By: Binta Jaiteh
Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) has tasked Gambia’s lawmakers to unify their positions to advocate for a constitution.
“This is a legacy project and it should not be seen as a legacy for the executive but a legacy for the sixth legislature to work together and attain the consensus required. I called on the politicians and National Assembly Members to go out with one voice to advocate for a constitution,” he said at the opening ceremony of a two-day induction meeting with NAMs on the resumption of the constitutional reform process in The Gambia.
Through funding from the European Union, the International IDEA gathered legislators at Sir Dawda Kairaba JawaraInternational Conference Centre on Monday and Tuesday for a two-day dialogue as efforts were being scaled up to usher in a constitution for The Gambia without the obnoxious provisions of the 1997 Constitution. The two-day dialogue was aimed at consolidating the gains that the country has so far made in the area of democracy.
The EU ambassador and Head of Delegation, H.E CoradoPampaloni, reminded NAMs that in embarking on the “crucial journey” of constitutional reform, it is essential for them to remember that reform is not merely a legislative process but a golden opportunity to lay down the foundational principles that will guide the Gambia towards a prosperous future.
“It is the chance to enshrine the values of democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law into the very fabric of your nation. National ownership of the constitutional reform process is paramount,” he emphasized. H.E. Pampaloni added that national ownership of the reform process ensures that reforms are rooted in the unique social-political context of The Gambia and reflect the aspirations of the people.
The Clerk of the National Assembly, Momodou A. Sise, said the dialogue will provide NAMs the opportunity to take a deeper look, more calmly and soberly into key questions that define the politics and shape the political configuration.
“As you engage in this dialogue, I wish to encourage you to take advantage of the previous lessons learned and explore options that other countries and international agencies can offer. There is little need to reinvent the wheel to deal with issues such as incorporating human rights, guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary, subsuming security forces under civilian democratic control, and guaranteeing each citizen the exercise of a free, fair, and credible vote,” Sise stated.
He thanked IDEA for the “absolute commitment and tenacity” that it demonstrated and continues to show towards the advancement of democracy worldwide and the European Union for continued funding of these initiatives.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Fabakary TombongJatta, noted that the core functions of any constitution are to frame the institutions of the State and to determine who exercises the power and authority of the State, how it’s done,and for what purpose.
“Constitutions neither fall
from the sky nor grow naturally on the vine. We can agree to disagree but in the final analysis, shaping the future of The Gambia is the vision we all share,” Speaker Jatta asserted.