Three developments are taking place in the Gambia simultaneously:-
A National Dialogue has been convened to discuss about preserving the nation, safeguarding the state and securing its resources at a time when the IDEA mediation team is also meeting the executive and the National Assembly members in preparation for the tabling of the Bill on the promulgation of the Constitution of the Third Republic; and the UN assessment team is also meeting all political stakeholders on the way forward for electoral reform and processes in The Gambia.
The Gambian people should not be left behind in the process. They are ultimately responsible for participation in bringing any new constitution into force in a referendum. They are also responsible for putting candidates into office as president, national assembly members, mayors, mayoresses, chairpersons and councilors.
The law expects the leaders they put in office to perform their duties in the interest of the country and people without fear or favour, affection or ill will. The people must therefore be prepared to exercise their powers to bring leaders into office and a constitution into force without fear or favour, affection or ill will.
The beginning of 2024 is beginning to appear as the most important phase of the regime change of 2016. The transformation of the constitution and reform of the electoral process are the key reforms that could increase the empowerment of the people and improve the quality of democracy in the country, thus [i]consolidating the sovereignty of the people and the existence of a system of government that fosters and addresses their needs and aspirations. All should therefore take charge and none should therefore be left behind.
