The six-person UDP delegation comprised Mr Lamin Manneh, Deputy Secretary, External Affairs and the Diaspora, of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Mr Ebraima Manneh, former senior civil servant and Ambassador, Mr Amadou Taal, former senior civil servant and Ambassador, Mrs Ramzia Diab-Ghanim, former National Assembly Member and Ambassador, Ms Aji Rohey Sidibeh, First Vice-President, Female Youth Wing and member of the National Executive Committee of the UDP, and Ms Maimuna Gaye, member of the National Executive Committee of the UDP.
During their one-hour long meeting, the two parties exchanged on a variety of issues of mutual interest, including the role of a responsible and loyal opposition party in the democratic dispensation of a country. Pending reforms were also discussed, in particular the adoption of a new constitution, civil-service and security-sector reforms, implementation of the recommendations of the different Commissions, etc.
The upcoming Mayoral and Local Council elections were another area of common interest examined by the two parties as well as human and other fundamental rights issues.
The necessary empowerment of women was also discussed at length. The UDP delegation referred to the 30% minimum threshold enshrined in its policy documents. The party is resolutely seeking to attract and prepare interested potential female candidates with a view to attaining and exceeding this threshold in the medium to long terms.
H.E. Gracia also informed the UDP delegation of some of the Spanish and European-Union assistance programmes in the pipeline and these were welcomed by the UDP delegation, which insisted on monitoring of the implementation of the assistance programmes to ensure that the set objectives are attained.
H.E Gracia stated that she was pleased to receive the delegation of a major opposition party as that is in keeping with the mandate of diplomatic missions.
Before taking leave of its host, the UDP delegation expressed its appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the Chargee d’Affaires. The parties agreed to consult regularly and as and when necessary.
Source: UDP Press Release
