The Presidential flag bearer for Gambia’s popular coalition the National Alliance for Democracy and Development NADD’S Halifa Sallah in his first public statement since his nomination said a NADD government will build a more democratic Gambia, where people’s rights and freedoms will be respected.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC Focus On Africa Program, today Sallah, an outspoken politician NADD will bring about change of political leadership in the country come the October polls.
‘We have come together with the sole objective of building a more democratic Gambia and build the base for sustainable development. I as a flag bearer will be in office for only five years. I will not seek for re-election and will not support any candidate.” said Mr.Sallah. This Sallah, went on will allow other candidates vying for the Presidency to campaign freely without any form of political hindrance.
On the question as to whether the pulling out of the UDP and NRP will not affect NADD”S performance in the pending polls-that their chances of winning was very slim, in response Halifa said “We are not clearly not competing with the UDP. We are set to try to bring about change in the country. We have gone through six by elections, we have won four against the APRC. This is a clear mandate that we are getting from the people that they are in support of the NADD. UDP and NRP had been part of the alliance and we are still envisaging that we will match forward towards a more unified opposition before 2006.”
In another development, Mr.Sallah and his NADD colleagues today met with the Gambian Press, where they announced NADD’S commitment to restore democracy in The Gambia. Mr.Sallah, spoke at length and asked Gambians to rally behind NADD.
In a related development, NADD will be hosting a major rally Saturday in Brikama, where Halifa Sallah, will be formally introduced to NADD supporters and well wishers. Political observers say despite the withdrawal of the UDP and NRP, NADD is posed to attract supporters based on its sound political programs and policies designed for the 2006 polls.
“ Many civil servants will vote for NADD. They think that Yahya is not the answer to their plight. With Halifa Sallah, heading NADD, Jammeh risked losing the elections. The man is politically sound. He is loved by the military, the police and other government workers. Halifa will surprise many.” said the political commentator.
