According to the press release, the government has considered and reviewed the draft constitution that was presented by the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) on 30 March 2020, and has decided after thorough deliberation to gazette the constitution for eventual tabling before the National Assembly. The draft was gazetted on Wednesday 14 August for a period of three (3) months and subsequently for additional 10 days as required under the 1997 constitution. This process is essential in ensuring that the new draft constitution aligns with the expectations and needs of the Gambian people before it moves forward in the legislative process.
With the new constitution coming, it should reflect our aspirations. It should be noted that the 1997 constitution was amended 52 times, which has not been beneficial to Gambians.
Mr President, the new constitution is not just a political document, but also one that reflects the moral and ethical values of diverse sets of Gambians. It’s crucial that the public is well-informed and educated about the contents of the new draft constitution, especially with the referendum scheduled for December.
To ensure that everyone, including those who do not speak or understand English, is aware and can make informed decisions, sensitization campaigns should be conducted in all local languages.
Mr President, this new constitution must be a refined document that will pave the way for a democratic, prosperous and inclusive third republic. People welcome the long-standing call for The Gambia to introduce two five-year term limits. It should be noted that with the draft constitution, the clause that gives retroactive effect was removed.
Mr President, another commendable step in the draft is the inclusion of provisions to prosecute individuals who committed international crimes between 1994 and 2017 within The Gambia. Additionally, it is crucial that the Gambian diaspora be granted the right to vote and have representation in the National Assembly. Their voices matter, as they play a significant role in our economy. Another pressing issue that requires attention is the large number of children born in the country to foreign parents who lack the necessary documentation and pathways to be recognised as Gambians.
As the nation looks forward to the realisation of the new constitution, it is good to note that 75 per cent of the 58 members of Parliament should vote in favour for the draft to be adopted for referendum. And the referendum requires 50% of the registered voters must participate and 75 percent must support (say YES vote) of registered voters for it to be accepted. Total registered voters are 962,157.
Finally, your government's plan to increase the salaries of civil servants is a step in the right direction, given the high cost of living. Many are struggling to cover their monthly expenses due to the rising prices of essential commodities, rent, and transportation. The Government, through the Ministry of Trade, the Central Bank of The Gambia, Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, GRA, GPA, and the business community should meet frequently to see how best the prices of basic commodities are made affordable to the public. Most of the business people are taking advantage of the lack of price control in the country without tangible justifications. The salary increment will be timely and will pave the way to address the socioeconomic needs of the people. Additionally, since you assumed office in 2017 to date, the salary of civil servants has been increased twice, first in January 2019 with a 50% increment and in July of 2022 with an increment of 30%.
Good day!
The Point’s Editorial