Editor,

Please allow me space to express my views. The conduct of the last local council election was very free and fair, havien been transparent with no intimidation. Because of this the I.E.C needs to be commend for a job well done.

All this goes to confirm that the Gambia, in terms of peace, is a country that cannot be compared with any other in terms of  electioneering.

I therefore urge the electorate to continue to keep the peace and tranqulity, since Gambia is known as the smiling coast of Africa and the haven of the world for that reason. I also want to thank the security agencies for their part in the entire process.

The only problem encountered was in the aftermat of the election, in Bakau, when Ousman Jatta “Rambo” won the old Bakau Cape Point ward.

This was the time U.D.P. supporters started jubilating, singing and shouting all over the counting station; from the independence Stadium towards the main town. They ended up having problems with the family members of the Bakau (M.P), which resulted in an exchange of missiles at each other. But with the quick intervention of the security, the situation was put under control.

I want to reiterate the fact that elections come and go, so we should not allow politics to divide us. We are one people, we marry and bury each other, therefore we should unite for the betterment of our town and people. The result in Bakau is a total loss for the opposition. The victory is for APRC under the leadership of President Jammeh who is working hard for the welfare of all Gambians.

Finally, I want to thank the President Jammeh ‘Fans Club’. I think they too should be commended for their loyal support to the APRC candidates, Miss Oumie Barry and Alhagie Adama Bahoum as well as our Lord Mayor, Yankuba Colley.

They are always out in large numbers during campaign periods and they spend the whole night sleepless, drinking chinese green tea with milk, and going out very early morning to the polling station to cast their votes for the APRC candidates.

We won the Bakau New Town ward, lost the Bakau Old Cape Point ward and won the mayoral position. The victory is therefore for APRC. The UDP is gradually losing ground in Bakau if you compare these results to those of previous years.

Basioru Gassama

APRC Youth Mobiliser

Bakau