Buramanding Jaiteh, executive member of Gambia For All (GFA) party, Almammy Fanding Taal of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Dudu Jah of the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) and Pateh Baldeh of the National Reconciliation Party (NRP) have all hailed the steps undertaken by the Inter Party Committee (IPC) that brought together existing political parties in the country under one umbrella in creating the environment for political tolerance and inclusiveness among political parties and their supporters.
They made this observation on the sidelines of the Validation of the Strategic Plan Document of the Inter Party Committee that seeks to create common platform for all political parties in the country. As their quest to strengthening democracy, resolved misunderstandings and promote their welfare.
The Validation took place at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo and has attracted all political parties in the country, CSO, UN Agencies, IEC among other partners.
In his reaction to the development, Buramanding Jaiteh, an executive member of Gambia For All party said the determination Gambians have to come this far should be the same determination that should drive them through to the future. Adding that, the validation of the Strategic document is a milestone that rekindled hopes and aspirations that the future is bright for Gambian politics anchored on peace, unity, understanding and tolerance.
Jaiteh allayed fear of Gambians and non-Gambians amidst agitations and violent election season, arguing that the political situation largely depends on the citizenry who are highly expected to operate within the confines of the law in ensuring peace and stability.
“Effort like this is really very useful and is a test to the health of our democracy, it is owned by Gambians and run by Gambians. This is the only way we can renew and strengthen our democracy and our governance system,” said Almammy Fanding Taal, member of UDP and Spokesperson of the part.
He added: “It is very important that party leaders and their members take heed of the messages and take it back to their members and to their ranks and file members to practice the values of inclusive process.
We are really grateful that this opportunity is now available to Gambians and is very encouraging that members of the IPC are from different political parties and significantly they are not the majority political party members in parliament or in the local governments that is also a good sign of political inclusiveness.”
Dudu Jah, Deputy Spokesperson of Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) has observed that the spirit within the Inter-Party Committee members has been very high depicting the One Gambia, One People agenda, noting that the essence is to come together and work for the interest of the country irrespective of political affiliation.
“Am of believe that the dynamics of Gambia’s political landscape is changing especially with the participation of the youths. We are of believe that the youths will learn from the elders to promote peace and tolerance during forthcoming elections,” Dudu Jah disclosed.
Pateh Baldeh, Communication and Public Relations Officer of National Reconciliation Party (NRP) commended members of the IPC for formulating a very good document that put into consideration the wishes and aspirations of all political parties irrespective of size and dynamics, noting that the policy document has spelt out all the responsibilities of political parties in ensuring a peaceful and tolerant elections.
“We hope that what has been agreed here will be translated to our party leaders and the militants so that no one will take the laws into its hands and the peace and stability of the country will be maintained,” NRP Communication chief stated.
