#Editorial

The need for a new constitution!

Aug 18, 2023, 11:13 AM

The need for constitutional reforms in the country was the subject of a recent information and consultation session with different political party leaders and key stakeholders at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre in Bijilo.

It would be recalled that The Gambia's draft constitution failed to pass the scrutiny at the second reading stage after failing to meet the required threshold votes in the 5th legislative chambers.

People should bear in mind that not all citizens of the country will be satisfied with this new Draft Constitution as people will always have their differences. But what matters is for all to see the interest of the country first above all.

It would be interesting to state here that when the issue of the failed Draft Constitution came up. It gets the backing of many people in view of its broad public engagement and the inclusion of some contentious issues which include the retroactive clause for presidential term limits and secularity of the supreme book.

It is high time the new constitution of The Gambia is given the green light by our lawmakers.

In our Thursday's edition, the party leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), the main opposition party in the country, has expressed his resolve to constitutional reforms in the country. 

Darboe was speaking recently at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre in Bijilo, as discussion on the relaunch of the draft constitution begins.

These discussions with political parties and key stakeholders were aimed at having a consensus ahead of the reintroduction of the Draft Constitution.

We commend the party for their stance in ensuring that the efforts by different political actors is not just a mere lip service. Parties should exercise more commitment and make it a matter of urgency to have a new constitution.

It must be noted that the constitution of any country is the supreme law of that land and binds all persons and all state organs at both the national and local level. That in itself is laudable.

However, what makes this failed Draft Constitution appealing to many is the overwhelming involvement of Gambians. In essence, it is drafted in such a manner that as a Gambian, one could easily relate to it.

However, countries around the globe are updating their existing old constitutions by incorporating some new legal adjustment as development demands. We can't continue to lag behind.

We only hope that it gets the blessing of lawmakers this time when it is tabled for scrutiny, as discussion on the relaunch gathers pace.