By Binta Jaiteh
The Local Government Amendment Bill 2023 has suffered a setback at the Parliament, thus trashed by the National Assembly.
The bill was tabled by Hon Yaya Sanyang, a National Assembly Member for LatriKunda Sabiji member last week. The bill seeks to nominate councilors and selected members of the local councils voting rights as opposed to the 2002 Local Government Act to ensure that the interests of all Gambians are represented at the local government.
Yesterday, 19th December 2023 was scheduled for the second reading but it was unfortunately that the bill was rejected after a controversial and thorough debate, whereby 27 members voted against the bill being read the second time while 17 voted for the bill.
Speaking during the debate Hon Omar Jobe, NA member for Niani asked a question from the presenter of the bill whether he has made a consultation with the select committee of regional government and the Ministry of Local Government.
He said selected councilors can be given a voting right but he referred to resolution 23 that the select committee on regional government must ensure that the local Government Act 2022 and Finance Audit Manual 2024 are reviewed latest December 2023.
He argued that passing this bill means they are putting the cart before the horse, “looking at the Act 2022 a lot of important issues are affecting the councilors. I feel we need to look at the general Act.”
Honourable Almamy Gibba, the Foni Kansala NAM thanked the mover saying laws are here to guide and they will enhance their movement.
“In the aspect of the councilors, I think we should be very clear as to the direction we want to take and how we pursue the issue of nominated members within and have a sense of direction to see that this law is here for prosperity,” he reminded the members.
He disclosed seeing the nominations and those nominations, most of them may not be along the line of disability or youth affairs but are based on the party line and interest group.