Section 25 of the Constitution states:
“Every person shall have the right to—
(e) freedom of association, which shall include freedom to form and join associations and unions, including political parties and trade unions.”
Section 26 empowers each citizen to take part in public elections to vote and stand for elections based on the standards and qualifications established by law.
Section 60 however gives political parties certain powers and duties. It states:
“(1) No association, other than a political party registered under or pursuant to an Act of the National assembly, shall sponsor candidates public elections.
(2) No association shall be registered or remain registered as a political party if-
(a) it is formed or organised on an ethnic, sectional, religious or regional basis;
(b) its internal organisation does not conform with democratic principles; or
(c) its purpose if to subvert this constitution or the rule of law.
(3) An Act of the National Assembly shall make provisions for the better implementation of this section.”
Hence all Gambians should know their constitutional rights and duties. In other words, all who form political parties regardless of their names should ensure that they are consistent with the Constitution and other laws of The Gambia.
