Gainako Newspaper

...........Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
............................Issue No. 010/2007, 24-25 January, 2007................Posted January 25th, 2007

Editorial
National Assembly Elections
Tomorrow the Gambian people will once again express their sovereign will in
accordance with section 1 of the constitution which states in subsection (2): “The
Sovereignty of The Gambia resides in the people of The Gambia from whom all organs
of government derive their authority and in whose name and for whose welfare and
prosperity the powers of government are to be exercised in accordance with this
Constitution.”
On 22nd September, 2006 the electorate elected Yahya Jammeh as president. He and his
cabinet have the responsibility to raise revenue and pursue policies that will
promote the prosperity, liberty and dignity of this nation.
Now, the people are to elect a National Assembly which has the function not only to
make laws but to scrutinize the government and other public institutions.
It is crucial for every voter in deciding who to vote for to take into account the
quality of the candidate they wish to vote for, not the blood relation or ethnic or
other sectionalist considerations.
A voter should even be ready to vote against his/her party’s candidate where that
candidate serves no purpose in the National Assembly.
Section 112 of the constitution is quite instructive for the electorate. It states:
“The responsibilities of the members of the National Assembly shall include the
following – (a) all members shall maintain the dignity of the National Assembly both
during the sittings of the National Assembly and in their acts and activities
outside the National Assembly;
(b) all members shall regard themselves as servants of the people of The Gambia,
desist from any conduct by which they seek improperly to enrich themselves or
alienate themselves from the people, and shall discharge their duties and functions
in the interest of the nation as a whole and in doing so shall be influenced by the
dictates of conscience and the national interest.”
The electorate should also realise that a rubber stamp parliament is a defacto one
party state.
As for the IEC, they are expected to conduct the election freely and fairly. They
must make all effort to be impartial and be seen to be impartial.

IEC SET FOR TOMORROW’S POLLS
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
In a bid to show its preparedness for tomorrow’s parliamentary elections, the
Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Monday held a briefing session for
domestic and international observers.
Mustapha Carayol, chairman of the IEC said out of the nine registered political
parties, only four have put up candidates for the January 25 National Assembly
Elections. Mr. Carayol said that the APRC has put up candidates in all 48
constituencies and five of which have gone unopposed.
According to him, the five unopposed candidates are consequently declared elected to
serve as National Assembly Members for the Foni Bondali, Foni Brefet, Foni Jarrol,
Foni Kansala and Kantora constituencies.
He also indicated that the UDP has put up 26 candidates, NRP has eight, NADD has
five, and there are nine independent candidates. “A total of 99 candidates will vie
for the 43 remaining seats in the National Assembly,” Carayol said.
The I.E.C chairman explained that out of 989 polling stations across the country,
only 930 will be used in tomorrow’s polls.
Carayol said: “Banjul Administrative Area 30 polling stations, Kanifing
Administrative Area 182 polling stations, Brikama Administrative Area 203 polling
stations, Kerewan Administrative Area 141 polling stations, Mansakonko
Administrative Area 80 polling stations, Janjanbureh Administrative Area 167 polling
Stations and Basse Administrative Area 127 polling stations.” He added that out of
the 670,336 total numbers of registered voters, 628, 160 voters will go to the polls
tomorrow.
Carayol explained that the IEC, having drawn lessons from the presidential polls,
has recruited trained and employed ninety Assistant Returning Officers to take care
of the forty-three constituencies across the country.
“There will be a counting center at each constituency. There are seven collation
centers located at the I.E.C regional Offices, except in Mansakonko where the
collation center will be at the Rural Development Institute. Three thousand one
hundred and thirty three polling staff are contracted to render quality service to
the voters, stake holders and partners at the polling stations,” Mr. Carayol pointed
out.
He also said that polling starts at 7 am and closes at 4pm, but that voters can
still vote beyond 4pm if they were in the queue by 4pm.
Also speaking at the I.E.C briefing session was the Inspector General of Police,
Musa Mboob. The IGP said that they have mounted a joint security force and two
personnels will be deployed in every polling station.
Mr. Mboob indicated that the security offices are answerable to the presiding officers.
Other speakers at the forum included Malleh Sallah, IEC’s Vice Chairman, Kawsu A.
Ceesay, Chief Electoral Officer, Sambujang Njie, Director of Operations and Joseph
Colley Director of Training, Communications and Public Affairs. Contributions and
questions emerged from the audience.

AT COURT-MARTIAL
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The General Court Martial trying the suspects of the March 21 alleged coup d’etat,
on Saturday finished hearing the testimony of a Police detective and started hearing
from a soldier.
Under vigorous cross-examination by the defence, detective Sergeant Lamin Cham read
a list of names written in Arabic. According to him, the document was found in the
house of a Marabout, Omar Faal Keita (also facing treason charges). He said the
document was aimed at making the alleged coup successful. Sergeant Cham was asked to
spell the Arabic alphabets of the names, which he did. However, it was put to him by
defence counsel Lamin Camara that he was not spelling the alphabets, but instead
reading the syllables. He responded by saying that he was reading what he saw
because he could not read some of the writings apart from the names. The defence
asked him whether that means something to him. He answered: “I am not a marabout, I
do not know what it means.” On another document purportedly illustrating the
charities the alleged plotters were assigned to give out by the marabout, Cham could
not say to who it was to be given. Asked whether there is a Gregorian or Arabic date
on the charity document, he said there is no date in the English language.
The Police detective said the cautionary statements of Captain Bunja Darboe, Captain
Pierre John Mendy and Captain Abdoukarim Jah were not taken under duress or
intimidation. He also said there was a member of The Gambia National Army who was
stationed outside the door where Bunja Darboe’s statement was obtained.
WO2 NFALLY JABANG TESTIFIES
Also appearing before the six member panel on Saturday, Warrant Officer 2, Nfally
Jabang, said he was called to join a panel at the NIA. Jabang told the court that
the panel comprising the army, Police and the Intelligence service was meant to
investigate the March 21 alleged abortive coup. He told the court that the first
accused person was brought before the panel and questioned about his duties.
According to Jabang, on March 26 after the investigation was completed, the accused
persons appealed to the panel that they wanted to appear on television and explain
to the public about the alarm they have caused. He added that their panel deemed it
necessary to give them the privilege and after which they contacted Momodou Sanyang,

Director of GRTS, who sent in a team to record them. Jabang narrated that the
accused persons cooperated amicably and explained freely and this was attended by
two Police Officers in the hall. He said before the recording commenced, they were
cautioned. He said after the recording, it was aired on the 27th March and handed to
the panel.
Jabang identified the cassette exhibited in court, saying it is marked “Coup
Plotters Video Cassette.” He also identified a micro cassette containing the
conversation between Corporal Mbye and Colonel Ndure Cham. He added that the micro
cassette and a recorder were handed to the panel on 22nd March. Jabang also
identified a document found in Captain Bunja Darboe’s office which he said was
intended to be read to the nation after the success of the coup.
He admitted knowing all accused persons, adding that he was serving under the same
unit with the 1st accused, Captain Bunja Darboe, at The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF).
Cross-Examination
Jabang said he is working under the state Guard Unit, noting that he is an
investigative officer. He said that he did not write any statement after the
investigation, adding that he was appointed by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to
be part of the panel. The CDS was not part of the joint investigating panel.
The trial resumes on the 1st of February at the Yundum Military Barracks.

NADD AND UDP CENTRAL BADDIBOU CANDIDATES ALLEGE INTIMIDATION
By Modou Jonga
The candidate of the National Alliance for Democracy and Development (NADD) Mr.
Fabakary B. Ceesay and Mr. Alasan F.K Ceesay of the United Democratic Party who are
vying for the Central Baddibou constituency seat have alleged that their supporters
are threatened with arrest.
The duo made this claim in an interview with this reporter over the weekend at
Salikene in Central Baddibou. According to the NADD candidate, he heard the Chairman
of the APRC in Central Baddibou, Modou Bintou Dibba, at a rally held in Salikene on
Thursday 18th January, threatening his supporter with arrest on polling day.
Speaking further the NADD candidate explained that the said Chairman has said that
he has contacted the NIA Director to arrest youths in Salikene on polling day. “Many
of my supporters are youths and the intimidation is having a negative impact on my
campaign,” said the NADD candidate. He said the intimidation has cowered his
supporters.
The NADD candidate, who does not take the said threat lightly, has expressed his
resolve to report the said intimidation to the Independent Electoral Commission’s
regional office in Kerewan North Bank region for redress.
The UDP candidate for Central Baddibou, Mr. Alasan F.K Ceesay, has also alleged that
three hundred of his supporters are threatened with arrests on polling day.
According to the UDP candidate he heard one of the Chiefs of the area intimidating
his supporters with arrest at a rally held in Salikene.
“This act is unconstitutional” charged the UDP candidate. The UDP candidate has told
this reporter that he has informed the I.E.C regional office in Kerewan on the
alleged intimidation of his supporters.
Speaking to this reporter, the APRC Central Baddibou Chairman admitted threatening
the supporters of the aforesaid parties with arrest, but was quick to add that it is
an empty threat and that he did not mean it. He further said the threat was
triggered by the throwing of a stone by the supporters of the two parties while they
were holding a meeting.

NIAMINA EAST INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE IN COURT
By Yaya Dampha
Mr. Ebrima L.S Marenah the Independent candidate for Niamina East constituency who
was arrested by the Police at Jareng last Friday, was on Monday arraigned before
Magistrate Tony Baldeh of Basse magistrate court.
Baldeh, who is a travelling magistrate, came to Jareng station where Mr. Marenah and
his coordinator, Talibou Ceesay, went to report on bail. Shortly after their
(Marenah and Ceesay) arrival at the station, they were taken before magistrate
Baldeh on charges of public disorderly.
When the charge was read to them Mr. Marenah and Ceesay both told the court that
they could not take their plea until their lawyer comes. At that point, the matter
was adjourned to 7th of February 2007.

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
APRC JOKADU CANDIDATE SPEAKS OUT
By Modou Jonga
As the campaign momentum is being sustained in all contested constituencies in the
forthcoming National Assembly Elections slated for January 25th, the APRC candidate
in Jokadu constituency, Mr. Kebba Gaye, has said that he will complement the efforts
of the president of the republic in achieving Vision 2020 and the Silicon Valley
project if elected.
Mr. Gaye made these remarks over the weekend in an interview with this reporter at
his native village of Kerr Jarga. Mr. Gaye said that in order to achieve these
national dreams it is relevant to empower youths and women groups, increase
horticultural gardening, rural electrification, among others.
He indicated that he would be some how critical at the National Assembly, but that
would depend on the nature of the bills brought before the Assembly. The APRC
candidate urged the electorate to be peaceful and law abiding. He concluded by
stating that his victory is a foregone conclusion.

UDP JOKADU CANDIDATE ADVISES VOTERS NOT TO SELL THEIR VOTES
By Modou Jonga
The sponsored candidate of the United Democratic Party (UDP) for Jokadu
constituency, Mr. Sait A. Joof, has called on the people of his constituency to
desist from selling their voting rights. Selling voting rights, he stressed
tantamounts to denying oneself a vital civic duty.
Mr. Joof made this remark over the weekend in an interview with this reporter at
Madina Madum village.
According to the UDP candidate, votes’ selling in his constituency is common during
the night prior to polling day. In this regard, Mr. Joof urged the IEC to do more to
remedy such electoral irregularities.
On his plans if elected, he said he would transmit the wishes of the farming
population in his constituency to the National Assembly to be addressed. He has also
expressed his resolve to help facilitate the establishment of horticultural gardens
for women empowerment and provide milling machines.
Mr. Joof further urged the electorate to desist from violence and be peaceful to
ensure free and fair National Assembly Elections. “You must demonstrate respect and
adhere to the law, he opined.

“FARMERS ARE MY PRIORITY” SAYS JOKADU INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE
By Modou Jonga
Barely few days before the National Assembly Elections, Mr. Ousman M.M Jallow, the
independent candidate for the Jokadu constituency, has made known his resolve to
address the problems confronting Gambian farmers.
The Jokadu independent candidate made this remarks over the weekend in an interview
with the reporter at his native village Madina Madum. In addressing the difficulties
of the farmers, such as the lack of markets for their produce, he said the
Government needs to encourage independent and financially capable companies to buy
the groundnuts.
On whether he could be critical in scrutinizing bills brought before the Assembly if
elected, Mr. Jallow said he will be critical in the pursuit of the interest of his
people. “My being an independent candidate is the will of the entire farming
populace,” he emphasised. On whether he could shift his allegiance to the ruling
party if elected into the Assembly, Mr. Joof said he would maintain his stance of
partisan political neutrality. The Jokadu independent candidate has indicated that
his campaign symbols and political materials are not linked to any party.

LOWER NIUMI APRC CANDIDATE SPEAKS OUT
By Annia Gaye
The APRC candidate for Lower Niumi constituency, Mr. Cherno Cham, has described the
former APRC National Assembly member for the constituency, as some body who was not
performing his duty and political obligations very well. He said he has the vision
to change the political momentum from a tribal based politics to a development
oriented politics.
He added that he wanted to restructure the political situation in Lower Niumi
Constituency, as Lower Niumi is the most neglected area, in terms of development,
particularly, infrastructural development, such as hospitals and a road network
which he admits is lacking in the area.
He further noted that all these problems will be solved through funding from donor
agencies and international institutions.
The APRC contestant said a National Assembly member is a representative who should
be able to recognise the needs of his electorate alongside his party’s interest;
that you should be able to alert government for assistance and to also express those
needs as an agenda in the house of parliament. He also explained that this is his
first time to contest a National Assembly seat. Mr. Cham said many changes have
taken place in the country in terms of development.
The APRC candidate advices his supporters to restrain themselves and keep the peace
and not to see the opposition as enemies but good citizens with divergent opinion.
He urged supporters to realise that the Gambia belongs to both the opposition and
the APRC supporters and that let them keep the peace and abide by the law in order
for the conduct of a free and fair elections. He assured this reporter that he is
100% certain of his victory.

NRP CANDIDATE FOR LOWER NIUMI SPEAKS
By Annia Gaye
The National Reconciliation Party candidate for Lower Niumi Mr. Babou Kebbeh, said
“I believe that am a good citizen and I believe, I have the right to contest in my
constituency.”
He said he has a lot of plans for his people, such as the development of education
in the area, fishing and farming which are amongst his targets. Mr. Kebbeh said all
these projects would be implemented through support from donors and NGO’s outside
the country. He noted that this is his first time to contest for the seat but have
been in politics for a long time; that he has now joined the NRP in order to develop
his constituency which he feels the APRC cannot do; that he has learnt a lot in
politics. Explaining the role of a National Assembly Member, Mr. Kebbeh said that it
is about solving the problems of one’s constituency; that it is about legislating
laws that would help your constituency. He expressed his hope that he will win this
election with the help of his supporters.
Mr. Kebbeh called on his constituents not to base their politics on tribalism. “We
are all Gambians and everybody has the right to support his choice. The choice
belongs to the people.” He said.
He concluded by praying to the almighty god to help him to win and urged his people
to put their votes in the blue box, “which is the right box”.

“I WILL INITIATE A TRUST FUND,” SAYS NADD’S CENTRAL BADDIBOU CANDIDATE
By Modou Jonga
The Candidate of the National Alliance for Democracy and Development in Central
Baddibou Constituency has expressed his plans to work with the people of Central
Baddibou to enhance development in the area.
Fabakary Ceesay, in an interview at his home in Salikene, over the weekend, told
this reporter that development cannot be an individual’s own drive, but rather it
requires the collective participation of the people. On whether he will win, Mr.
Ceesay said it depends on the verdict of the people; that it is the electorate that
decide who will win or not.
Mr. Ceesay said if elected he will initiate a trust fund for Central Baddibou
similar to the ones operated by NAMS of the Serekunda Central and Wuli West
Constituencies. He said his National Assembly monthly salary will be halved to pay
the school fees of needy school children whose parents are financially too weak to
support their education.
Speaking further, the NADD candidate, said he hoped to do his best in initiating
Information Technology programmes for upper and senior school students in his
constituency; that he is determined, if elected to empower women and youths, enhance
their earning capacity and improve their living standard by supporting the
initiation of horticultural garden projects.
While urging the electorate of Central Baddibou to maintain peace and close ranks,
Mr. Ceesay expressed his determination to articulate the needs of his people.
Mr. Ceesay also explained about an alleged intimidation of his supporters by an APRC
stalwart which he said is as a result of his message which is geared towards self
awareness and self empowerment. His campaign message, he stated, is a threat to the
APRC in Central Baddibou.

UDP CENTRAL BADDIBOU SUPPORTERS URGED TO BE PEACEFUL
By Modou Jonga
Mr. Alasan F.K. Ceesay, the candidate of the United Democratic Party for Central
Baddibou constituency, has urged his supporters to maintain peace and remain calm
during the campaign period.
Mr. Ceesay made these remarks in an interview with this reporter over the weekend at
his native village of Salikene. On his plans, Mr. Ceesay said if elected, he could
mount pressure on the government to open up employment generating institutions. Mr.
Ceesay further said, he hopes to address the problems confronting farmers, such as
the marketing of their produce.
The UDP candidate has expressed his dissatisfaction over what he called the
“unrealistic free education for girls policy” since many girls in his constituency
are expelled due to failure to pay school fees. He expressed that he is resolved to
live up to expectation in the Assembly. Mr. Ceesay is of the view that he will win
the Central Baddibou Constituency seat.
In his conclusion, Mr. Ceesay has urged the electorate of Central Baddibou to stay
away from violence in the build up to the polls. Violent politicking is a threat to
the holding of a peaceful and fair election.

APRC CENTRAL BADDIBOU CANDIDATE PREDICTS LANDSLIDE VICTORY
By Modou Jonga
Barely few days to the National Assembly Elections, Mr. Momodou S. Touray, the APRC
Candidate for Central Baddibou has said his chances of victory are great and as such
his victory in the forthcoming elections is inevitable and a forgone conclusion.
Mr. Touray made these remarks over the weekend at his native village of Salikene in
an interview with this reporter. On his plans, Mr. Touray has indicated his resolve
to work with the government in making sure that the wishes of his people are
addressed. The APRC Candidate, who brands himself as the only efficient candidate,
has urged the electorate of Central Baddidou to be peaceful in the build up to the
election. “Violent politicking in all its forms, is unhealthy to democracy, he
stressed.
The APRC Candidate further expressed his desire to be always critical on bills and
agreements placed before the National Assembly, if elected. He said his criticisms
will be constructive and genuine in the pursuit of the interest of the people of his
constituency.

‘VEHEMENTLY, I WILL WIN’-UDP SERREKUNDA WEST CANDIDATE
By Amie Sanneh
The United Democarcy Party (UDP) candidate for Serrekunda West, Baboucarr K. Nyang,
has stressed that he will take over the Serrekunda West Seat come January
25th-elections. “Vehemently, I will win because I know I have the people’s support,”
he said in an Interview with Foroyaa. He noted that people are responding to his
calls and everything is going on peacefully.
Mr. Nyang said if he is elected, he will serve as a servant of the people and will
be serving them in the house of parliament. He also said he will participate in the
debate on any programme, bill and polices which are the main things discussed at the
National Assembly.
The UDP candidate added that he will be working closely between KMC and the people
so that they (KMC) can make best use of the money (taxes) collected from the people.
“I will convince the KMC to maintenance our roads and also help certain children who
are unable to pay their school fees,” he said.
Mr. Nyang thanked the people who nominated him and expressed hope that they will
elect him to serve in the house.
He advised the people to cast their votes peacefully and go home to listen to IEC
for the announcement of results.

“MY RALLY WAS INTERRUPTED” SAYS UDP KOMBO SOUTH CANDIDATE
By Modou Jonga
As the campaign for the National Assembly Elections intensifies, the sponsored
candidate of the United Democratic Party for Kombo South Mr. Alasan Bojang, has
alleged that his rally was interrupted by supporters of the APRC at Berending
village on Saturday. Mr. Bojang made this statement on Monday in an exclusive
interview with this reporter. Mr. Bojang said that while they were having a rally,
an APRC convoy arrived at the venue insisting that they were supposed to have a
meeting there; that in order to preserve the peace and avoid confrontation, he had
to call off his meeting. He said he has reported the matter to the IEC regional
office. On his plans, the UDP Kombo South candidate indicated that he intends to
improve conditions
such as water supply and good road network in areas like Sukuta to Gunjur and Farato
to Tujereng. Mr. Bojang is optimistic of winning the Kombo South seat. He urged the
electorates of his constituency to distance themselves from all violent forms of
politics. “Always demonstrate regard for the law and vote for your choice,” he
emphasised.

Sidia Jatta, NADD Candidate For Wuli West
By Yaya Dampha
Foroyaa: Can you tell us how the campaign is going on and what are your chances of
winning?
Sidia: Wuli people are liberated men and women. They know what is good for them,
that’s why when it comes to elections, they are never carried away.
They own their votes and my duty is to give them the message. The rest is left to
them. And once I am re-elected my duty is to serve their interest. I am a man who
always stands for the interest of the people, not Wuli alone. I will continue from
where I stopped.

Suwaibou Touray, NADD candidate for Wuli East
Suwaibou said his people know him, and know he can serve them as a National
Assembly Member. He said if he is elected, he will stand for the interest of
Gambians. He said he will join other honest members of the house to advocate
against all the bad laws and replace them with what is in the interest of the
people. He said National Assembly Members can make a country progress by enacting
good laws.

Kalifa Kambi, APRC Candidate for Kiang West
Mr. Kambi said he is confident of winning his seat. He said as a member of the Pan
African Parliament, he did well for his people. He said his people have regretted
voting for the opposition in the last Presidential election. He said he has
succeeded in bringing his people together. He said that if he is elected, he will
carry out his national and constituency obligations as required.

Karafa Dampha, UDP candidate for Kiang East
Mr. Dampha said the people of Kiang East have been neglected for many years. He said
they have not benefited from any development. He said if he is elected, his priority
will be to unite the people of Kiang. He said he is a Veterinary Doctor and will
help his people to build health facilities where animals will be treated. He said
that at the national level, he will join other members of Parliament to abrogate all
the bad laws in our statute books. He said he will not be a rubber stamp MP in the
Parliament.

Pa Jallow, UDP Candidate for Jarra Central
Mr. Jallow said he is sure of winning and it he is elected, he will continue to work
with the people of Jarra Central. He said he has been working with the communities
for a long time and knows their problems. He said he will campaign for good laws,
and advocate against the bad ones. He said the people of Jalambere and Jappineh need
him for the sake of peace and unity. He said he will bring schemes for the youths to
access scholarships and initiate a skills training centre.

Kekoi Baajo, UDP Candidate for Jarra East
Kekoi Baajo said he is sure of winning and if he is elected, he will stand for the
interest of his people. He said as an ex-Police man he knows the dangers of a bad
law, so he will speak against them. He said he will create credit unions for his
community.

APRC NIUMI CANDIDATE EXPECTS 95% OF THE VOTES
By Annia Gaye
As polling day draws close, the APRC candidate for Upper Niumi, Cherno Omar Jallow,
is of the view that he wants to play a pivotal role in the development of his
constituency and that is why he has decided to contest in the forthcoming National
Assembly Election. Mr. Jallow spoke to this reporter at his native village of Kerr
Mamma. He said he has served his people in his capacity as the councillor of the
area and was able to negotiate 35 projects for them. He said this is why he has the
support of his people and the APRC.
Dilating on his plans, Mr. Jallow mentioned that he would bring the people of his
constituency together under one umbrella in order to enhance the development of the
area. He said “development can come through unity.” He also spoke of his plan to
stage a youth conference where problems confronting youths would be discussed.
Mr. Jallow noted that this is his first time of contesting in a National Assembly
election, but stated that he has been a supporter of the ruling APRC since its
inception. He said he learnt a lot in the political arena.
He said a National Assembly member is a representative of the people. He said if he
is elected, he will take up youth matters as a priority in parliament.
He advised the people in his constituency to be united and to adhere to the laws of
the land. He urged his people to vote for him. He said by the grace of Allah, he
will be called Honourable come January 25th. He said he expects to get 95% of the
total number of votes cast.

TEN SERVERS FOR NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
A ten-member multi disciplinary team of election observers from the African Union
Commission will participate in the January 25th parliamentary elections.
According to a statement from the team, the observers are led by Dr. Kwadwo
Afari-Gyan, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana. The other members
include Pan African Parliamentarians, Members of electoral management bodies, civil
society organizations and other officials drawn from various African Countries.
The team arrived in the Gambia on 19th January and was preceded by an advance
support group which arrived two days earlier in order to make logistical
arrangements for the observer team.
“The AU mission, as a neutral non-partisan group, shall endeavour to make an honest,
independent, impartial and objective assessment of the organization and conduct of
the elections as well as evaluate the likely factors that may impinge on the
credibility of the election process as a whole and determine whether the conditions
exist for a free and fair expression of the will of the people , and whether the
outcome of the elections truly reflect the wishes of the people of the Gambia,”
according to a statement from the team.
The AU observer mission will meet and discuss with the political stakeholders,
electoral officials, civil society organizations, and interact with other observer
groups as well as assess the various shades of opinion of the body politics of the
Gambia. They are expected to observe the various stages of the elections so as to
enable the team determine the transparency, fairness and credibility of the
elections.
They will remain in the country until 31 January when all the results would have
been announced.
Meanwhile, other international observers in the country include the commonwealth.
A coalition of domestic civil society organizations is also taking part to observe
the process.

AZIZ TAMBA’S ACCOMPLICES SENTENCED
By Yaya Bajo
Following the conviction and sentencing of Aziz Tamba by the court, over charges of
theft and the holding of unlicensed fire arm, two of his co-consipirators, Bakary
Jassey and Omar Sanneh, were both brought before Magistrate Moses Richards of the
Bundung Magistrates’ Court, charged for having unauthorised fire arm contrary to
Section 8 of the laws of The Gambia. The accused persons changed their plea of not
guilty to guilty.
Narrating the fact before a crowded court room, prosecuting officer, 870 Touray,
explained that the offence happened during the detention of Aziz Tamba (1st
accused); that a search was conducted in his (Aziz) house and a pistol with eight
(8) live rounds were found. According to 870 Touray, Aziz Tamba told the
investigators that he got the fire arm and ammunition from one Bakary Jassey, an
Immigration officer posted at Ndunku Kebbeh. Touray added that Bakary Jassey was
then arrested and during
interrogation, he (Bakary) revealed that he only negotiated the selling of the fire
arm between Aziz Tamba (1st accused) and Omar Sanneh (2nd accused). The prosecutor
added that the pistol was sold to the first accused (Tamba) at a price of D5, 000
and Bakary Jassey (3rd accused) was given a commission of D1000.
870 Touray further adduced that the second accused, Omar Sanneh, was also arrested
who claimed to have received the pistol from one Njaka Sanneh of New Yundum who is
no where to be seen.
At this point, the presiding Magistrate, Moses Richards, ruled that upon the accused
persons own plea of guilty, they have been convicted for the offence of having
unauthorised fire arm contrary to Section 8 cap 121 of the laws of The Gambia. In
his plea of mitigation on behalf of the two accused persons, Lawyer Edu Gomez,
counsel for the defendants, said any criminal offence is a serious matter and that
is why the legislature has taken a decision to include it in a catalogue of laws. He
added that for the protection of the society and the rehabilitation of the
offenders, the magistrate should take into consideration that both accused persons
are relatively young and they have no pre-criminal record at all. “I urged your
worship
with all the persuasion and consideration to temper justice with mercy, by not
imposing a custodial sentence on them, and also to be lenient in your fine,” he
mitigated.
In handing down the verdict, Magistrate Richards posited that both accused have been
service personnel before and they know the laws governing the possession of
unlicensed fire arm. He accordingly sentenced each of them to a prison term of two
months which they have already served plus a fine of D10, 000, in default to serve
12 months in prison. He said the aforesaid sum must be paid on or before 31 January,
2007. Each of the accused persons was granted bail in the sum of D20, 000 with a
Gambian surety pending the payment of the fine.

............© Copyright, 2006-2007: Gainako On-line Newspaper . Site Maintained by Gamway Computers