By Adama Makasuba
Honorable Halifa Sallah, secretary general of People’s Democratic for Organisation Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) has said they anticipated a PDOIS that will assume its role with its partners of holding the government into account, examining policies.
He made the remark during a press conference held yesterday at the PDOIS bureau in Churchill Town.
“So, the role of PDOIS is that both the government and opposition must be active just like the president goes on tour to find out how policies are being implemented. The opposition must also go on tour to find out how the policies are implemented. If not a monopoly of the person who is governing, it is a duty to everybody who wants a better society,” he said.
“So, what we anticipate is a PDOIS that will assume its role with its partners of holding the government into account, examining policies, sending people to the people so that in these five years The Gambia will have a very vibrant participatory democracy. Even if we do not take the right direction in terms of law and policy there will be an alternative so visible that people will be able to effect the change that is necessary. That is my colleagues what you assigned me to put to them and I hope I have done due service to the mandate given me,” he added.
“We’ve heard President Barrow’s address but there is only one shortcoming in the address and it is a shortcoming of most African leaders. When they talk, they say well, it should be the election behind us, let now come together and put politics aside and let’s build this country. Is like opposition is no longer relevant, let all being one and build this country. But we want to share with him what an opposition is in a country so that thinking can be put aside.”
“When a government is elected, the person occupies a national post belonging to all. That person should be respected and should be allowed to govern on the basis of the constitution of the land and the laws of that land. And nothing should be done to interrupt that legitimacy. But that government must also recognise the rights of the opposition to hold it to account. So, whoever departs for constitutionality, for good governance,” he stated.
