decadent system that corroded the fabrics of our nation and society. Instead, they have become a tumour that aides the cancer. Not that Mama has any chance of winning the elections, but these, and many more, are the reasons they earned our focus whilst we simultaneously but aggressively inch towards pushing Jammeh out by December.

Engage your friends and family to participate in this meaningful change agenda. Get out and go vote AGAINST Jammeh, for the COALITION on December 1.

GAMBIA: COALITION 2016 MANIFESTO

1. INTRODUCTION

People Centred State administration requires appropriate Constitutional and institutional developments complemented by appropriate policies, strategic plans, programmes and projects aimed at improving the general well-being of the citizenry.

Disregard of Constitutional provisions aimed at protection of the citizenry and lack of financial discipline in state administration has transformed Gambia under the APRC into a Heavily Indebted Poor Country which is being increasingly isolated because of governance practices that are in contravention to Good Governance , Rule of Law , Democracy, Human Rights and Substantive Justice.

In this regard , I have offered my self  as an Independent Candidate  who will serve for only three years at the head of a broad based and inclusive  Coalition Government aimed at conducting Constitutional, institutional and administrative reforms that would establish the foundation of a democratic system of administration that would put an end to the culture of impunity and self-perpetuating rule and usher in an era for Gambians to enjoy liberty and prosperity  under a system of government that is sensitive and responsive to the needs and aspirations of its citizenry .

2. TOWARDS ECONOMIC STABILISATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The transitional Government will take note of the economic disequilibrium being experienced under the APRC.

The negative growth of 7.2 percent experienced by the Agricultural Sector in 2014; the insignificant positive growth of 2.7 percent of the Industrial Sector and the negative growth of 8.1 percent in the Service Sector confirm that the Economy is in decline.

The fluctuation of prices, exchange rate of the Dalasi and the sustained budget deficits and internal and external borrowing has resulted in a growing imbalance between revenue and expenditure and export and import thus resulting in poverty, joblessness and low income.

The transitional government will introduce financial discipline both in terms of fiscal policy and public spending. It will give emphasis to revenue generation while encouraging expenditure based on means so as to reduce dependence on debt to meet budgetary requirements.

It will strive to increase the income of low earners such as pensioners and those at the lower grades.

It would put in place programmes aimed at enhancing the growth of the agricultural, industrial and service sectors as well, as the informal sector of the economy

The aim of the transitional administration is to stabilize the fundamentals of the economy and then push towards sustainable growth so that any new administration would have a strong economic foundation which would serve as a spring board for more growth oriented policies.

3. 3. SOCIAL SERVICES
4. I) Education

The Coalition Government would work towards delivering quality and relevant basic education that is free, accessible and compulsory

It will take major initiatives to make Secondary Education affordable and accessible to all those who have the qualification

It would make tertiary Education relatively accessible and affordable to all those who have the qualification. Teachers and Learning materials would be given priority

1. ii) Health

Primary health care focusing on the basic health needs of the population will be the basis of the heath delivery system of the Coalition. Its preventive aspect will be given primary consideration. The Coalition Government will subsidize primary health care delivery system and strive to make it affordable and accessible to all. Other health delivery services shall be made more accessible and more affordable

4. 4. GOOD GOVERNANCE
5. The transitional government shall treat all Gambians equally regardless of gender, political, religious and tribal affiliation;
6. The transitional government shall respect and protect the fundamental.

Principles of humans and people’s rights;

1. The transitional government shall exercise impartiality among all stakeholders;
2. The transitional government shall not engage in any form of revenge or witch hunt against its citizens;
3. The transitional government shall respect and honour all the international conventions and treaties that The Gambia is a signatory to;
5. Cabinet Composition
6. The Transitional Cabinet shall comprise the following Ministers:
7. Vice President and Minister for Good Governance and Gender Affairs
8. Minister of Finance & Economic Affairs
9. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
10. Minister of Works and Infrastructure
11. Attorney General and Minister of Justice
12. Minister Defense
13. Minister of Interior
14. Minister of Higher Education & Technology
15. Minister of Basic & Secondary Education
16. Minister of Industry, Trade, Employment
17. Minister of Information & Information Technology
18. Minister of Regional Administration and Lands
19. Minister of Health
20. Minister of Agriculture; Forestry, Environment & Climate Change
21. Minister of Youth & Sports
22. Minister of Fisheries & Water Resources
23. Minister of Tourism & Culture
24. Minister of Energy
25. Minister of Social Welfare, the Physically Challenged and Children Affairs

All Presidential appointments and removals will be done in consultation with Coalition stakeholders.

6. 6. ON DEMOCRACY AND RULE OF LAW

The Coalition Government will promote and entrench the sovereignty of the people. Eradicate vestiges of self-perpetuating rule. Empower citizens to defend their sovereignty and to have control over public authority as equal stakeholders;

Undertake institutional reforms of the executive, legislature, judiciary, civil service and other oversight institutions such as the office of the Ombudsman and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC);

Establish a body Jurists and competent personalities to review the constitution with a view to cleansing it of all provisions which are inimical to democracy and the rule of law; review the Elections Act to remove provisions such as prohibitive deposits for Presidential, National Assembly, council and Mayoral elections which hinder citizens from exercising their right to be elected to elective positions.

In tune with section 39 of the 1997 constitution and also sections 11 and 141 of the Elections Act, enfranchise Gambians abroad to vote.

Establish a Constituency Boundaries Commission in compliance with section 50 of the 1997 constitution; Propagate Constitutional amendments to restore the provision of section 48 of the Constitution that makes it a requirement for a Presidential candidate to have more than 50 percent of the valid votes cast before assuming the office of president in the first ballot.

Section 63 (1) of the 1997 Constitution will be subjected to a referendum to introduce the two term limit.

An Act of the National Assembly should be enacted to determine the procedure of the referendum to be held after a vote of confidence against a president is cast under section 63(5) of the Constitution.

To strengthen parliamentary oversight under a coalition government, efforts shall be undertaken to amend Section 91 of the Constitution so that any member of parliament who is dismissed by a party would automatically be an Independent   candidate.

To make the member accountable to the electorate, an Act of the National Assembly shall be enacted to provide the procedure to enforce Section 92 of the Constitution which provides the right to recall representatives to the electorate.

To ensure judicial oversight the Independence of the Judiciary will be buttressed by undertaking constitutional amendments which would link any removal of a judge, magistrate or member of a district tribunal to be determined by judicial enquiry by a tribunal headed by competent judges.

To ensure security or tenure of the members of the IEC, Section 42 of the Constitution will be amended to make it impossible for any member of the Commission to be removed without judicial enquiry by competent judges.

A freedom of Information Act shall be enacted to strengthen media oversight.

An NGO Act shall be enacted to promote Civil Society oversight.

The law Reform Commission shall be restructured and revitalised to enable it to guide Constitutional and legal reform process to consolidate the rule of law.

Protect civil servants and disciplined forces from being use for partisan political objectives;

Ensure equal access to public facilities as required by section 26 of the 1997 constitution;

Open the public media to divergent views and opinion as required by section 208 of the 1997 constitution;

Repeal the legal requirement of political parties having to apply for permits before using amplification facilities and instead introduce a consultative mechanism that enables the police to determine which party has the user right to a meeting place on a first come first serve basis

Prevent leaders from encouraging self-perpetuating rule, the coalition administration shall put in place a term limit of two mandates of five years each;

Repeal the maximum age limit for the presidency as stipulated in section 62(1b) of the 1997 Constitution;

Empower the National Council for Civic Education both in terms of human and financial resources for them to become more apt to conduct civic education programs on a nation wide scale;

Put in place a mechanism of preventing fraudulent registration in compliance with sections 39 and 41 of the 1997 constitution.

7. ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND JUSTICE
8. I) The Coalition government and its agencies will respect and uphold human rights as provided in the Constitution, ECOWAS and AU protocols and International Conventions.

ii).     General Amnesty to Prisoners

All prisoners of conscience must be freed so that they can contribute their quota to the development of The Gambia.

The following categories of prisoners will be granted amnesty :

All those jailed in relation to charges of treason, false news, false publication, sedition, libel, Public Order Act offences, giving false information to a public servant.

iii). Withdrawal of Cases without Merit

Many cases are without substance. All cases without merit especially that of remanded prisoners that are stagnant will be reviewed without delay by a committee appointed by the Attorney General and all charges without merit will be dropped.

iv). Release of Detainees

A list of  detainees who have never been charged and put on trial  and are in custody for more than 72 hours in contravention to  Section 19  of the Constitution  will  be provided  to the Attorney General.

A committee will be set up by the Attorney General to review the case files, if any, of such detainees and make appropriate recommendations for immediate release and provide other remedies including the payment of compensation.

v). Addressing the Issue of Torture and Death in Custody

Many allegations of torture have been reported by the media and made by accused persons in their testimonies in court. Reports of disappearances without trace are common. There are also cases of death under detention without the institution of any proceedings by the Coroner.

The Coalition Government shall set up a truth and reconciliation commission to enhance the healing of wounds that have caused pain and trauma through a cycle of confession, repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation. The commission will be empowered to recommend remedies for injustice including payment of compensation by the state, as it deems fit.

vi).    Gambians in the Diaspora

Many Gambians are abroad because of inadequate political environment conducive for the free expression of divergent views in the media and free exercise of dissent;

The coalition government will   reconstruct a new Gambia free from persecution and impunity where democracy and the rule of law thrive and where dissent and free expression of divergent views are tolerated.  The Coalition government will extend an olive branch to all Gambians in exile to return unconditionally without fear of being prosecuted for any allegations against them.

vii). REPEAL OF LAWS THAT ARE IN CONTRAVENTION OF BEST PRACTICE IN UPHOLDING HUMAN RIGHTS

The provisions of Chapter Four of the Constitution protect our fundamental rights and freedoms, but certain laws some of which were enacted since the colonial period contravene the best practice in safeguarding these rights. It is as if the Constitution is giving rights to its citizens and other laws are ousting those rights.

1. a) The Coalition Government endeavours to propagate legislation to revoke all provisions of law criminalizing speech including libel, sedition, false news and false publication within six months of assuming political office.
2. b) Laws on official secrets will be amended to promote public accountability and transparency in public office
3. c) Public Order Act, Laws of The Gambia 2009 gives too much power to the Inspector General of Police and does fetter freedom of association and assembly. The Coalition government will repeal any provision in the Public Order Act which is not reasonable and justifiable in a democratic society such as those which hinder peaceful procession to highlight public grievances which is the min tool for exercising civil society oversight over the governance process.
4. d) Criminal Code Act, Laws of The Gambia 2009 – section 114 which relates to giving false information to a public servant. Quite often persons who petition the president are prosecuted in violation of section 25 paragraph (f) which protects the right of every person to freedom to petition the Executive for redress of grievances.
5. viii). Enlargement of Protection of Human Rights

Apart from revoking or amending laws which hinder human rights there will be need for the enactment of laws, the establishment of institutions and law enforcement practices which will enlarge and protect rights and freedoms. We propose the following laws, policies and practices:

1. a) The Coalition government will enact a Freedom of Information law in consultation with the GPU and the media fraternity to enhance access to official information and strengthen media oversight of governance. This will facilitate transparency and accountability.

A new Freedom of Information law will repeal the Newspaper Act and incorporate part of the Information and Communication Act to facilitate easy avenues to establish media houses, the issuing of broadcasting licences which does not encroach into media freedom and the establishment of an independent broadcasting regulatory body.

The law will seek to provide alternative dispute resolution measures and peer pressure to address any abuse of professionalism and civil suit in case of libel rather than criminalizing speech.

1. b) Invoke section 18 of the Constitution to facilitate a referendum on the abolition of the death penalty within a year to make life imprisonment the maximum penalty. Imprisonments leave much to be desired. There is need for prison reform.

Within a month from assuming office the Coalition Government will set up a Commission of Inquiry into the places and conditions of detention before and after conviction with the objective of putting an end to torture, rape, inhuman and degrading punishment or treatment and poor conditions of imprisonment. The findings will provide ingredients for prison reform, upgrading of police cells and amenities such as food, sanitation, access to legal counsels and next of kin.  The Commission will enquire into disappearances without trace and long detention without bail to ensure that bail is accessible and affordable.

1. d) The Coalition government will set up a Commission of Inquiry to look into any claim of seizure or damage of any legally acquired property without just compensation to protect the right not to be deprived of one’s property.
2. e) Even though the Constitution makes provision for fundamental rights and freedoms the state treats those rights with disregard and the rights of citizens are not protected. Hence many are unlawfully detained for more than 72 hours and the detainees and their families appear helpless in protecting their rights especially since court orders are treated with disregard.

The Coalition government shall promote the right to fair hearing and speedy trial. It will respect and protect the Independence and Impartiality of courts and judges.

It shall oversee the establishment of a Judicial Service Commission that would enable the judiciary to carry out judicial oversight in protecting and enforcing respect of rights.

It will also establish an independent National Human Rights Institution as an oversight institution empowered to order the release of persons detained unlawfully and having unlimited access to all places of detention. The institution will also have power to stop unlawful practices at detention centres such as torture.

1. f) The Coalition Government will protect freedom of religion, belief and worship.

ix).    International Conventions

More than a dozen international conventions on human rights have been ratified. Three of them have been domesticated. The UN Convention against all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol) now form part of the Women’s Act 2010. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is part of the Children’s Act 2005.

The conventions that have been ratified will be reviewed for the purpose of domesticating them.

About half a dozen other conventions are yet to be ratified. Efforts will be made to ratify them.

8. 8. ON NATIONAL RECONCILIATION

The Coalition stakeholders will assume the task of educating coalition supporters, in particular, and the nation, at large, on the election rules and promote exemplary display of mature citizenship during the 2016 electoral process and beyond.

We will promote national reconciliation so that the sovereign Gambian people, irrespective of ethno-linguistic (tribe), religion, gender or other sectionalist considerations, would be united to prove our common bond of citizenship.

The coalition leaders would be encouraged to buttress this point in all their messages to the electorate.

The Coalition Government will conduct civic education on print, electronic i.e. radio and television, social media and any other outlets, singly or in collaboration with other stakeholders, to promote tolerance of diversity and national reconciliation.

The Coalition government will propagate laws, institutions and programmes on national reconciliation to build trust, confidence and positive perception towards the coalition by presenting it as a unifying rather than a dividing force. It will convince the electorate that the coalition is on the path of national reconciliation rather preparing for revenge.

The committee shall educate and sensitise the electorate about the need for national reconciliation in safeguarding our peaceful co-existence as a people. This will give more legitimacy to and support for the coalition during the transitional phase.

CONCLUSION

The Independent Ticket supported by Coalition 20`16 aims to create a transitional Coalition Government that would promote tolerance of ethno-linguistic, religious, gender and other diversities in promotion of national unity

We have agreed to put all differences aside to put a transitional government in place that would initiate constitutional, electoral, institutional, administrative and managerial reforms that would make justice guide our action towards the common good and further unify our diverse people to create a democratic system which enables each party to have equal access to the media and seek the mandate of the people in a free, fair and genuine election after a three year transition.

The End

Gambia: OUR 2016 PRIORITIES ARE CLEAR

On Maslow's 'Hierarchy of Needs', Self-Actualization sits pretty at the apex of the pyramid. At the bottom? Erm...

The Gambia's Scale of Preference has our priorities clearly spelt out for us. Absolutely crystal. And the two forces at play - PROGRESSION and RETROGRESSION - are choices no Gambia is unclear about.

PROGRESSIVE Gambians ask for:
- Afforbable Livelihood
- Affordable Healthcare
- Quality Education
- Rule of Law (illegal arrest/detention, killings)
- Self-Esteem

OPPRESSIVE REGRESSIVES order
- Who Lives or Dies (decided by one man)
- Threats, Torture and Forced Farming
- Accumulation and Wasting State Wealth
- Divided Gambia (Tribalism, Nepotism, Regionalism)
- Encouraging 'backway' and death at sea
- Who Goes to HELL for NOT supporting A Man

COALITION2016 are PROGRESSIVES

APRC are OPPRESSORS

Get out, go vote for YOUR better PRIORITIES, and AGAINST Jammeh on December 1. That's the Quality change you deserve. The alternative is not healthy.


Pata PJ

November 18, 2016

GAMBIA: OPPOSITION COALITION 2016 MoU

“Preamble”

We the signatory stakeholders of this memorandum being convinced that participatory democracy should give rise to freely elected representatives who are the undiluted choice of the people. Recognizing that the absolute majority principle that makes it mandatory for a Presidential Candidate to only win in the first ballot if he or she has more than 50 percent of the votes cast, is the only way to guarantee  election outcome that reflects the undiluted choice of the people.

Taking note of the constitutional amendment 2003 which replaced the absolute Majority principle with first past the post which is disadvantageous to the opposition.

Taking cognizance of our duty to  create an atmosphere congenial for peaceful democratic change that would usher in an inclusive , democratic , accountable and transparent  political dispensation that  would give rise to the consolidation of Democracy, Good Governance, Respect for Human Rights and   Rule of Law;

Have agreed to put our differences aside and in the supreme interest of the country, support an Independent candidate elected at a National Convention constituted by equal number of delegates and further consider ourselves bound together as follows:

Part 1

1. Name

Coalition 2016 is hereby established to support one Independent Candidate elected by The National Convention of Opposition stakeholders and herein after referred to as “The Coalition.”

2. Goal     

The Goal of the Coalition is to:

1. a) Put an end to impunity and Self-perpetuating rule by establishing constitutional and institutional safeguards and propagate normative values and practices that would ensure the consolidation of participatory Democracy, Good Governance, Rule of Law, Substantive Justice and Human Rights.
2. b) Institutionalize term limits, strengthen checks and balances by consolidating Judicial, Parliamentary, Media and other Civil Society oversight in order to hold Government officials accountable to the people.

3. The Strategic Objectives 

The Coalition aims to:

1. a) Educate coalition partners and supporters on ethics of electoral conduct prior to, during and after the National Convention so as to promote exemplary display of mature citizenship during the entire 2016 electoral process and beyond.

Promote tolerance of ethno-linguistic (tribe), religious, gender and other diversities in promotion of national unity and peaceful co-existence.

1. b) Uphold and defend the secularity of the Republic and will not entertain any discrimination based on ethno-linguistic origin, religion, gender or political opinion.
2. c) Respect and uphold human rights as provided in the Constitution, ECOWAS and AU protocols and International Conventions.

d) set up a truth and reconciliation commission to enhance the healing of wounds that have caused pain and trauma through a cycle of confession, repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation and   remedies for injustice including  payment of compensation by the state , as it deems fit;

1. e) Reconstruct a new Gambia free from extreme poverty, persecution and impunity where democracy and the rule of law will thrive and dissent and free expression of divergent views tolerated.
2. f) Extend an olive branch to all Gambian in exile to return unconditionally without fear of being prosecuted for any allegations against them.
3. g) Propagate legislation to revoke all provisions of law criminalizing speech including libel, sedition, false news and false publication
4. h) Set up a Commission of Inquiry to look into any claim of seizure or damage of any legally acquired property without just compensation to protect the right not to be deprived of one’s property.
5. i) Promote the right to fair hearing and speedy trial by respecting  and protecting  the Independence and Impartiality of courts and judges.
6. j) Oversee the establishment of a Judicial Service Commission that would enable the judiciary to carry out judicial oversight in protecting and enforcing respect of rights.
7. k) Establish an independent National Human Rights Institution as an oversight institution empowered to order the release of persons detained unlawfully and having unlimited access to all places of detention to stop unlawful practices at detention centres such as torture.

4. Composition

The Coalition shall comprise all stakeholders who are signatories to the agreement establishing it and or  are parties to this Memorandum Of Understanding

ORGANS OF THE COALITION

i) OFFICE OF FLAG BEARER

a) The person elected at a National Convention of The Coalition who stands as an Independent Candidate belonging to no party shall be supported by the Coalition  as Flag Bearer, b) The Flag bearer is the Focal point in all Coalition support activities

ii) Functions

The Flag Bearer will

1. a) Present and propagate the content of a Manifesto endorsed by all signatory stakeholders of The Coalition
2. b) Open an account to Finance Coalition support activities and  be a principal signatory to the checks of the account

iii) On The Tenure Of The Office and Conduct Of The Flag Bearer

The flag bearer will:

1. a) Head a transitional government for a period of three years.
2. Be opened, transparent and accountable to all during the transition.
3. Respect the views and rights of the citizens.
4. Not support any party during the transition period.
5. Not seek for re-election until after the five years after the transition period.
6. Be a unifier, good listener, team player and easily accessible person.
7. make a pledge to respect and uphold all the conditions circumscribing his or her tenure as established by the coalition.

Iv. Transitional Cabinet

The transitional government will:

1. a) Treat all Gambians equally regardless of gender, political, religious and tribal affiliation;
2. Respect and protect the fundamental principles of human and people’s rights;
3. Exercise impartiality among all stakeholders;
4. Not engage in any form of revenge or witch hunt against its citizens;
5. Respect and honor all the international conventions and treaties that The Gambia is a signatory to;
6. Carry out the following reviews and reforms:

(1) Conduct constitutional review and electoral reforms and organize referendum, (2) Institute review and reform of the Judiciary and Civil Service, (3) Conduct foreign policy review and reform.

Cabinet Composition

1. The Transitional Cabinet shall comprise not more than 19 Ministries.
2. Cabinet position(s) will be allocated in consultation with each signatory stakeholder in the CEC.
3. c) All Presidential appointments and Removals shall be done in consultation with CEC.
4. d) In the event of the removal of a Minister the President, will consult the signatory stakeholder affected for proposal before appointment of a replacement.

6. THE COALITION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

i) The Coalition Executive Committee is the Principal Policy and Decision making arm of The Coalition. It is the Governing arm of the Coalition

1. ii) Composition the Coalition Executive Committee comprises the Flag-bearer, three representatives from each of the signatory party stakeholders, the independent presidential aspirant and each non -party signatory stakeholder. One of the party signatory stakeholders shall be designated head of delegation.

iii) Functions

1. a) The Coalition Executive Committee is the supreme decision making body of the Coalition and will serve as an Advisory and Consultative    organ  to the Flag-bearer and the Government.
2. b) The Transitional President shall constitute the transitional Cabinet to form a Government of National Unity in consultation with the CEC.
3. c) In making recommendations on Cabinet Composition after mutual consultation among CEC members regard should be given to the dictates of Section 72 of The Constitution which emphasizes the desirability of ensuring that Cabinet responsibilities’ are entrusted to competent persons with relevant qualification or experience.
4. d) The CEC has powers to establish Standing /Permanent and AD-HOC- Committees to investigate and provide recommendation for its approval on all issues of importance to the Coalition

 AD HOC Committee of The CEC

7. a) Composition of such Committees shall reflect the composition of the Coalition stakeholders
8. b) Unless appointed by The CEC, The Committees shall elect their own Chairpersons and Secretaries to conduct business aimed at attaining the objective of the Coalition. c) The meetings of Committees shall be convened by the Chairpersons
9. d) Gender balance shall be taken note of in constituting the composition and Chairing of such Committees.
10. e) Decision in the Committees shall be based on Consensus.
11. f) Reports presented by Committees and approved by the Coalition shall form part of the decisions taken by the Coalition, as long as they are in conformity with the letter and spirit of this Memorandum.
12. g) The CEC will decide on a Periodic basis which AD-HOC Committee will have its mandate extended and the extent of the renewed mandate.

The AD-HOC COMMITTEES

1. COMMITTEE ON GOOD GOVERNANCE

 This committee shall comprise a Chairperson and one representative from each of the signatory stakeholders.

1. The Committee  will a) provide guidance on the Post-Election conduct of the flag bearer;
2. b)  Provide proposals on Cabinet composition and reform
3. c) Articulate the Civil Service reforms to be undertaken
5.  COMMITTEE ON DEMOCRACY AND RULE OF LAW
6. Composition

a).The Committee will comprise a Chairperson and one representative from each of the signatory stakeholders

1. ii) Functions

The Committee will serve as an advisory and consultative body on Democracy and rule of law and will  provide recommendations on: a) Electoral Reform, b)Parliamentary Oversight,    c)Civil Society Oversight, d)Media Oversight

1. e) Institutional Reforms of The Executive, The Judiciary and The Legislature

COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE AND HUMAN RGHTS 

i) Composition:

The Committee will comprise a Chairperson and   one representative of the signatory stakeholders of the Coalition Agreement

1. ii) Functions:

1) The Committee will serve as an advisory and consultative body to the CEC on Justice and Human Rights and give recommendations as and when required by the CEC on:

1. a)  Issues of granting general amnesty to prisoners,
2. b) Providing reprieve to  Gambians abroad who may feel insecure in coming back to the Gambia,
3. c) The repealing of   laws that are in contravention of best practice in upholding human rights.
4. d) Identifying all the International Conventions’ on Human rights for   domestication
5. e)  Strengthening media, civil society and judicial oversight to enhance observance and enforcement of human rights.

COMMITTEE ON VOTER EDUCATION AND NATIONAL RECONCILIATION

1. This Committee shall comprise a Chairperson and one representative from each of the signatory stakeholders.
2. Functions:

The Committee will serve as an advisory and consultative body on voter education and National reconciliation and will give recommendation as and when requested by three CEC on:

1. a)  how to cultivate mature and exemplary citizenship by conducting  voter education on the letter and spirit of electoral instruments and ethics  to  ensure a free and fair voting process in all elections , in the national interest.
2. b) how to conduct civic education to  promote National identity and reconciliation  by enhancing  tolerance of ethno- linguistic, religious, gender and other diversities in pursuit of national unity and peaceful co-existence.
3. PLANNING AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
4. Composition

This Committee shall comprise a Chairperson and one representative from each of the signatory stakeholders.

1. Functions

This Committee will serve as an advisory and consultative body on strategic planning, funding. Budgeting and ensuring financial discipline and accountability in managing resources that are under the control of the Coalition or Coalition Government resources of the Coalition and the Government.

iii. This Committee shall preside over the raising and management of the campaign fund for the 1st December 2016 Presidential Elections.

1. CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
2. This Committee shall comprise a Chairperson and one representative from each of the signatory stakeholders.
3. This Committee shall be responsible planning, management and control of the campaign.

iii. This committee shall have regional branches to facilitate effective and efficient campaign.

The Secretariat

8. i) The Coalition shall establish a Secretariat which shall serve as its Headquarters. The Chairperson of the CEC shall be the Executive Secretary of the Coalition and shall be responsible for coordinating all activities of the Coalition. ii) The Chairperson of the Coalition shall be elected by the members of the CEC upon signing the Memorandum of Understanding.

iii) The   Secretariat will constitute both the Administrative and Financial arms of the Coalition. It will employ a small but efficient staff to keep proper books of accounts and maintain proper filing system for correspondence .

9Finance

1. a) The CEC shall be responsible for approving budgets and receiving reports on statement of accounts of the Coalition.
2. b) It has power to order the auditing of accounts by internal and external auditors at its own volition.
3. c) Proper books of accounts containing income and expenditure should be maintained and the Chairperson of the CEC in consultation with the Committee On Planning and Finance should maintain general control and supervision on the disbursement of authorized expenditure so that there is value for money.
4. d) The CEC shall convene a meeting to discuss financial matters at short notice.
5. e) The Flag Bearer will open up a Bank Account with a Coalition identity.
6. f) The Flag- Bearer or his Appointee shall be the major signatory to the account. The CEC will appoint two other signatories to the Account
7. g) All monies received must be paid in and all authorized expenditure paid from the said account.

10Transitional Provision

1. a) This Memorandum of Understanding will come into force upon signature by the Signatory stakeholders to the Coalition agreement.
2. b) The CEC will determine how any remaining income would be utilized after the Presidential Elections

Done This 1 November 2016

At YMCA

GAMBIA DEMOCRACY FUND (GDF) CALLS

In 27 days, YOU, Your Family and Friends have the all-so-Rare chance to safely and peacefully effect a meaningful, democratic change of government.

*Are you OKay with Gambians getting murdered for their political differences with one man?

*Are you OK with worrying if your family would go out and never come back to you?

*Are you OK with One man controlling ALL aspects (religion, social, political) of your life?

*Are you OK with the Health, Education and Economic conditions of your family?

*Are you numb to your boys and girls dying at sea and in desert taking the 'back way'?

*How about the rape and sexual exploitation of our girl/womenfolk? You OK?

*Do you endorse the ugly head of tribalism, regionalism, religious divides, nepotism that looms in the smiling coast, promoted by Yaya Jammeh and the APRC?

IF your answer to ALL these questions is NO, you can stop them! Participate in ending the mishap by donating to the patriotic and go out to vote on December 1, AGAINST JAMMEH AND FOR GAMBIA.

No amount is little. And you can be totally anonymous.

Gambia: JUST TO BE CLEAR ON DR TOURAY

When I had an interview with West Africa Democracy Radio a day after the Convention, I was asked for my take on Independent Candidate Dr Touray's absence at the convention. I registered my obvious disappointment BUT maintained that efforts should be made to get her onboard. I was optimistic, positive. This however, was before her press conference.

I would like to believe that I'm a democrat, and I respect the right to disagree. My position on Isatou Touray and her campaign was not that she disagreed or wanted to pull out of the GOFER agreement. My serious disappointment was her venture to not only poke holes but assault on the process and the people involved, that could ruin it for all. Was I harsh, YES. Could I have articulated better without certain choice words? Absolutely.

Now my motivation was nothing personal for me. And I'm very much convinced that our mission and task at hand is for Gambia. I am counting on folks who matter, with their voice and influence to not rest but seek to bring Isatou Touray and Mama Kandeh aboard. And something is telling me that all is not lost.

WE CANNOT do this successfully without ALL coming together. Both Isatou and Kandeh are essential in this. Thus our disappointments. I look forward to an absolute agreement before nominations begin.

Pata PJ

November 3, 2016

GAMBIA: ISATOU TOURAY IS EMBARRASSINGLY DIFFICULT

Isatou Touray is the most disgusting pieces of body parts I have seen that constitutes a human being. She is arrogant, entitled and devoid of grace and wisdom. And this is the Doctor, the learned and most qualified to lead the a country?

For two decades, patriots and selfless Gambians face the deadly dictatorship. They lost everything including lives. For three election cycles, the opposition parties have been invested in getting an alliance of all parties to aggregate their efforts to bring a halt to tyranny and they failed. Until April this year, all their efforts were geared towards leveling the playing field for all. In the process Solo Sandeng and Krummah got murdered, hosts of women belonging to opposition UDP tortured and allegedly sexually assaulted. Consequently, Lawyer Ousainou Darboe and his executed got persecuted and sent to jail. These did not deter the committed opposition parties, as they rallied around a cause and started consultations to proceed with what matters the most to Gambians. They gave us what majority of Gambians want.

While all these was going on, where was Dr. Touray? Nobody heard this lady ever say a word about or against the tyranny, brutality and murder that strangled out nation for two decades. You know why? She was being difficult working with no one, fattening herself and paychecks. She was selfishly working on accumulating personal wealth while babies and mothers got murdered, mothers, wifes, sisters and daughters got raped. She is a self-centered, egotistical, angry and entitled soul.

Isatou Touray is the lowest form of greed that universe created. And this is mirrored in her demeanor and utterances in this silly press conference where she purposely aim to tarnish images of well-meaning Gambians, especially in the person of Mrs Fatoumatta Tambajang, and collapse our efforts. Are you serious? That woman is miles ahead of you in  every positive human trait and attribute. She is honorable, content and gracious. When nobody was wanting to stand up for Gambia in April this year, she was in the streets with the oppressed demanding justice and fairness. You were busy figuring out where to grab the next cow to milk after FGM and Early marriage got banned.

Isatou Touray was welcomed as a breath of fresh air at a time the frustrated nation needed Unity. Her only appeal was her non-partisan affiliation. Period. It was never that she was the most qualified beacuse she is not any more qualified than any of the people in that room. She ran an NGO that was supposedly working to end harmful traditional practices for three decades, and her political adventurism tells us why she failed, even after registering minuscule progress. You were not convincing Gambians to drop a knife. You were yelling, screaming, demeaning and insulting them. That was why they built resistance to your campaign.  This attitude that ‘I’m better than you all’ as she bragged of her ‘technical and professionalism’ in her pursuit to forceful coronation is offensive and a trun-off. Halifa would wrap circles around you in ALL fields. Ousainou would let you swim in his fountain of humility, professionalism and respect for decades, and still be content. OJ Jallow would smack you with arms of eloquence, patriotism and commitment. Amat buries you before the sun sets. Adama’s youth appeal and relatability as an everyday Gambian leaves you for dead in the wilderness. So WHO are you?

No process is perfect, and we were never expecting the convention to be. But this is the closest to perfection we could have. It was the most transparent selection process between parties of different ideologies, beliefs and personalities. They sacrificed and compromised for our collective interest. To want to question the unfairness and lack of transparency because you could not succeed in shoving you self-centered ambition down their throats is disrespectful. Absolutely disgusting to ask Gambians not to come on board the train for change because you felt marginalized. You are throwing sand in the food. Check yourself. Go look in the mirror and correct yourself. You are an imperfect soul, with all signs and attributes of a dictator. Learn humility, ‘Dr’! Clearly, these people are not wrong. You are not going to be electable even if the whole Gambia and Senegal back you.

Go in with your nomination and run solo. You were never interested in the struggle to free Gambia anyway. You saw what you thought was a political opportunity, and pounced on it. You want to self-perpetuate, and we are not stupid to have missed it. Adios, doctor!

Pata PJ

November 1, 2016