Accordingly, they appealed strongly to President Adama Barrow to urgently intervene.
The expression of anger and resentment across the diaspora suddenly ensued immediately the news broke that majority of MPs voted to exclude them from participating in future elections.
Nonetheless, several Gambians both in Europe, United States and elsewhere objected to the decision in spite of the meticulous, painstaking and legal argument forwarded by the government.
Also, despite the fact that The Point thoroughly reported a balanced view on the proceedings leading to the final vote, the response from the Gambians living abroad was overwhelming.
On the other hand, there are also mixed messages and inconsistent conclusions as some voiced that, after all, their votes do not matter. Some of these sentiments were echoed by certain influential Gambians either due to frustration or genuine disillusionment.
Responding to this correspondent Alieu Fye, UK-based Gambian professional, simply replied: “Off course we are presently picking the pieces … But to be honest, I am not politically attached to any party.”
However, Awa Jobe, fashion and stylist designer who recently moved from Europe to the US, noted: “We are simply downgraded as second-class citizens. Our neighboring countries have successfully modified their laws to enable citizens to votes … thus there is no excuse whatsoever why we are not allowed to democratically participate.”
The Gambians have also strongly argued that the contentious Clause 14 is not only “ambiguous but also vague” and therefore should be reconsidered.
Others equally feel that they are isolated and now politically out-of-the-way and thus upheld that the “ambiguities must be redress as soon as possible”.
The argument regarding the refusal or otherwise of the recommendation or suggestion of the Inter-Party Committee and Cabinet including other stakeholder consultations were also mentioned.
Whatever the case, it is important to note that Gambians in the diaspora are highly respected and cherished. They are currently performing a prominent role in the society.
Actively reporting their activities over the decades, they are also essential in promoting democracy and good governance by organizing meetings and consultations and equally acting as a key role in engaging others to ensure economic, social and cultural development.
