The review, held from 21 to 23 January, brought together members of the National Assembly Select Committee on Gender, Children and Social Welfare to examine the proposed bill ahead of its presentation to the Assembly for debate and consideration. The amendment seeks to reserve 14 seats for women in future elections as part of efforts to address gender imbalance in parliamentary representation since independence. It also aims to build stakeholder support for a constitutional quota system intended to promote inclusive political participation.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the review, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, noted that women’s representation in The Gambia’s political system has remained limited despite women constituting more than half of the population. He said the proposed committee bill forms part of efforts to address this imbalance and broaden participation in political decision-making.
The Chairperson of the National Assembly Select Committee on Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Hon. Fatoumatta Njai, acknowledged the support of International IDEA and the European Union in advancing initiatives related to inclusive governance and democratic reform.
Jainaba Faye, International IDEA Country Director, emphasised the importance of the Draft Constitution Amendment Bill 2026, which proposes 14 seats for women and 2 for persons with disabilities in the National Assembly.
She highlighted The Gambia's progress in women's political participation and the need for inclusive democracy. The bill aligns with international standards and The Gambia's commitments.
She indicated that the proposed reservation of 14 seats for women and two for Persons with Disabilities is intended to address historical underrepresentation and strengthen democratic governance in line with national and international frameworks.
The European Union Deputy Head of Mission to The Gambia, Mr. Raphaël Brigandi, described the draft constitutional amendment bill as a significant development in the country’s democratic process, noting its focus on women’s representation.
Mr. Raphael praised the National Assembly's efforts on the Draft Constitution Amendment Bill 2026, which proposes 14 seats for women and 2 for persons with disabilities. He emphasised the EU's support for The Gambia's democratic journey and women's representation. The bill aims to address the current imbalance, with women holding only 5 seats in the National Assembly.
The draft Constitution Amendment Bill will now proceed to the next stages of the legislative process in the National Assembly.
