Developments in Senegal are relevant to The Gambia. The Diaspora of Senegal has the right to vote. On the 25th of February, many Senegalese in The Gambia will also head to the polls. How they react to events in Senegal matters.
This is precisely the reason why Gambia has a stake in this election. The time left before the election is very short. Hence those whose candidature was rejected have to make a choice either to continue to struggle against their rejection or support other candidates. The decision such persons make should be in line with the national interest.
The ideal situation is for all those, who wish to participate to do so in the first round and then form coalitions if no party has more than 50 percent. Unfortunately that is not the case. Hence those left out should examine how their political weight could be exercised to enable them to get closer to their goals.
Division among those who are rejected could be avoided through discussion on how to improve the nomination process in Senegal to avoid any recurrence. The most important thing is to keep the people focused on casting their votes.
This would require two key platforms. The first platform is to maintain the status quo. The second platform is to change the status quo for the better. If peaceful elections are to be conducted the parties could agree on an agenda that would lead to either the maintenance of the status quo or the type of change that would incorporate the aspirations of all those who want change. Foroyaa will continue to monitor developments as they evolve before the February 25 elections.
