SET THE CAPTIVES FREE

This post may ignite sentiments that may not sit well with the political establishment especially those in the opposition. Political parties are formed to champion the political ideology and aspirations of members who subscribe to it.  Political change in democratic dispensations are ONLY guaranteed through suffrage  (the ballot). This is not an easy task especially in a simple majority sytem where winner takes all prevails. A political mandate in my view is the unanimous decision of the electorate conferred to a candidate to spearhead the affairs of the state. Under a robust system this mandate will be put under a tacit scrutiny to solidify the will of the people by imposing an absolute majority. An absolute majority is confirmed through a second round of voting to assure a 50 plus 1.

Unfortunately that doesn't obtain in the Gambia and the irresponsible attitude of the party Czars are becoming a disservice to the people. Basically the will of the electorate can ONLY be manifested meaningfully under a broad based coalition ideally led by a party but if these political operatives don't comply to the logic of the day, then they have effectively kidnapped our wishes thereby making us captives of our aspirations. Inorder to set the captives free, the captors must be admonished by bringing in an outsider to bridge the gap/divide they find hard to address amongst themselves. The ransom is the provision of an independent candidate. Gambians who want change have been at the mercy of the parties who cannot identify with the aspirations of their members. That said, we the electorate have paid our ransom and want to be set free by the political establishment that looks out for their ill conceived personal interest. We need to sort ourselves out because the political class cant solve our problems. We want them to free us from the stalemate they have lured us in to. Our interest is a New Gambia and their interest is the personalisation of our political process. We deserve better and we will ask for a better arrangement or we will create an alternative that suits our aspirations. Wake up and sense the pulse of the Gambian electorate who want change.