THE EVE OF THE PRESIDENTIAL

ELECTION IN THE GAMBIA

By Katib Ifriqia

In the wake of preparation for the forthcoming Presidential election slated for September 2006, Jammeh government continues to pose more threat to the future of the Democracy of The Gambia. This is precisely evident in the frequent unconstitutional activities of Yahya Jammeh. He refused to conduct thorough investigation and bring to book the killers of Deyda Hydara. The NIA arrested and intimidated the two editors of the newly established Daily express Mr. Abdulgafar Olandimeji and Sam Obi, the detention of Chief Ebrima Manneeh at the NIA.

Freedom of expression is threatened in a country that hosts the African Commission for Human Rights and African Centre for Human Rights.

Jammeh cannot criminalise the practise of a profession which is virtually recognised as a forth estate in a democracy, just to stay in power. He wants to see all the critical newspapers in The Gambia off the newspaper stand with all the power at his command. The Gambia is seriously at a cross road.

Religious leaders should do all their best  for the common interest of the citizenry and African at large  to come out and preach peace as Father Frederic Viadenou, the priest of St. Louis Parish in Cotonou, Benin did. He told the Beninois that “the election period is a time when people should be aware of the destiny of their fatherland, choose with their hearts and follow the will of God. That during election time everybody should avoid anything that might lead to violence”. This is the kind of approach we expect from religious leaders as their quota to the democratisation of The Gambia.

I was a vigilant observer of the election of September 29^th 2005 between NAAD and APRC.

In its efforts to win the election at any cost, The APRC send NIA agents to certain polling stations to intimidate the people, torture the supporters of Hamat Bah, break the wind screen of his vehicle, remove his father from the Alkaloship position in the village. Sidia Jatta’s brother also face a similar discrimination and there was power failure at the counting station at Kanifing community Centre, Serrekunda Central which really took the international observers to a surprise.

Yahya Jammeh has no respect for democracy and human rights. Imagine a President defining the ‘H’ in human rights as Hoodwink.