Following our publication yesterday regarding the meeting between the two Gambian opposition leaders, Sidia Jatta and Ousainou Darboe, the Secretary General of the opposition Peoples Democratic Organisation for
In our publication captioned “Ahead of 2011 Polls, UDP, PDOIS Meet for Possible Alliance”, we referred to Sidia Jatta as from the opposition PDOIS and Ousainou Darboe as representing the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP).
However, Halifa Sallah told The Point in a telephone interview that PDOIS has not issued any press release on any meeting between the PDOIS and the UDP.
According to him, the press release was issued by Sidia Jatta in his personal capacity as National Assembly Member for the opposition National Alliance for Democracy and Development, (NADD).
He said that Sidia by virtue of that role is given the support of PDOIS to be an intermediary with other political parties.
“The statement is a reflection of the preliminary talks, which are designed to map out whether there is a basis for formal talks or not regarding an opposition alliance,” Halifa said.
PDOIS, Halifa further stated, is taking note of the different positions manifested during the preliminary talks, and would issue a formal statement when it comes to conclusion on its review of developments.
In Sallah’s view, the published statement should have read as issued in the press release issued by Sidia Jatta.
He concluded by emphasizing that he is the only one authorised by the PDOIS central committee to issue a statement on its behalf.
