By Fatoumatta Fatty
Open Society Forum The Gambia (OSFG), a registered civil society organisation aimed at citizen sensitisation and social cohesion, on Thursday launched a voter sensitisation and registration campaign.
The launching ceremony marked the beginning of a sensitisation programme that actively encourages citizens to register and exercise their franchise.
The event was held at the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute, GTHI.
The OSFG is the brainchild of concerned Gambians from diverse backgrounds committed to identifying and implementing sustainable solutions for national development.
Aminata John, president of OSFG said their aim is to support women, youth, marginalised, disadvantaged, and vulnerable citizens in various communities to exercise their civil rights and liberties.
“We need to own our problems, our solutions and write our stories,” she said President John urged Gambians to understand the importance of exercising their rights to choose a government and to quit shying away from participating.
“As the IEC prepares for voter registration and political parties begin to launch their election manifestos, it is important that we as Gambians consider the significance of exercising our rights to choose a government. We cannot make assumptions by staying away from voting because one will believe that reason will prevail and the right party or candidate will win. This should no longer be the way we do business by thinking that reason will prevail. We are referring to the ‘reason’ of those who go out to vote, not our own,” she explained.
According to her, OFSG is not affiliated with any political party.
“Our primary interest is to ensure that every eligible Gambian understands their right to exercise their franchise,” president John added.
Banka Manneh, a representative of the Diaspora, said no impediment should be placed on people who want to exercise their right to vote.
He said the IEC should make sure that they use everything in their power to enfranchise the people in the Diaspora.
Other speakers included Alieu Momar Njai, chairman of the IEC.
He assured the diaspora of their participation in the upcoming 2021 presidential election.
OSFG said it is a non-partisan organisation rekindling “the silent majority’s involvement and effective participation” towards national development.
