Editorial: Under Whose Mandate Is Halifa Sallah Serving As NADD Leader??

….Without Transitional Government, There Cannot Be NADD

We Investigate NADD’s Legitimacy As A Political Pary!!

The formation of  Gambia’s opposition National Alliance For Democracy, and Development (NADD), was greeted with high expectations. Many at the time believed that this was the party, which was going to unseat Jammeh from power, but it turns out the reverse. NADD died at its infancy stage, as power struggle gripped the opposition coalition. Lack of political sincerity, principles,  and greed  were blamed for the collapse of the party.

Despite the withdrawal of Gambia’s biggest opposition group, the United Democratic Party (UDP), the opposition PPP,  NDAM, and its longtime political rival PDOIS, formed an alliance. NADD’S performance in that elections were below expectations, despite the euphoria that greeted its formation.  

The opposition UDP also witnessed a sharp decline on its electoral performance, compared to previous poll results. This was attributed to the emergence of NADD, as some of the voters decided to stay away in protest. They believe that it was a waste of time to vote for a divided opposition.

Admittedly, the voter apathy affected both the UDP, and NADD.  These are important political lessons for both parties to learn. Unity is strength.  Both parties need each other in order to realize their set political goals.

That said, we are compelled to ask: If NADD was formed for a short, or long term political venture? If the former is the case, then why is Halifa  Sallah still parading himself as the leader of the party? Whose mandate is Sallah serving?  When did NADD last organize a congress? If  the argument advanced earlier by the leadership of the party  that NADD was registered as a political party, then why having PDOIS, PPP, and NDAM as separate political entities?  Is this not a conflict of interest? How can the PDOIS be an affiliate registered member of NADD , and yet be running its own political party?  Perhaps, we need Halifa’s intervention here.  Constitutional lawyers can also give their own independent interpretation of this seemingly deceptive, or illegal political merger. The Independent Electoral Commission should also do its homework right. Why allowing such a conflict of interest?

Technically, NADD ceases to operate following the conclusion of the past Presidential elections. If only the leadership of the PDOIS, PPP, and NDAM meant  to tell us that they have secretly deregistered their respective parties.  Our arguments are premised on well founded reasoning. You cannot have three Presidents in one country.  Did the PPP, PDOIS, or NDAM pledged its support to the supposed leader of  the coalition Halifa Sallah, or individual parties?

We have also noticed a disturbing political trend in NADD. There is some kind of lack of sincerity amongst its officials. How can NADD be operational,  when there is no transitional government as agreed in their so called manifesto?  NADD can only be deemed legitimate, if  it had successfully dislodged Jammeh in the past elections. 

Therefore, it is unethical for Mr. Sallah to continually occupy that seat without a transitional government.  We are merely quoting the joint party manifesto, which was signed by the parties concerned.

Our leaders are expected to set high standards for others to follow. There is no room for complacency.  We are surprised that no one has so far  noticed the seemingly constitutional dilemma the opposition NADD has found itself. Mr. Sallah should consider resigning that post in the interest of social justice, fair play, and political accountability. He has no mandate to operate in the name of NADD. We rest our case!!!