By Kebba AF Touray
The long-awaited second reading of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia (Promulgation) Bill, 2024, is scheduled for July 7, marking a critical juncture in the country’s pursuit of a new democratic charter to replace the 1997 Constitution.
Justice Minister and Attorney General Dawda Jallow is expected to table the bill before lawmakers during the second ordinary session of the National Assembly. The draft constitution, which has undergone technical refinements since its initial rejection in 2020, has reignited public debate over key issues such as presidential term limits, gender representation, judicial independence, and inclusive governance.
If passed at this stage, the bill will proceed to a third reading and, ultimately, a national referendum, requiring the support of at least 75 percent of the entire Assembly at the second and third readings.
The government has characterized the 2024 draft as a “constitution for a new republic,” designed to institutionalize checks and balances, strengthen civil liberties, and reflect modern democratic norms.
The current legislative session is being closely followed by international development partners and advocacy groups, particularly given the previous draft’s collapse due to political disagreements. Many observers see the successful promulgation of a new constitution as essential to completing The Gambia’s post-dictatorship democratic transition.
