By Adama Makasuba
The Gambia’s Parliament has rejected the proposal for diaspora voting, sparking widespread condemnation from Gambians at home and abroad.
Following an extensive debate, the voting outcome revealed a significant divide. Twenty-five National Assembly Members (NAMs), all affiliated with the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) and its ally, the National Reconciliation Party (NRP), supported the rejection, while independent members opposed it. Fourteen members, primarily from the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), also voted against the proposal.
In his remarks, Dawda A. Jallow, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, urged lawmakers to consult Section 39(1), which specifies that individuals must be registered in a National Assembly constituency. He pointed out that “the diaspora is not currently assigned to any constituency.”
Dawda explained, “Even if this clause were approved, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) could not implement it without the diaspora being allocated to a constituency. This would necessitate an amendment to Section 88 to increase the number of constituencies.” Jallow added, “It’s a dilemma. Should we empower the creation of constituencies now or defer until constitutional changes are made? The draft constitution was anticipated to address these issues, but until it is amended, the diaspora cannot be registered.”
