Decision of the PPP Board of Trustees
Date: 1st March 2025
The Board of Trustees would like to formally communicate to all party members and the general public regarding the decisive outcomes of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Elective Congress, which took place on 21st December 2024 in Banjul. This event was conducted following the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) statement that mandated all parties to organize congress. The congress was witnessed by the Independent Electoral Commission of the Gambia. The purpose of the Congress was to provide an essential platform for party members to engage in meaningful discourse and decision-making processes through representation from various constituencies. This included, but was not limited to, the election of key leadership positions within the party, such as the Secretary-General and Party Leader, Deputy Secretary General and party leader, National President, Deputy National President, National Treasurer, Deputy National Treasurer, and deliberations on any significant matters that could encompass constitutional amendments and party resolutions.
Powers and Responsibilities of the Board of Trustees as per Article 40 of the PPP constitution.
1. To serve as the embodiment of the party’s conscience, upholding its soul and sanctity while maintaining the highest standards of morality.
2. The Board is empowered to intervene in any disputes or crises within the party to preserve its stability at all times.
3. To provide counsel when deemed necessary, as well as initiate strategic policies that will guide the party’s direction.
4. Act as impartial arbitrators and mediators in disputes, ensuring that the party’s Constitution upholds discipline.
5. To foster reconciliation among party members, encouraging and facilitating amicable resolutions to conflicts.
6. To guarantee that peace and tranquility are maintained within the party, intervening when necessary to restore complete harmony.
The outcome of the Elective Congress held on 21st December 2024.
The PPP convened its Congress on 21st December 2024 in Banjul. As a result of the proceedings, Ousman Madikay Faal was elected as the Secretary-General and Party Leader, while Mbemba Nanko was elected as the National President. Mamtut Jeng secured the position of Deputy National President, Amie Jallow was elected National Treasurer, and Karafa Sambou was elected Deputy National Treasurer. The PPP’s Internal Electoral Commission publicly announced the results during the Congress, and the candidates confirmed the accuracy of the vote counts without dispute. The former Secretary General, Kebba E Jallow, publicly accepted the results and congratulated Ousman Madikay Faal on his new role. In a follow-up interview with Coffee Time with Peter Gomez and Kerrfatou, Kebba E Jallow reiterated his acceptance of the outcome, acknowledging his defeat.
Disputes arising from the PPP Internal Electoral Commission
A petition was filed with the PPP Electoral Commission, alleging a violation of Article 14.3(C). The petition claimed that individuals elected to the specified positions should be disqualified because they had not signed a consent form before the election. However, it is important to note that this article does not exist in the current PPP Constitution. It was merely a proposed amendment that did not receive the necessary approval during the Congress, garnering only 49 votes in favor and 31 against out of 106 total delegates. The required threshold for approval was a two-thirds majority.
The proposed amendment aimed to establish a qualifying criterion mandating candidates to sign a consent form before participating in the Congress as candidates, rather than after they had been elected by party members. This was outlined in the proposed amendment of Article 14.3(E), which the PPP Electoral Commission deliberately failed to acknowledge that their action was intended to mislead the public.
Mandate of the PPP Electoral Commission
The electoral commission exceeded its constitutional authority by engaging in actions that violated established party regulation. Following the conclusion of the Congress, their official mandate was supposed to come to an end immediately after they announced the election results. In democratic systems, there is typically no electoral commission that serves as both judge and jury in the elections they oversee. This is primarily because candidates may file petitions highlighting potential irregularities or unfair practices surrounding the election process. Allowing any electoral commission to adjudicate post-election disputes essentially transforms it into an arbiter, a role that is fundamentally incompatible with democratic principles recognized globally. Within our party, the appropriate body designated to handle disputes and arbitration is the Board of Trustees. This body is equipped to ensure that conflicts are resolved fairly and according to our party’s values. Additionally, candidates seeking to address grievances have the option to pursue legal recourse through competent judicial jurisdictions in The Gambia, thereby ensuring that their rights are adequately protected and upheld. This approach reinforces the integrity of our electoral process and emphasizes the importance of adhering to both party rules and democratic practices.
Composition of the Election Commission
According to Article 18.1 (2) of the constitution governing the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the Electoral Commission is required to be composed of a minimum of seven members. However, a troubling incident unfolded when a decision was made to disqualify a legitimately elected body of the PPP, a decision stemming from a questionable group comprising only four (4) or five (5) individuals.
In light of these events, the Board of Trustees is fully committed to implementing robust measures aimed at preventing any recurrence of such unconstitutional conduct in the future. We intend to uphold the principles of democratic governance and ensure that the electoral framework is respected and adhered to at all levels.
Decision by the Board of Trustees
Considering the abovementioned circumstances, the Board of Trustees has affirmed Ousman Madikay Faal as the rightful Secretary General and Party Leader of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). Alongside him, the Board recognizes Mbemba Nanko as the National President, Mamtut Jeng as the Deputy National President, Amie Jallow as the National Treasurer, and Karafa Sambou as Deputy National Treasurer. This resolution reflects the clear desires expressed by party members during the recent Congress, and it firmly asserts that no organization or individual, other than the Congress itself or a duly authorized legal authority within The Gambia, possesses the power to invalidate these election outcomes. These results are a true representation of the democratic preferences of the party members. Furthermore, this certification is consistent with the precedents established by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) regarding party congresses. It notably aligns with the IEC’s prior position in the PPP 2018 and 2021 elective Congress, where the commission upheld the decisions made during our party Congress. This reinforces the legitimacy and integrity of the electoral process within the PPP.
Media Advisory
We urge media organizations to uphold and defend the democratic rights of their fellow citizens by verifying the legitimacy of any individual claiming to represent the executive body of the PPP.
Next Steps for Transitioning Leadership
We are formally urging Kebba E. Jallow to swiftly return all documents, materials, and assets belonging to the party to the newly elected administration. The Board of Trustees is strongly advising him to discontinue identifying himself as the party leader and to refrain from utilizing any resources or materials affiliated with the party in any capacity. In addition, we intend to initiate constructive dialogue with him, aiming to address these concerns collaboratively and in a spirit of peace and reconciliation.
Recommendations for Madikay Faal and His Administration.
We urging the new administration to prioritize the reorganization of the party to ensure that all organizational structures and functional bodies are operating efficiently and effectively. The Board of Trustees will take the lead in overseeing this matter, ensuring that the necessary steps are taken to restore order and functionality within the party framework. Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to assure every member of our party that the board of trustees is fully committed to tackling this issue with the utmost seriousness and thoroughness. We understand how vital your trust is to us, and we want to emphasize that we are dedicated to maintaining transparent communication throughout this process. We will keep you updated at every stage, ensuring you are informed about the measures we are implementing and the progress we are making. Your confidence in our leadership is our top priority, and we are determined to address your concerns with clarity and diligence.
Alhagie Pa Waka Jobe
Chairman of the board of trustees
People’s Progressive Party
Cc. National Central Committee (PPP)
Chairman – Independent Electoral Commission
PPP Lawyer – Malick HB Jallow
Media
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