Inter-party committee signs MoU

By Alalgie Manneh & Samsideen Ceesay The inter party committee comprising all parties in the Gambia yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding that seeks to govern inter-party relations. Speaking at the signing ceremony at the Kairaba Hotel, President Adama Barrow said the event is a byproduct of their common desire to create a peaceful and stable political environment underpinned by transparent and democratic political dispensation. President Barrow added the MoU is also designed to give dignity and respect to the office of the president, and encourage politicians to be partners in national development. “The MoU encourages government and political parties to operate within the confines of the constitution and other laws of the land,” he said, and “promotes the right of the political parties especially the oppositions, to operate freely and hold the government to account.” He promised to do “everything within his powers” to support the committee, whose objectives he went on, is to “ensure we live in a society were dialogue and cooperation between political parties will serve as a keystone in the promotion and consolidation of democracy, rule of law, human rights and good governance in the Gambia.” Speaking earlier, the chairman of the IEC, Alieu Momarr Njai, said: “How they [political parties] conduct themselves on the ground would determine to a large extent the quality of elections we could deliver.” Eight political parties: UDP, PPP, GPDP, NCP, NRP, APRC, GDC, PDOIS, signed the MoU.]]>