#Headlines

UDP reacts against restriction of political speeches 

Nov 12, 2021, 12:03 PM

Press release: The United Democratic Party looked forward, with great anticipation, to finally and effectively use the very little airtime provided to it on the Public broadcaster, GRTS.

This is in accordance with the Independent Electoral Commission’s Media Rules and other regulations governing the use of public media during the electoral cycle.

The United Democratic Party, as a responsible and law abiding organisation, has always subscribed to principles of fair play and all the precepts of democratic practice.  It is our contention, therefore, that political expression protected by the Constitution of The Gambia and reflected in various legal documents, must be upheld especially during the political campaign period.

In this context, it is perplexing to say the least, that the I.E.C would interpret media laws relating to use of G.R.T.S to include stifling of a candidate’s right to review and  criticize the incumbent’s policies, programmes and conduct.  This is both impractical and inconceivable in a democratic environment.

We believe such a limitation is not in line with the letter and spirit of the law and relevant regulations.  The IEC’s denial of the UDP’s right to political expression through the public broadcaster is unacceptable.

Therefore, the UDP is not submitting any new content merely to fill airtime on GRTS.  The party would rather continue to use other media than to forfeit its right to use the public broadcaster without undue hindrance.

Sincerely yours,

  1. AMADOU SCATTRED JANNEH

CHAIRMAN MEDIA & COMMUNICAITON COMMITTEE

Read Other Articles In Headlines
Michael Correa
Gambia reacts to Michael Correa’s U.S. indictment
Jun 15, 2020, 12:20 PM

The Ministry of Justice of The Gambia says it welcomes the indictment in the United States of Michael Sang Correa, a member of the alleged assassin team of former President Yahya Jammeh’s ‘junglers’ for crimes of torture committed in The Gambia.

Ms Fatou Jatta
Ex-president Jammeh's Alternative Treatment patient testifies
Jul 16, 2020, 1:06 PM

Ms. Fatou Jatta, a victim of Yahya Jammeh's HIV/AIDS treatment, yesterday appeared before the TRRC, explaining her experience about former President Yahya Jammeh's Alternative Treatment.

world bank senior
World Bank announces human capital development project for Gambia
Jun 1, 2023, 12:09 PM

The World Bank Senior Social Protection Specialist, Christabel Dadzie, has announced that the Bank is designing a Human Capital Development Project together with education to support the country.

Youth v2
Youth creates 20 jobs year after D250,000 startup fund
Dec 14, 2020, 12:20 PM

For two consecutive years, the Ministry of Youth and Sports received D113 million budget allocation for both 2020 and 2021. Only 15 per cent of this allocation is earmarked for youth development this year.