The
various political parties in The Gambia have signed a memorandum of
understanding to observe the spirit of peace, dialogue, cooperation and serene
electioneering.
Nine
registered political parties in the country signed the MoU, which states how
the parties would relate with one another, as well as ensure the ruling party
refrains from the practice of abuse of state resources, which is commonplace in
Africa and elsewhere.
The
parliamentary elections, which are just around the corner, have prompted and
necessitated the MoU signing, which unfortunately failed to take place prior to
the December 1, 2016 presidential election under former president Jammeh.
We,
therefore, want to commend the facilitators of such a successful interparty
committee meeting, which has put all political parties on a peaceful and equal
level-playing field.
“I
wish to assure you that I will do everything within my powers to support the
[interparty] committee, whose objective is to ensure that we live in society
where dialogue and cooperation between political parties will serve in the promotion
and consolidation of democracy, rule of law, human rights and good governance
in The Gambia,” the President said at the signing ceremony.
This
is good for our new-found democracy, where all political parties are free to
practise their politics within the confines of the law.
The
MoU, as stated, is a by-product of a common desire to create a peaceful and
stable political environment, as it would encourage political parties to
operate within the confines of the constitution and other laws of The Gambia.
It
is vital that the agreement is poised to encourage dialogue and cooperation
among political parties and respect for authority.
Elections
around the world, especially in Africa, are always infested with violence and
other crises, mainly ignited by party supporters and perpetuated and fuelled by
political leaders in their interest, but to the detriment of national cohesion,
progress and development of a country.
We
have started seeing violence and human rights abuses being administered by
political party supporters against journalists in The Gambia. This is a bad
sign for The Gambia under the new dispensation that purported itself to be
promoter of press freedom and human rights.
It
is essential to note that The Gambia is not ready for such human rights abuse
and violent confrontation on issues that can be professionally handled and
resolved.
And
that is why we are emphasising the spirit of the just-signed MoU by all the
registered political parties in our country, which calls for dialogue and
cooperation among political parties to promote and consolidate democracy, rule
of law, human rights and good governance in The Gambia.
It
as well contains all the elements that will nurture a healthy inter-party
relationship to promote an environment of free and fair electoral process.
These
are very important to be noted, and we hope and pray that the spirit of
oneness, dialogue, peace, truth and tolerance is upheld in our nation.
Never
again should we allow a tyrannical regime that reduces all into mere spectators
to prevail in this country!
The
inter-party committee MoU signed by the political parties in the country should
be upheld by all and sundry.
“Never
again should we allow a tyrannical regime to prevail in our country!”
The
Point
