Awa Sisay Sabally, Vice Chairperson of the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) has called on Gambians to actively participate in the national consultation process of the constitutional review commission.
She was speaking at Essau in Lower Nuimi district of the North Bank Region on Monday 5th November, 2018. The Constitutional Review Commission is established by an Act of the National Assembly, mandated to review and draft a new constitution as well as write a report to this effect.
Since the change of regime in Dec 1, 2016 in The Gambia, many nationals have been calling on the government of President Adama Barrow to replace the current constitution.
Many Gambians have alleged that the former President Yahya Jammeh have tailored the constitution to suit his quest to holding unto power for life.
An official of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), Dr. Adem Abebe has observed that the former dictator has amended The Gambian constitution for at least fifty times. “We are here to discuss with you on issues that you feel should be left in the constitution, issues that you think should be replaced and issues that you think should be removed from the constitution,” Commissioner Awa Sisay Sabally told her audience in Essau.
According to her, Key areas to be discussed during the nationwide consultation will include, citizenship, death penalty, electoral reforms, age limit for aspiring candidates as well as human right issues among others
Chairperson Sisay Sabally continues to disclose that it is imperative for the commission to go all out and meet The Gambian people so that they can have a voice in the whole process of the constitutional review.
“We want the citizens to actively participate in the process so that by the end of the day every Gambian can see him / herself in the review. We want the process to be participatory, inclusive, transparent as well as citizens to take ownership of the overall review and drafting of the process,” Vice Chairperson disclosed.
Ebrima KS Dampha, Governor of North Bank Region, welcome the delegates in his region, adding that the Constitutional Review Commission is a national issue that every Gambian should take ownership of and participate meaningfully.
Governor Dampha call on the people of his region especially the youths and women to participate fully towards the building of a new constitution.
Among the delegates of the nationwide consultation includes Commissioner Gaye Sowe, Commissioner Yankuba Dibba and Commissioner Melvin George among other commission members and the media.
Author: Kebba Ansu Manneh, on Tour