According to section 77 of the Constitution,
“The President shall at least once in each year attend a sitting of the National Assembly and address a session on the condition of The Gambia, the policies of the Government and the administration of the State.”
In the past the president’s address was referred to as the state opening of parliament. This was mistaken for the Westminster system where monarchy is responsible for the opening of parliament.
After the change of 2016 the concept of the president opening parliament was revoked. A new culture that was in line with section 77 was introduced. The president’s address is now referred to as ‘the state of the nation address’.
It is still desirable for the president to address the nation in the first quarter of the sessions of the National Assembly. It is only mentioned by the president and the ministry of justice that a referendum will be held in 2024. The president could give the details to the nation if it is done in the first quarter of the National Assembly.
