By Adama Makasuba
The Gambian government has announced its intention to reintroduce a draft constitution previously rejected by parliament in 2021. The draft constitution, presented by the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) in March 2020, has been carefully reviewed and considered. It will be gazetted for three months, followed by an additional ten days per the 1997 Constitution. See below for the attachment.
The government spokesperson, Ebrima G. Sankareh, emphasized that the current version of the draft constitution reflects the nation’s core values and aligns with The Gambia’s status as a sovereign, independent, republican state with a multi-party democratic system. He reiterated the government’s steadfast commitment to democratic principles and regular elections based on universal adult suffrage, instilling confidence in the public about the country’s governance. He also highlighted that the draft constitution, rooted in established beliefs and values, upholds fundamental human rights and freedoms for both Gambians and non-Gambians.
Notably, the draft constitution introduces term limits for individuals holding the office of President, and importantly, it establishes a robust framework for justice and accountability in cases of heinous crimes. The government has made the document easily accessible to the public, available at the Gambia Printing and Publishing Corporation and on the Ministry of Information’s website, ensuring that everyone can stay informed about this important development and feel secure and protected.
You can download a copy of the draft constitution;
Draft constitution previously rejected by parliament in 2021.
