By Kebba AF Touray, Reporting from URR
In a move to deepen democracy and promote public participation, the National Assembly of The Gambia on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, launched a weeklong regional outreach in Basse, Upper River Region (URR), under the theme “Bringing Parliament Closer to the People: Involving Citizens in the Legislative Process.”
The initiative marks the revival of the National Assembly’s Regional Outreach Program, the first of its kind since the Fourth Legislature, aimed at strengthening the link between citizens and their elected representatives.
Speaking at the opening, Clerk of the National Assembly, Khalipha M. M. Mbye, described the event as a milestone in the legislature’s effort to make Parliament more open and responsive.
“The National Assembly, as the embodiment of the people’s will, must remain accessible, responsive, and accountable,” he said. “This outreach is designed to ensure that citizens, no matter where they live, can interact directly with their representatives, understand parliamentary work, and contribute meaningfully to the legislative and oversight process.”
Mr. Mbye emphasized that a Parliament that listens to its people is one that legislates with relevance and impact. “By involving citizens in the legislative process, the National Assembly promotes inclusivity, transparency, and nurtures public confidence in the democratic process,” he stated.
He commended the Speaker and Members of the National Assembly for their foresight and commitment to strengthening parliamentary engagement across the country.
In his keynote address, Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, described the outreach as “a profound declaration of our commitment to the very principle upon which our democracy stands, that sovereignty belongs to the people.”
He said the initiative seeks to correct the long-standing perception that Parliament is a distant institution, disconnected from the everyday lives of citizens.
“The National Assembly is not confined to the walls of Banjul; it belongs to every Gambian, urban and rural, young and old,” Speaker Jatta said. “Through outreach forums such as this, we aim to ensure that no citizen feels disconnected from the decisions that shape our national destiny.”
He added that the laws enacted by Parliament have direct implications on people’s daily lives, from education and healthcare to infrastructure and economic development, hence the need for citizens to have a say in the lawmaking process.
“True democracy requires partnership, one where citizens are active participants, not passive observers,” he stressed. “A strong democracy is not measured by the strength of its government but by the strength of its citizens.”
Speaker Jatta reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and accessibility, noting that the legislature will continue exploring digital and participatory mechanisms to ensure that no Gambian is left out of the national conversation.
The weeklong outreach features interactive sessions with community leaders, youth and women’s groups, and local authorities, giving citizens the opportunity to directly engage their lawmakers on legislative and governance issues.
