Convention of Democrats and Patriots explained

The Convention of Democrats and Patriots (Convention des Démocrates et des Patriotes, CDP/Garab-gi) was a political party in Senegal that was led by Iba Der Thiam.

The party was founded by Thiam in June 1992. Its nickname, "Garab-gi", is Wolof for medicine, metaphorically reflecting a desire to restore the health of democracy in Senegal.[1] The group was part of the Let Us Unite League (Japoo Liggueyal Senegal), which held three seats in the National Assembly following the February 1993 parliamentary election, along with And-Jëf/African Party for Democracy and Socialism and the National Democratic Rally.[2] Thiam ran in the 2000 Senegalese presidential election, and after receiving 1.21% of the popular vote (fifth place) in the first round,[3] he backed opposition leader Abdoulaye Wade in the second round.[4] In the parliamentary election held on 29 April 2001, the party was part of the Sopi Coalition, an alliance of parties that included the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) of President Wade; the coalition together won 49.6% of the popular vote and 89 out of 120 seats.

The party subsequently merged with the PDS[5] [6] at a congress on May 7, 2005.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Frederic C. Schaffer, Democracy in Translation: Understanding Politics in an Unfamiliar Culture (1998), Cornell University Press, page 24.
  2. http://www.africa.upenn.edu/Newsletters/irinw_52198.html "Senegal: IRIN-WA Special Briefing on Elections in Senegal, 98.5.21"
  3. http://democratie.francophonie.org/IMG/pdf/RAPPORT_DES_MISSIONS_D_OBSERVATIONS_DES_ELECTIONS_PRESIDENTIELLES_27_FEVRIER_2000_-_1ER_TOUR_DU_SCRUTIN_19_MARS_2000_-_2E_TOUR_DU_SCRUTIN.pdf "RAPPORT DES MISSIONS D’OBSERVATIONS DES ELECTIONS PRESIDENTIELLES - 27 FEVRIER 2000 : 1ER TOUR DU SCRUTIN, 19 MARS 2000 : 2E TOUR DU SCRUTIN"
  4. http://www.nettali.net/spip.php?article3678 "Iba Der Thiam pourrait hériter du fauteuil, selon Nouvel Horizon"
  5. "Senegalese parties merge", RTS TV, Dakar (nl.newsbank.com), May 9, 2005.
  6. http://www.griooworld.com/article.php3?id_article=5310 "Alliance vs Fusion : Paradoxes des Rapports entre les Partis de la Mouvance Présidentielle et le PDS"