BY Demba Baldeh, Seattle Washington

Amid all these political trauma, we must stay focus and continue to brainstorm for a viable alternative to take back the state house and restore good governance and sanity in Gambian politics.Despite all the wrangling and party politics, we all agree that the Jammeh government is a total failure and betrayal of the Gambian people. We further agree that neither UDP nor NADD can single handedly beat APRC at the polls. This is simply because votes will be divided among three or possibly four parties instead of two. We also agree that the Gambian people are the biggest losers should the APRC remain another decade in office. Therefore, with all our differences considered, what can possibly be done to salvage the innocent people from another wave of systematic return to monarchy and politics of domination and enslavement?

DARBOE SHOULD

LISTEN TO VOICES

OF DISSENT!!!!

Given the reality of the situation and facts on the ground, UDP and NADD are faced with two options; contest the election as separate parties and you both fail the people mercilessly, or forge an alliance base on mutual understanding and common interest for the Gambian people. I honestly think the most viable option right now is for them to form a party alliance (not party lead alliance per se).

There are several ways party alliance can still be formed successfully given our circumstances. An alliance between these two parties must be based on workable and realistic solution to prevent any single party from dominating the new government. The alliance must be centered on the principle of a transition government that must govern the country for five years and put in place the much needed institutions of democracy and realistic progressive economic solutions to our poverty. It must work out an agreement that will make sure that no single person or party can influence the governing policies of a transition government. That the two contenders (President and VP) will not contest for the presidency in their respective political parties after the transition period. Cabinet positions must be allocated equally between the two parties.

The million dollar question now is; how do we reach this agreement? Who is to give up what and why? Who is going to lead the alliance? This seems to bring us back to the same leadership issue. However, we have reached a new threshold and the parties must negotiate with open minds and honesty. They must see beyond individual, party interest and the state house. Both parties must be prepared to concede for the interest of our country. They must realize that without such agreement no one wins and therefore, whatever they individually want will only be a myth and never a reality. Both parties must agree to return to the table and select equal member representatives to preside over the signing of agreements.

I am convinced that both Darboe and Sallah are noble citizens. They cannot and will never let individual interest take precedence over national interest. They must exercise the respect they earn from their respective followers and hold the last word that must be binding and acceptable to their bases. This is the only way a leader can sign off to something acceptable to their supporters.

There is ample evidence to show that there is still room to compromise. The collective goal of all the opposition is to restore sanity and equality in our society. They owe the Gambia people the moral obligation to represent their interest. The focus must be on that goal not only to unseat Jammeh, but to replace him with a superior system. A system that will stand the test of time and history. Anything less will tantamount to an absolute embarrassment and political suicide.

I must conclude by challenging every Gambian to put their brains to work and come up with a viable option to this difficult situation. Retreating to a safe heaven and not confronting the challenges is a sign of weakness. The militants behind individual parties vying for power are only dreaming if they fail to level up with reality. We must realize the numbers mean zero if we fail to achieve the ultimate goal of removing Jammeh from power. We have reached a level beyond party politics. The wind of change is blowing and we must decide to take control of our destiny or resort to selfish endeavors that are doom for failure. Forward with NADD and Long live Unity

Editor's Note:The editor reserves the right to determine headline on opinion and articles send to this medium. In doing so, we will make sure that such headlines correspond with the body of the story.Readers should take note of this editorial decision. No one will dictate to us what to do and what not. We are open to suggestions and criticism, but the paper’s editorial policy will not be compromised.We never misrepresented your facts, Mr.Baldeh. Thanks….