Gambia's president files his nomination for December election

 The Gambia's President Adama Barrow on Thursday declared his candidacy for the December 4 presidential poll, with campaigning in the hotly contested election set to begin next week.

Thousands of supporters lined the streets in the capital Banjul, as Barrow formally submitted his candidacy to the electoral body in the tiny West African nation.

The December 4 election will be the first since the departure of former dictator Yahya Jammeh, and is viewed as a key test of the country's democratic transition.

"Whatever the Gambian people decide I'll respect that because I’m a democrat and I believe in the rule of law and democracy,” Barrow, 56, told reporters.

Jammeh seized power in The Gambia in 1994 as part of a bloodless military coup.

After a six-week crisis that led to military intervention by other West African states, Jammeh was forced into exile in Equatorial Guinea.

Rights activists have accused him of committing a litany of crimes during his 22-year rule: from using death squads to raping a beauty queen and sponsoring witch hunts, among others.

However, the former dictator has retained considerable support in The Gambia, raising questions about his continuing influence in the nation of two million people.

For example, Barrow's NPP party formed an electoral alliance with Jammeh's APRC in September -- in a move viewed as an electoral ploy in some quarters, and denounced by rights activists.

Jammeh subsequently disavowed the decision -- which he said was taken without his knowledge -- and his supporters have formed a rival party.

Nineteen candidates have registered presidential bids so far, which the electoral commission must still approve.

The campaign season formally begins on November 9.

Source: Africanews

South Africa’s ruling ANC party records worst poll result since end of Apartheid

 South Africa’s voters have delivered a significant rebuke to the governing African National Congress, which got less than 50 percent of ballots cast in local government elections.

Widespread corruption, persistently high rates of unemployment, crippling power blackouts and ineffective delivery of government services were burning campaign issues.

In results announced Thursday night, the ANC won 46 percent of the vote, down from 54 percent in the last municipal elections five years ago.

As a result, the party will control fewer councils and have fewer mayors in big and small cities across the country.

It is the first time,e the party of Nelson Mandela has received less than half of the ballots cast in any election in the continent’s most industrialised nation.

The share of the ANC, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, has consistently declined at local polls, often seen as a prime opportunity for the electorate to lodge protest votes.

President Ramaphosa acknowledged that the party will have to form coalitions to govern key metropolitan areas.

“If we are to make this a new and better era, we as leaders must put aside our differences and work together in a spirit of partnership, of cooperation and collaboration and common purpose in the interest of the people of South Africa,” said Ramaphosa, announcing the results at the election centre in Pretoria.

Looking ahead to general elections in 2024, the results portend badly for the ANC.

The local polls also set the stage for the country’s evolution into a richer multiparty democracy, moving past the dream of a “rainbow nation” and into the reality of balancing myriad competing interests.

“For some time, we’ve been trying to implement democracy in South Africa, but we have not really succeeded up to now to have a truly competitive multiparty democracy,” said Sandile Swana, a political analyst.

Major cities such as Johannesburg and Pretoria have had coalition governments since the last local polls five years ago.

Nationally, the ANC lost a majority in even more regions, including in eThekwini metro in former President Jacob Zuma’s stronghold province of KwaZulu-Natal.

Only two out of three potential voters registered. Of those, less than half actually cast ballots.

Source: Al Jazeera

Gambia Clocks 70 Years of Multi Party Elections

It is exactly 70 years since The Gambia held her first multiparty elections.

 In  November 1951, the Gambia Democratic Party of late Rev. J.C. Faye, amongst others contested elections for three seats at the Legislative Council for Bathurst and Kombo, narrated Hassoum Ceesay, historian and author in an interview with this reporter.

As political parties present their nomination files at the IEC this week, Hassoum Ceesay, said “the 1951 elections came as a result of constitutional developments starting from 1947 when the elective element was introduced in a new constitution.” He disclosed that in the 1947 elections, Honourable E.F. Small became the First Elected Member of the Legislative Council.

According to him, what is really unique about the 1951election was that it was held on a political party basis. “In 1947 elections, there were no registered political parties; all the candidates stood as independent; at that time the British colonial rulers still maintained their ban on the formation registration of political parties.”

But in 1951 elections, he said, “we had Edward Francis Small again who stood for the Gambia National League, Rev J.C. Faye for the Gambia Democratic Party; John Findin Dailey for the Common People’s Party; and of course other independent candidates like Pierre Sarr Njie, James Francis Senegal, and Henry Madi. And it was very interesting because it was the first election under a multiparty system where Gambians were given the opportunity to select and elect using political party platform.

Hassoum explained further that at the 1951 elections, ‘Rev J.C. Faye, leader of The Gambia Democratic Party, Garba Jahumpa and Henry Madi, independent, were elected’. The noted historian added that more political parties were created in the aftermath of the 1951 elections such as the Gambia Muslim Congress; United Party (UP) of P.S Njie; The Gambia National Party of Kebba Wally Foon and The Gambia Peoples Party of Lawyer George St. Claire Joof and in 1959, the PPP was formed. “So in short period of eight years, five new parties emerged. Our Founding Fathers at the time saw the need for registering parties to maximise political mobilisation to fight for independence,” he added. 

He went further that “so as we prepare for the December elections, we should remember our illustrious history of  70 years experience in multiparty elections, during which  period Gambians have so far gone through multiparty elections for 20 times since 1951. This is a record in Africa, which we Gambians should be proud of. In fact, The Gambian multiparty democratic record is unique in Africa and it should be a source of pride to every Gambian. Gambians were voting in multiparty elections before the people of Portugal, Spain and other European countries did so,” Mr. Ceesay disclosed.

He expressed that this beautiful democratic experience imposes on Gambians the responsibility to continue to nurture, protect and improve on their enviable democratic tradition.

 Asked on the trend of political party alliances in the Gambia since 1951, he answered that “the  idea of political parties coming together to form electoral alliances  dated back to 1955 municipal election in Bathurst when the United Party worked with the Gambia Muslim Congress in certain wards in Bathurst to stop Democratic Party from winning those wards. In 1960 general election also, there was alliance between the Gambia Muslim Congress and The Gambia Democratic Party called Democratic Congress Alliance to contest the 1960 elections to prevent the United Party from dominating Bathurst. At that time Bathurst was dominated by Pierre Njie’s U.P.” 

Subsequently, “in 1962 elections the PPP went into alliance with Democratic Congress Alliance (DCA) to frustrate the United Party, particularly in their stronghold in Bathurst. Thanks to this alliance, the PPP defeated the UP. Also in the 1970s   National Convention Party formed alliance with the United Party of Pierre Njie against the ruling PPP. In 2016, it was an alliance which defeated the APRC regime. Historian Ceesay acknowledged that party alliances “have been a constant feature, a healthy characteristic for The Gambian multiparty experience.”

He concluded by saying that The Gambia multiparty democracy is matured, the political space is getting freer and also Gambians are getting increasingly interested in the political affairs of their country. “The multiplication of political formations and people interested in political office is a positive sign for the development of our multiparty system, because multiplication of parties helps to entrench our democratic spirit and tradition,” Mr Hassoum Ceesay observed.

Source: Gambia News

Gambia's Election Management Body, IEC to Announce Qualified Candidates On Sunday As Nominations Begin

 Eight aspiring presidential candidates on Saturday and Sunday presented their credentials to the chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for consideration and are expected to know their fate on Sunday, 7 November 2021.

The IEC made some changes to the nomination process which allows aspirants to submit their pending documents before Saturday. The nomination will close on Saturday and the IEC will inform the public who the qualified candidates to run for the December 4th election are .

Ebrima Tabora Manneh, an in dependent aspirant who spoke to journalists after he submitted his credentials, stated that Gambians should vote for him because of his honesty and patriotism. He said if he is elected, the country will be better than Rwanda, Botswana, and Singapore.

"It's doable and we are blessed as humans with knowledge and wisdom. In our first 100 days, we will foster peace and unity and understand that we live with different tribes, affiliated with different political parties, and practice different religions."

Mr. Manneh added that the country is failing and there is extreme poverty, adding The Gambia should take ownership of the country, economy, and security.

"Some of the graduates in this country face difficulties of employment and those employed are just by name. There is a shortage of drugs in our hospitals after 50 years of independence and we cannot build our own roads or have sufficient water and electricity."

Momodou Bah, another independent aspirant, said he had already sent all the documents that were asked. He added that the IEC asked for 5, 000 nomination cards and he gave more.

"I believe that I won already and I am the fourth president of The Gambia. My campaign is Profs Momo for president because I have done a lot for this country and it is written in a book called 'An Eyewitness to Freedom'.

Prof Bah was asked to change his orange colour because someone else has chosen that and he promised to choose the combination of orange and black.

Bankole Ahadzie, an independent aspirant who came to the IEC with his motorbike, short-trouser, and boat shoes, declined an interview with the press on the grounds that he was ill and took the Covid-19 test that is yet to come out.

Banky, as he is commonly called, didn't bring his 5 thousand nomination list, no asset declaration, no tax clearance, no party symbol or color.

Gen. Lamin Bojang, the leader of Alliance for Reorientation and Development (ANRD), said if he is elected in office, he would make sure that the change every Gambian was yearning for happens.

"I have found that after 50 years of independence, the country is still in the hands of foreigners, especially agriculture, health, education, and security. As a sovereign state, we believe that our sovereignty is at stake. There is a need to join the underprivileged and stand by them to help and change the dynamic."

Gen. Bojang added that he wants the Gambia to be considered a developing country, saying he wants to replace the poor leadership with a leadership that will inspire the young.

1 withdraws, 2 aspirants present credentials to IEC

Meanwhile, on Saturday at the opening of the 2021 Presidential nomination for December 4th polls, two aspirant candidates presented their credentials to the chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) awaiting approval while one withdrew from the race.

Joseph H. Joof, an independent aspirant who first appeared on Saturday came with two followers. When asked by journalists, he said "I don't want to bring about 200 people dancing all over the place; it cost money that can go to the Gambian people."

He said that money can be kept and used for the benefit of their families. The former Justice Minister added that when the victory comes, they can all celebrate it together.

"We decided not to bring people because there is no need for it. I came with two people and I am happy with it because the procedure is the important thing and not the crowd."

Mathew Gomez, an independent aspirant who appeared before the panel of IEC authorities, came alone and withdrew from the race. Mr. Gomez, who came some 30 minutes before his time, waited in the back seat before meeting the IEC authorities.

Marie Sock-Jobarteh, the country's only female aspirant candidate told journalists that she realised not long ago that she was among the first to be nominated. Mrs. Sock-Jobarteh, who didn't declare her asset said she would do that in the next few days.

"We still don't have the asset declaration forms and some of our nomination papers are still at the village."

Dwelling on her inspiration, she said this is the time she has been waiting for because she wants every woman to have a voice and be represented in politics and the government. She added that since she came to the country in 2013, she has seen young people and women struggling.

Alagie Mamadi Kurang, another independent aspirant said he was the right candidate at the moment because the world is going through some changes and The Gambia needs a candidate that can sail through the difficulties, understand the economy and the political issues. Mr. Kurang added that he has been tested and proven by young people, saying he has been operating an institution that employs and has trained more than 20, 000 Gambians who are employed in various industries.

"I understand the economic problem of this country and the major problem of the country is poverty. The country needs a problem solver and I have not been corrupted by any government. I'm a neutral person that people can trust to deliver what society needs."

Mr. Kurang promised to advance the country's education and agricultural sector and create 500, 000 jobs for young people.

Source: AllAfrica.com

ECOWAS, AU Launch National Peace Campaign and Dialogue in The Gambia

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in collaboration with the African Union, through its African Governance Architecture (AGA), have launched the National Peace Campaign and Dialogue on Democratic Reforms and Youth Participation in the Political Processes in The Gambia.

The Campaign aims to create an open and collaborative space for the youth to be part of the political processes as well as ongoing reforms and peace processes in The Gambia. It is also part of preventive diplomacy activities in support of a peaceful presidential and legislative elections scheduled for 4th December 2021 and 2022 respectively in that country.

The campaign is focusing among others on strategic issues meant to rally Increased awareness of the youth on the ongoing reforms, enhancing the understanding of the role of the youth in the democratic governance processes as well as the establishment of networking avenues for the youth, national and regional stakeholders and the institutionalisation of the concept of ambassadors for peace among the Gambian youth in order to rally for a more inclusive, democratic and credible electoral process.

At the launch, the president of the ECOWAS Commission, Jean-Claude Kassi Brou said: “In the past, the Youth have been used as tools and being manipulated by conflict entrepreneurs to achieve their selfish goals. Today,it is gratifying to note that the youth are now engaged in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Remember that your destiny lies in your hands. So make good use of the opportunity. As ECOWAS, we share the conviction that now is the time to invest in the people, particularly the youth which is the peoples-centred investment for development, so that they can become agents of political and social stability.”

His statement which as delivered by the ECOWAS Resident Representative Mrs. Vabah Gayflor, lauded the initiative as one that is in consonance with the priorities of the country’s National Development Plan, the AU Agenda 2063, and the ECOWAS Vision 2050.

The Acting Head of the AGA-APSA Secretariat, Ambassador Salah Hammad, spoke in similar vein maintaining that: “The Gambia goes through Elections this year, this particular call for national dialogue and launch of a peace campaign is ideal. This dialogue and campaign will bring this youthful nation to embrace its differences, become one and support this important national exercise as a testament of the growing democratic space.”

He emphasised the need for an increased investment on youth and their meaningful engagement as leaders for peace and partners for change.

The campaign and dialogue is an outcome of the multi-stakeholder assessment mission that was led by AGA and held in partnership with ECOWAS, Democracy Elections Assistance Unit (DEAU) and African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR), in August 2019. The mission’s findings elaborated on the commendable efforts the government was doing but also identified glaring gaps including the need to be addressed to support the meaningful engagement of the youth in electoral and political processes.

These findings paved the way for strategic engagement and support which was enumerated on the Joint Action of AGA –ECOWAS, DEAU with the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The action plan was meant to also identify resources, experiences and capacity that can potentially address impediments for youth to exercise their full potential.