Out of the 56 members of the National Assembly, 35 voted in favour of the 2024 Draft Constitution, while 21 voted against it. No member abstained from the vote.
Despite gaining a majority, the draft constitution failed to meet the required threshold of not less than three-quarters of all National Assembly members, as stipulated by law.
Pursuant to Section 226 of the 1997 Constitution, the Promulgation Bill required the support of three-quarters (42 votes) of all the National Assembly Members (58).
The current constitution section 226 2(b) and section 226 4(b) require that 75% of members must agree before it is passed which constitutes three-quarter of people in the Assembly who quarters must be in chambers.
Giving his submission during the debate, Hon. Musa Badjie, UDP Member for Tallinding Kunjang, did not mince words as he slammed the new draft for stripping away critical safeguards. “The 2020 draft was far more progressive,” he said. “This current version has removed important clauses that promoted accountability and transparency. It is deeply worrying.”
He argued that simply introducing presidential term limits was not enough if the constitution failed to curb presidential powers. “Term limits without effective checks and balances serve no real purpose,” he added. “I want the Gambian people to understand that this draft constitution is not in their best interest.”
Backing this sentiment, Hon. Lamin J. Sanneh of Brikama South also rejected the bill. He stressed the need for a process that is inclusive and truly reflective of the people's will. “Due to these shortcomings, I cannot support this draft,” he stated firmly.
On his part, Badibu Central lawmaker, Hon. Sulayman Saho, echoed deep scepticism about the process itself. “We cannot trust that if it passes this stage, the majority will do the needful,” he said. “This draft cannot be supported because it is not democratic in nature.”
Hon. Modou Lamin Biram Bah, Member for Banjul North, grounded his argument in the voice of his constituents. “I have conducted consultations with the people of Banjul North. They have clearly expressed their disapproval, and as their representative, I cannot support this bill.”
Hon. Muhammed Kanteh of Busumbala Constituency accused the process of being politically tainted. “The 2020 draft reflected the genuine views of the people. This one feels hijacked by political agendas,” he argued. He also criticised distractions brought into the debate. “You cannot waste our time with Goodluck Jonathan or any other eminent person,” he said. “Let’s focus on real dialogue, not theatrics.”
However Hon. Suwalbou Touray of Wuli East, cautioned against letting perfection be the enemy of progress. “No one should expect to have everything they want in the draft. It’s a give and take,” he said. “Individual egos cannot move this country forward; only collective interest can.”
Hon. Musa Cham of Serrekunda, encouraged MPs to rise above political pressures. “Let us not be guided by politics or personal challenges,” he advised, citing the social and financial pressures that may influence votes. “We owe it to the Gambian people to stand for what is right.”
Hon. Camara of Nianija warned against allowing social media to steer legislative decisions. “Let us not be guided by politics or influenced by so-called Facebook warriors who think they know everything,” he said, urging lawmakers to focus on conscience and national duty.
