The Country representative of International IDEA Jainaba Faye said that the engagement is a follow up of the just concluded induction session on constitutional reform for all National Assembly Members that was held last Monday.
“We are here today because we recognise the important role this committee plays in constitutional building. We are not only here to strengthen your capacities but to accompany you through this process,” she said.
“We hope that by the end of these sessions, our honourable members will champion the building of consensus around issues and ensure a human rights based approach is taken in our constitution building process,” she added.
Hussain Thomasi, solicitor general of The Gambia, said: “I wish to note that the significance of a new constitution in our transition justice process and the strengthening of our democracy is a responsibility for all. Each and every one of us has a role to play in ensuring that the draft passes through the National Assembly and eventually reaches a referendum.”
He highlighted that for this to happen, the draft must gather necessary votes in parliament, adding that they need to work together to make sure this vision is a reality.
“Given our history of dictatorship, it is incumbent upon all of us to ensure that reasonable compromises are reached to achieve consensus on the outstanding issues surrounding the draft constitution,” he further said.
The chairperson of the Standing Committee on Human Right and Constitutional Matters, Honorable Madi M.K. Ceesay said since the establishment of the committee in the first legislature, one of their major tasks is to anticipate and scrutinise the draft constitution. This he said, was never realised.
He therefore urged members to take the first step of the capacity building in anticipation of the bill so that they can do justice to it.
