By Mariama Marong
As part of ongoing nationwide consultations on the 2024 Draft Constitution, residents of Foni Bintang Karanai and Foni Berefet recently shared their views during a dialogue organised by the National Centre for Civic Education (NCCE). Many participants expressed reservations about the new draft, suggesting that the country could instead focus on amending the current 1997 Constitution.
The engagement, held in Foni Bintang Karanai, brought together National Assembly Member Bakary K. Badjie, community leaders, councillors, ward representatives, and concerned citizens. The session was part of a broader effort to promote civic understanding and public participation in the constitutional review process.
Some attendees said they felt there had been frequent efforts to rewrite the Constitution in recent years, which they believe could be addressed through targeted reforms to the existing one.
“We’ve seen several draft constitutions come and go. Perhaps what we need now is to improve the 1997 Constitution rather than start over again,” said Ousman Bojang, councillor for Bullock Ward.
Others shared the view that while the 1997 Constitution has strengths, it could benefit from updates that reflect democratic standards, particularly in areas related to the separation of powers and local governance.
Samba Keita, secretary of the Sibanor Ward Development Committee, said it is important for communities to have a say in selecting their local leaders.
“Allowing communities to elect their alkalolu and chiefs could strengthen grassroots democracy,” he said.
Hon. Lamin K. Jammeh, National Youth Parliamentarian for Foni Bintang Karanai, highlighted the importance of national dialogue in shaping the country’s legal and political future. He encouraged inclusive consultation and careful consideration of public concerns. “We need to listen to people’s voices and ensure that the constitution we adopt reflects their aspirations,” he said.
Some community elders, including Suteh Jarjusey, raised questions about the transparency of the drafting process and expressed concern over how the new draft came into being. “It’s important that citizens are kept informed about such major national processes,” he said.
Youth representative Sulayman Baba Badjie suggested that more time be allocated for consultation and public education, adding that inclusive dialogue is key to building trust and national unity.
Other speakers encouraged the government to prioritise social development alongside constitutional reform. They emphasised the need for laws that serve all Gambians equally, regardless of political background.
Hon. Bakary K. Badjie, a National Assembly Member, acknowledged the feedback from his constituents and reaffirmed his commitment to representing their views in parliament. He said while every constitution may have its challenges, what matters most is that it earns the confidence and support of the Gambian people.
“Laws are made for the people. We should ensure that the process is inclusive and the outcome reflects our collective interest,” Hon. Badjie said.
The NCCE is expected to continue its consultations in other regions as part of the effort to promote civic engagement and gather public input on the 2024 Draft Constitution before its next reading in the National Assembly.
