By Mustapha Jallow
Senior staff of the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) with its development partners—UNDP and EU have concluded a week-long dialogue with Gambian citizens on the draft constitution.
Supported by UNDP-EU “Great-Project’’, the outreach aimed at facilitating comprehensive engagement, participation, and understanding of the content of the 2024 draft constitution bill and its progression through the legislative process, from gazetting to the National Assembly and finally to the Referendum.
Held in Brikama under the theme: “A New Constitution for a New Republic: Get Informed, Get Involved,” the event was attended by regional, and local authorities, opinion leaders, influencers, women, youths, and persons living with disabilities.
“Your presence demonstrates your commitment to ensuring that all voices are heard in this crucial constitutional building process, to ensure that the wishes and aspirations of the citizenry are fully reflected in the Draft Constitution,’’ Ansumana Ceesay, the program manager for NCCE told participants.
He added: “This Bill is not just a document; it is a blueprint for our future. It outlines how we wish to be governed, how our fundamental rights will be protected, and how we can build a more just and prosperous society.’’
Ceesay highlighted some of the key areas they have covered, with participants taken through the content of the bill to improve their understanding of the significant provisions on governance, human rights, and social justice.
He stressed the importance of people’s participation in the process not only the legislators and policymakers.
“We will discuss the mechanisms for public participation, how you can engage in the process, and how we can ensure that the voices of all sectors of society are heard,’’ he says.
Ceesay explained how the Constitution defines “our rights, responsibilities, and the structure of governance. He said building a strong constitution that promotes human rights and social justice is essential for a thriving society.
He said: “We want you to be engaging your lawmakers. If you call them for dialogue and they refuse to show up—go after them.”
Kaddy Keita, representing the women’s group in Brikama, thanked the NCCE for allowing women to participate and have a say in the draft constitution dialogue.
