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Touma Njai vows to continue speaking for women

Feb 25, 2022, 11:02 AM | Article By: Ismaila Sonko

Hon. Fatoumatta Njai, alias Touma Njai, the National Assembly Member (NAM) for Banjul South, and the mover of the motion: ‘Constitutional Amendment Bill 2021’ has vowed to continue her advocacy until the Women, Youth and Physical Challenged Persons have their voices heard in the country. 

Hon. Njai was speaking to waiting reporters at the Parliament earlier this week after the Bill [Constitutional Amendment Bill 2021] she tabled before fellow lawmakers failed to proceed for a third reading as the required number of legislators was not available to vote the bill.

The Bill seeks to strengthen the composition of the National Assembly with 14 reserve seats for Women and Persons with disabilities.

The bill would have needed the support of three quarter in both second and third readings before it is enacted.

She cited standing orders clause 16 which states that; in an instant where the Constitution requires, the fixed majority desire on question, the Assembly shall not proceed on that voting until a number of equivalent members is present at the time of voting.

The Banjul South lawmaker said she  followed all the International Convention and protocols in order to see thirty (30) percent female representatives at the decision making process in the country.

Hon. Njai said she was not disappointed with the turnout of her fellow parliamentarians because they were busy with their re-election. However, she said National Assembly sitting is mandatory and it’s their responsibility.