The Gambian people have shown in the 2012 National Assembly Elections and 2013 Council elections that they are independent of the executive and could take decisions which go counter to the wishes of the executive. Out of 18 seats Independent Candidates won 4 seats and polled over 60,000 of the popular vote while APRC had 18 out of 23 contested seats and polled only 80,000 of the popular vote. Will those candidates be able to afford 50,000 dalasis as deposit if they are not supported financially by the people? Foroyaa did follow the cases of detained candidates who eventually won council elections after being released. Suffice it to say that 10 Independent Candidates won their council seats out 40 contested seats. Will these people who currently earn 1500 dalasis monthly be able to pay a deposit of 10,000 dalasis to stand as candidates in council elections if they are not supported financially by the people? Foroyaa will reach out to those councillors to find out their views as we continue our campaign for participation by calling for the deposits to be fixed by the IEC. What do you think?]]>
