The major force in the Gambian politics that should have swayed the masses was PDOIS. This party has principles and a good out-look for the Gambia. from their early days, things didn't go well with them. One strategy I find puzzling was their non-association with villagers they encounter during campaign trials. I first came across PDOIS in the 1987 election. They won me over instantly, even though at that time I was under the legal age of voting. Their message hit home smoothly. I can still remember Sedia's Jatta's comments about a frog in the well, enjoying whilst the well is full with food and goodies.

The big problem for PDOIS, which they did not realise, was their refusal to stay with folks in the provinces. they did not stay with the people; they did not drink from other people's home, neither did they eat from villagers. This, I believe, was a major cultural shock to the local masses. Yes, PDOIS was doing its best to change the culture of wastage and partying. But they went over the top in that process of being independent of the local people's food and water. But our culture encourages sharing and communal socialising. this affected PDOIS very much because the people saw that attitude as arrogance - they were seen as a group of people who did not have much respect for the people, so the people blinded themselves to the messages of the party.

Another down side of PDOIS was their insistence on having a close hierarchy. It has only been the same people saying the same thing within the party; there has been very few new faces within the party with any serious authority to speak on their own behalf. The party should have allowed other members to speak on issues of human rights, religion, education, et cetera. Every important social institution should be handled by experts; not one person doing all the talking. This made the party unattractive.

 Also, succession issue should be made such that the grass roots are involved and are in the know. In general, the party was the most viable party worth our time and energy. They have in place a program - an ideology that people can analyse and study, or even criticise, whilst other parties lack this vital element.

Politics is about ideas and leaders. African leaders seem to be good at one thing, that is locking up people and making life hard for their opponents, although even God leaves us alone to do as we like until we meet him. Why can't our leaders be soft on less critical matters? why can't they overlook trivial matters? They should concentrate on building ideas and being in tune with modern politics. They should labour to Africanise issues that will bolster our identity and respect. They should build on uniting the people regardless of political affiliation. True peace is hard to achieve, but creating a good cordial environment helps.

Finally, the shock of the last election was a big assault on PDOIS and the Gambia. The failure of Halifa Sallah to win back his Serrekunda seat was a shock to all lovers of democracy. Halifa is force to be reckoned with whether one likes him or not. He is good for the Gambian politics, it was a big blow to him and the people of the Gambia.

The epitome of the daily political discussion is the National Assembly. An effective National Assembly should have men like Halifa, he has the charisma and eloquence to deliver critical messages. And lovers of politics will always be interested in his analysis.

There is still hope, lets hope for the best.

_{*The views expressed above do not in any way reflect the views of this paper.*}