The Gambia Democratic Party (GDC), has filed in a petition against the mayoral candidacy of Talib Ahmed Bensouda of UDP and Ousman Rambo Jatta of APRC with issues they believe disqualify their candidature.
The party equally petitioned the APRC’s Basse candidate for chairmanship Pa Amadou Sussoh on the grounds of him being convicted in 2012, but no specific charge (s) was mentioned.
Mr. Bensouda, according to GDC, has no valid biometric voter’s card, disqualifying him as a candidate for mayoral. Rambo was said to have been convicted and sentenced to a fine of D1000 after being found guilty for fighting in a public place in 2010.
“GDC wish to notify you that the APRC mayor candidate for KMC was convicted by magistrate Lamin Mboge at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court in Nov. 2010. He was charged for fighting in a public place with one Basiru Bojang.”
“He was sentenced to D1000 fine or two months imprisonment. Given the above information, we are here urging the IEC to reject his candidature,” the petition stated.
“Secondly, the APRC candidate for Base Area Council was convicted and fined in June 2012. As a result, the IEC know that a convict can only contest election after ten years of conviction. Therefore, we are also challenging the nomination of that candidate as well.”
“We expect the IEC to play their referee role to the latter without fear or favour. Failure to do so, the entire world will question your integrity and put Gambia’s democratic gain at risk.”
Thirdly, the United Democratic Party (UDP) Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) mayor has no valid biometric voter’s card and therefore should be disqualified, the party stated in its petition.
“We solicit your speedy action into the complains put before you because GDC will not compromise the integrity of our elections and the laws of the land.”
Author: Momodou Jawo
Source: The Point
