One of the popular opposition parties in the country, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has described Gambia Moral Congress (GMC) Party leader, Mai Fatty’s words as a ‘misleading statement.’ As he said PPP member, Modou Ndow of Banjul Central voted against the draft Constitution promulgation Bill.
A statement signed by Ebrima Savage, PPP public relation officer (PRO) and made available to The Voice over the weekend stated that Fatty’s view has shown the desire of the PPP not to endanger President Barrow’s political ambitions as reported by local newspaper.
“Mai’s statement was grossly deceptive, and we urged him to apologize to the party. We want to make one thing clear to Mai Fatty our party has never at any time interfered in the work of our National Assembly members.
PPP strongly believes in democracy to strengthen that our NAMs shall be giving the independent to exercise their mandate without the interference of the PPP executive members,” the statement said.
The statement further said that National Assembly members shall act based on their conscience, and they should always put the national interest first.
“Mai Fatty deliberately failed to mention Hon. Fatoumata Njie (Touma) public support for the draft constitution which has demonstrated the internal democratic nature of our party,” the statement pointed out.
The statement also said given the above, PPP membership is being divided on the draft Constitution bill, revealing that some of its members did not support the draft Constitution bill on grounds that it omitted key fundamental clauses that are not in the interest of Gambians.
“While those on another side strongly support the passing of the draft constitution bill as it is a progressive one when compared to the 1997 Constitution. This leaves the party with no official position regarding The CRC2020,” the statement noted.
PPP urged its members and Gambians to learn from history that not all hopes are lost, saying that PPP had lost its first referendum for republican status, but respected the rule of law and started the process all over again.
“Although the circumstances were different and one could argue that it was decided by the people, not the parliament, but that is the nature of democracy and parliamentarians are the people’s representatives. We as a party and a nation must forge ahead and continue with the rebuilding of The Gambia.
More importantly, we will urge the National Assembly to review 1970, 1997, and the rejected 2020 draft constitution to make amendments to the1997 Constitution. We want to make sure that the changes reflect the desire of the Gambians and to ensure the continued existence of democracy, rule of law, peace, tolerance, and a fair and transparent system of using our elected officials” the statement said.
