By Mariama Marong
Communities in the Central River (NRR), North of the Gambia, have recently engaged their National Assembly Members in a consultative dialogue on the 2024 Draft Constitution.
The engagement, organised by the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) with funding from the UNDP, enables the people to acquaint themselves with the content of the 2024 Draft Constitution and to also share their ideas and views on the Draft before it goes for a second reading before parliamentarians at the National Assembly.
Speaking at the meeting held in Njau village in Upper Saloum Constituency, Hon. Alhagie Mbowe, the National Assembly member from the area, said it is fundamental for people to know about the draft constitution and its provisions.
Hon. Mbowe said having a new constitution would help strengthen democracy and the rule of law in the country, and said every citizen of the right age and qualification has the right to engage and or participate in politics and elections. He said the judiciary and other independent institutions are key elements in the democratic governance of the country, and the National Assembly is no exception.
In his intervention, the Chief of Nianija District, Dawda York, asked why the 2020 Draft Constitution was rejected by Parliament.
“before we can agree on a new draft.’’ He said it is their right to know what happened and what led to its rejection.
Responding to the Chief’s question, Hon. Amadou Camara of Nianija Constituency said the 2020 Draft Constitution was rejected based on several factors, which include a limit to the term and power of the President and impeachment.
“The 2020 Draft Constitution has seized all the power of the President. The President is elected by the people and he should have the authority to appoint the IGP and Ministers to run his government,” Hon Camara said, noting that the 2020 Draft Constitution was unjust to the President because it made him powerless in making decisions and appointing people.
He outlined that the 2024 Draft Constitution is what the country needs, and its provisions are well-suited for the future generation. He said this was made in the best interest of the Gambian people and state.
“I did not regret voting against the 2020 Draft Constitution because it does not serve any purpose for the President,” Hon. Camara said.
Ousman Bah of Nema village in Lower Saloum District said the constitution should not be there to serve the purpose of one individual, and said laws should be created to serve as a tool for the general good of all. He said the 2024 Draft Constitution should have laws that serve the interests of every citizen. Mr. Bah called on all parliamentary members from their area not to support any law that serves individual interests.
Momodou Touray, another native of CRR, said the dialogue is crucial because it will enable people to know what is happening in their parliament and will help them hold their leaders to account for making the wrong decisions in parliament.
On his part, the Chief of Upper Saloum District, Demba Sowe, said the citizenry have the right to know between the 2020 and 2024 Draft constitutions for them to be better informed on their decisions before it reaches a referendum. He urged all National Assembly Members to allow the 2024 draft constitution to pass the second reading in parliament, and for the public to decide on it at a referendum as well.
Omar Ceesay, who spoke on behalf of officials of the NCCE, said it is their duty to ensure that the citizens know about the 2024 Draft Constitution.
“Engaging people on the Draft Constitution is key because they need to be aware of the issues,’’ Ceesay said.
He said democracy comes with challenges, and people need to see themselves in the Draft Constitution and all its provisions.
