FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda)
Suwaibou Touray
15 July 2011
We have been focusing on politics in this column with the objective to document the contemporary history of the Gambia and to help our readers appraise themselves with the happenings of the past. We are now covering issues that culminated during the coup period of 1994. This we hope will go a long way in helping us have a better understanding of the evolution of politics in the Gambia as well as help forge a future genuine democratic dispensation for our homeland.
In our last edition, we highlighted a letter written by Mr. Sheikh Jeng on behalf of Gambians living in the UK to the Provisional Independent Electoral Commission demanding franchise to them as stipulated by the Draft constitution.
In this edition, we shall follow the response of the provisional Independent Electoral Commission PIEC relating to the demands of Gambians demanding franchise.
Let us continue from where we stopped.
PIEC Position On The Petition Written By Gambians Abroad Who Want To Vote
According to the Foroyaa, the PIEC said they have given directives to Gambian envoys abroad to take note of the number of Gambians in their respective areas or jurisdictions; that their findings would help them to work out a realistic plan to be able to give voters’ cards to Gambians abroad.
The electoral body said they had however observed that as it stood, they did not have the machinery to be able to conduct registration of voters abroad. The Foroyaa said they had gathered from the Commission that it would not be able to conduct registration abroad for the forthcoming presidential and National Assembly elections.
BAN ON POLITICAL PARTIES LIFTED
By 14 August, 1996, barely a month and half towards the Presidential election, Chairman Jammeh, the head of the military junta that overthrew the constitutionally elected government of Sir Dawda Jawara gave the following speech on the lifting of the ban on political parties:
“Fellow Gambians, “When the AFPRC Government took over the reigns of power on 22nd July 1994; it placed a temporary ban on political activities.
“This was done to allow you the people to take stock of the thirty years of misrule which you have been subjected to by the sterile regime of the PPP Government. Over the past two years you have been made even more aware of the decadence of that regime which was not only sterile but based on fraudulent ideologies which were devoid of clear vision for the destiny of this nation. This time around you all are conscious enough to vote for the right people who would have your collective interest at heart.
“The Constitutional referendum which has just taken place has amply demonstrated the recent political enlightenment of the Gambian masses.
The AFPRC insisted much to the chagrin of some political aspirants that the ban on political activities would not be lifted until after the referendum. This was done to ensure that you the Gambian people are allowed to freely decide for yourselves what the supreme law of this country should be, and the nature of the executive, legislative, and judicial structures that should be established if democracy, in tune with local realities, is to prevail “As promised by the AFPRC that political activities would be lifted after the referendum, it is my pleasure to announce that with effect from today the 14th day of August, 1996, a decree known as the Political Activities Resumption Decree, 1996 has been promulgated and signed into law, lifting the ban on political activities and also repealing the Political Activities (Suspension) Decree, 1994, Decree No. 4.
“You are thus free to engage in political activities in accordance with this Decree and the Elections Decree, 1996. However; certain persons and parties have been banned from participating in the forthcoming elections for their participation in the thirty years of misrule in this country. There is no point in carrying out prolonged and expensive investigations into the corruption, malpractice and mismanagement on the part of the former regime and disclosing all the wrongdoings and failures, only to allow those responsible to carry on mishandling major roles in the political life of the country.
“Those of you who are going to be engaged in party politics are urged to be mindful of what has been happening in the political field in many other countries. You are aware of the violence and disunity that accompany political activities in those countries, and the adverse effects on the welfare of the people.
Indeed the same happened in our own country in the past. You all can recall, as police and court records would confirm, the various violent incidents, including assaults, affray, and even arson, that marked electioneering campaigns until recently. In the new spirit of unity and peace, there should be no such incidents in the period before or during the elections. Gambians are hereby urged not to be persuaded by sweet-talking egocentric politicians who would promise you heaven on earth only to give you hell once you vote them into public office. The bitter lessons of the past thirty years and their disastrous consequences should be fresh in our minds at all times.
“Urge those of you concerned to conduct your lawful political activities peacefully without any attempt to intimidate others who do not share your views or objectives. This is what democracy is all about. Nobody will be allowed to do otherwise. Law and order must be maintained. In fact let me also give a warning that any use of tribalism, regionalism or derogatory language would cost those concerned a very high price. The peace, unity and brotherhood today of Gambians working for a common goal will not be jeopardised by political public office aspirants. The interest of the Nation takes precedence over tribal, regional or personal interest.
“I am confident that with God’s guidance, we will get to the elections peacefully, and go through them in like manner without the quarrelling and fighting that used to take place. It should not be too difficult to achieve this, since the period is not too long due to the genuine determination to adhere as closely as possible to the Transition Timetable.
“I thank you for your attention.”
Foroyaa’s Comment
Foroyaa commented that this was a commendable development. It said once enough time was given for Gambians to evaluate the programmes and potentialities of the parties which shall emerge, Gambians were likely to elect representatives who would not assume office just to misrepresent them. It said political campaign is not a mere contest of office seekers but a period to enlighten the electorate; that it calls for adequate time.
WHAT DID THE POLICE SAY?
By 19 August, 1996, the Inspector General of Police issued a press release barely a week after the lifting of the ban on political activities on permit for political campaign.
Foroyaa which monitored the Transition period asserted that the Press Release issued by The Inspector General of police on Permit for political campaign has no legal foundation and should be withdrawn.
The Paper cited the Decree itself which states categorically in section 2 that “The suspension of political activities is hereby revoked and no person, political party or organisation shall be subject to any restriction on the exercise of any political right:
“Provided that such person, political party or organisation shall in the exercise of such right be governed by the Elections Decree, 1996 and any regulations, rules, order or notices made there under.”
THE PRESS RELEASE
“I. The Inspector General of Police is hereby reminding the general public of the PUBLIC ORDER ACT.
“2. Following the lifting of the ban on political activities and the repeal of the political activities suspension Decree, it is to be noted that no political campaign or rally can be conducted without a permit.
“3. This permit can be obtained in writing from the office of the Inspector General of Police.
“4. The rationale for such is to ensure and indeed guarantee that peace and tranquility is maintained.
AllAfrica – All the Time
Originally posted here:
Ban on Political Parties Lifted, What Did the Decree Say?