This bill, previously tabled but not passed in an earlier session, was reintroduced on Monday 3 February, to strengthen local government structures.
The proposed amendment seeks to remove voting restrictions on nominated councillors while maintaining those restrictions for selected members.
However, on Thursday, the member withdrew the bill stating that the withdrawal was based on two reasons.
“The withdrawal of the bill entitled Local Government Amendment Bill 2024 is based on two issues,” he explained. “First is the technicalities: I observed and made consultation with the drafting department who highlighted technicalities involved in the bill for it to be developed better. This prompted me to hold on the bill.
“Secondly, I have three other bills before the National Assembly and I want to lay all the bills on the same day.”
The Speaker of the House, Hon. FaBakary Tombong Jatta, accepted the withdrawal of a bill pursuant to Order 76.
If enacted, the amendment would grant nominated councillors voting rights, diverging from the 2002 Local Government Act.
Hon. Sanyang emphasised that “this change is essential to ensuring fair representation for all Gambians”, particularly marginalised groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
