Ebrima Conteh
Fellow countrymen the solution to our common problem can be easily fixed if we choose and elect to unite and not allow party politics to divide us. The Diaspora will not be taken seriously if we stay divided along party lines. We have to elevate ourselves and see past party politics, there is too much at stake here. It seems to me all we do is stay stuck with party politics and continuously write about the current political situation, how long have we been doing the same old thing. We cannot expect results by doing the same thing over an over again. If the old way is not working why do we try a different approach? The ideas and criticism has to be coupled with action to produce effective results.
It is self-evident that the opposition parties are a spent force, they have failed the people time and time again; giving them another chance will ensure another term of unabated power for APRC. If we do not take action we will go down in history as a generation that passes down a nation that is worst off than the one handed to them.
Although the former regime had countless shortcomings, the old man was a champion when it comes to human rights; the rule of law and freedom of expression. One serious mistake Gambians make is trade basic human rights, freedom of expression and the rule of law for infrastructural developments. We cannot compare the two, a Government that guarantees human rights, follow the rule of law, encourages and supports freedom of expression and provides a level playing field for its citizens is the surest part to lasting peace and stability.
If the former regime failed in developing the nation, the current regime has failed where the former regime succeeded. What I am calling for is a generation of Gambians who believe we can have both. It is my belief that we can have a system that can develop our mother land and respect human rights, follow the rule of law and allow freedom of expression.
We can attain this lofty goal if we unite and forge a common voice; a voice that will give Gambians back home an alternative to both the ruling party and the current opposition parties. Currently the problem we have is that Gambians do not have an alternative to the ruling party, a united Diaspora can fill that void. We can be a formidable force in Gambia politics if we choose to unite and take action.
What am calling for is a legal full contact sport; support and encourage the sudden rise in independent candidates by giving them what ever support is necessary to develop their constituencies, if other constituencies see real changes they will back another independent voice. This might not change the government over night but it will wake APRC up and they will realize that the people demand and deserve changes in their policies. The ultimate goal of every regime is survival if we threaten that by legal means they will be forced to change their policies. This I believe will be the quickest and most effective way of brining about change in the Gambia.
Imagine independents capturing half of the seats in parliament next parliamentary elections, this alone will abate the unchecked power that the APRC currently enjoys. If and when this happens we will not have to worry about a rubber stamp legislative body that enacts laws like the recent local government law.
Fellow countrymen it is high time we put the interest of the Gambia first and forget about party politics; join forces with other Gambians in the Diaspora and do what it takes to see a true free country that has mature and functioning democratic system.