The
Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) has released a statement explaining the
rationale behind its refusal to sign the opposition coalition document for
selecting a standard bearer for the coalition that will contest the
presidential election on December 1 this year.
The
press release on “GDC’s Refusal to Sign the Document on a Coalition Option of
Opposition Political Parties”, reads:
The
Gambia Democratic Congress opted out of the coalition option adopted by
opposition political parties based on the following reasons:
The
document that was circulated to the press bearing signatures was extracted from
another document which was a DRAFT AGREEMENT ON COALITION AND MATTERS CONNECTED
THEREWITH BY MEMBERS OF GAMBIA OPPOSITION FOR ELECTORAL REFORM (GOFER),
INDEPENDENT PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANT AND INVITED PARTICIPANTS FROM CIVIL SOCIETY.
GDC
is not a signatory to GOFER and, therefore, the document completely excluded
GDC and was not aware when that document was adopted. GOFER existed well before
GDC was formed and GDC was never represented in any of the meetings that
scripted that draft document.
GDC
was invited to coalition talks by People Democratic Organisation for
Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) in which we participated, and presented a
coalition building proposal along with other parties. That meeting, according
to PDOIS, was meant for flag bearers of the opposition political parties.
That
later changed in subsequent meetings allowing all opposition political parties
to take part, following an objection by the Independent Presidential aspirant.
Those talks were inconclusive and were later handled by GOFER of which GDC is
not a signatory. GDC, however, continued to participate in the talks because it
was important for all parties to take part in the negotiations.
To
our dismay the document presented to us to sign was prepared by GOFER, and GDC
was completely excluded from it.
Apart
from our objection to the clause that says ten regional representatives
selected by each signatory party and Presidential aspirant to elect a
candidate, as the general public was made to believe was the only reason, we
had issues with other clauses as well.
GDC
has functioning structures across the country from regional to ward levels with
working regional offices in every region, while most of the parties have only
one functioning office.
Therefore,
the method of primaries being proposed is open to abuse and corruption. An open
primary is a fairer method of selection. Out of the five committees proposed,
GDC is not represented in any of them demonstrating that GDC was not aware when
those decisions were made. One particular clause, that favoured one political
party which we objected to and triggered our withdrawal from an earlier talk
organized by Kebba Singhateh, was included.
Kebba
Sighateh claimed at the time that he was neutral only to come round and sign on
behalf of a political party, this time a clear demonstration of double
standards. The document was hastily prepared, and is not a true representation
of all the political parties. We believe we were being lured into a well
calculated plan to exclude us.
GDC
as clearly stated in our proposal believe that a coalition of opposition
political parties can appeal to a broader constituency beyond individual
parties, considering the unfavourable electoral laws in place.
Therefore,
GDC has always been willing to forge a coalition in order to put up a stronger
challenge against the incumbent. The formation of a viable coalition should not
be based on party and individual sentiments, while deliberately sidelining a
major player like GDC. If the conditions remain the way they are, GDC is
willing contest the election on its own.
GDC
regrets that even at the time of the negotiation, other opposition elements
were busy spreading false messages about our flag bearer.
GDC
has always been consistent in focusing its attacks on the incumbent and
encouraging APRC supporters to defect to the opposition, and will continue to
do that.
Our
effort to break the incumbent’s strength is unprecedented, and GDC is
responsible for psyching the general public again into elections as our best
option to unseat the incumbent. Our ability to attract large numbers of ruling
party supporters is the catalyst for any election victory.
Essa Jallow GDC Press Secretary
