By Lamin Cham
Inter-Party Committee (IPC) the permanent institution set up by Gambian political parties committing them to a common interest of ensuring peaceful electoral and political process, on Monday signed an MoU with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) at its newly acquired headquarters in Bijilo.
Outlining the partnership, IPC co-chairman Musa Amul Nyassi said the event was a culmination of a rigorous process which involved consultations among IPC members and NDI in scrutinising the document which now binds the two in their common interest to facilitate a peaceful political engagement in The Gambia. He said the document is open to amendment when and if necessary.
Nyassi, the APRC NAM for Foni Kansala, thanked NDI as the newest partner of the IPC and said they look forward to a fruitful relationship between the two. “The IPC has continued to attract admiration from many quarters especially in the region with many nations and groups understudying the unique Gambian example of creating a platform where different political parties operate on common interest so peacefully. I think we owe it to ourselves and our nation to protect this enviable image and maintain our place as the reference point in the region,” Nyassi extolled his colleagues in the IPC.
He reported with delight that most decisions are taken by consensus at the ICP no matter how contentious. “We almost never had to resort to voting which shows how committed and efficient the IPC is in ensuring peaceful co-existence and among each other,” he said.
Addressing the ceremony, the NDI resident director Raymond Esebagbon said NDI is a non-partisan, non-profit organisation that works with partners in developing countries to increase the effectiveness of democratic institutions.
He said NDI is supporting IPC to facilitate inter-party dialogue on critical constitutional and electoral reforms. As well, NDI will work with the IPC to build the knowledge and skills of member political parties to engage in issue-based campaigns, participate in candidate debates, and encourage commitments to a peaceful 2021 presidential election.
He added that the NDI is delighted to support the IPC at a time when the country is heading to a major election in December.
“The NDI is supporting The Gambia’s Inter-Party Committee to facilitate inter-party dialogue on critical constitutional and electoral reforms. As well, NDI will work with the IPC to build the knowledge and skills of member political parties to engage in issue-based campaigns, participate in candidate debates, and encourage commitments to a peaceful 2021 presidential election,” Mr Esebagbon said.
