APRC Banjul Mayoral Nomination Today-!!!

Samba Faal Is The Choice Of The People-says Faal Supporters

Momodou K. Y. Gibba

As election fever grips the impoverished nation of The Gambia, the Ruling Alliance For Patriotic, Reorientation and Construction (APRC) is busy gearing up for the country’s 2008 Local Government Elections. The Ruling Party today announces that nomination for Banjul and the Kanifing Municipality Mayoral posts would commence on Friday. Several APRC bigwigs are vying for the Mayoral position in Banjul, whilst the nation’s disintegrated opposition are yet to put up any candidate. Six APRC supporters have applied to be nominated as Mayor, one of whom is a lady.

The opposition’s indecisiveness or late participation into such an important race shows their lack of interest or faith into the nation’s electoral process. Already, the Ruling APRC has embarked on an unofficial campaign, even though the Independent Electoral Commission is yet to blow the whistle for full blown political campaign. The Ruling Party would be Mayors have canvassing for support across the country, while the opposition is employing wait and see approach on the pending elections.

Across the City Banjul, there is an underground campaign, as candidates vying for the Mayoral position could been seen appealing to the City residents and influential City leaders to okay their nomination. They have been touring the Community canvassing for votes.

Among the people vying for the Mayoral position includes, Samba Faal, former Banjul Mayor and Sports Minister, Mam Saye Njie, Faal.’s successor, Manu Kumba. Manu Kumba lost the last Mayoral Elections in Banjul. The winner of the said elections , Pa Sallah Jeng was suspended from office after he was charged with official corruption. The courts later dismissed his case for lack of evidence. Mr.Jeng had earlier informed the local press that he was not interested in taking part in forthcoming Local Government Elections. He advanced no reason for his move.

The APRC candidates delivered speeches today before a panel. They all vowed to develop the City if availed with the opportunity to head the Banjul City Council known as the (BCC). Observers say Friday’s nomination was likely to cause problems in Banjul as the City residents say they would not accept any self imposed candidate. Samba Faal is said to the City’s favorite candidate. Mr.Faal is a career politician. City youth say the coming of Faal would help to end the City’s job and political discrimination. That Mr.Faal was in the position to improve their lives for the better. The current Mayor has been accused of incompetency and lack of vision to develop the City.

Supporters of former Lord Mayor Samba Faal say Mr.Faal was the choice of the people and should nominated to service the City’s interest. They accused Madam Njie of being incompetent to handle City matters and called for her removal. “ She cannot express herself fluently in English. She also cannot write. She is not fit for the job. Samba should be allowed to come back to base. He is our choice. He has the charisma and the knowledge to advance the City. We are behind Samba Faal all the way. He is our man.” said an APRC supporter.