Many people are going about to indicate that the Diaspora has been deprived the right to vote by a new elections instrument. The fact of the matter is that the Elections Bill is still at the consideration stage and is yet to become law.
It has been pointed out in Foroyaa over and over again that the existing law states as follows. Section 11 of the Elections Act makes provision for the registration of Gambians at home and abroad as follows: “The Commission shall prepare, compile and maintain in accordance with this Part, a Register of voters for each Constituency and a register of Gambian registered voters in foreign countries.”
Hence section 11 calls for the registration of Gambians in the Diaspora.
Section 141 of the Elections Act states:
“The Commission may make rules for Gambians in any foreign country to vote in a Presidential election.
This is the law that is in force. The Elections Bill which aims to oust the current Elections Act is yet to be. That is how matters stand. In fact, the controversies surrounding the Bill should have motivated the mover of the Bill to take the right steps to address the controversies before moving forward. If they do not know the right steps, they should consult to know what is to be done.
