By: Kemo Kanyi
The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG) has stated in a presser on Sunday that it maintains its position of reiterating the reintroduction of the 2020 draft Constitution or includes the omitted entrenched clauses in the recently introduced 2024 draft Constitution.
“Following the recent submission for reading of the executive’s 2024 amended Draft Constitution, we the CoPGwant to reiterate our position, as in our petition, for the reintroduction of the 2020 Draft Constitution or otherwise include the omitted entrenched clauses, the provisions on assets declaration to the Anti-Corruption Commission for anyone holding public office before and after serving and the appointment of the Heads of the Independent Institutions through the approval of the National Assembly. These are provisions that endear transparency and accountability,” the presser stated.
The movement stated that it was dissatisfied with the dissemination of its information after holding a press conference on the 12 December, 2024, saying that nonetheless ‘’we are still committed to ensure that the voice and choice of the citizenry is valued and respected.’’
‘’It has also come to our notice that some stakeholders are showing support for the 2024 amended constitution without proper consultation with the provisions within and with the most relevant stakeholders and the citizenry, this is unacceptable and we call on all these relevant stakeholders to desist from this act and ensure that any support for this sacred document must come after a thorough consultation with the citizenry and meaningful dialogue with the relevant stakeholders who are the reason for the constitution and have paid for it,’’ CoPG expressed discontent.
‘’The CoPG want to call on the State’s Legal Counsel, the National Assembly, the stakeholders and goodwill friends of our dear Motherland to engage in a meaningful dialogue to once and for all solve this political tussle and stalemate which is retarding the much anticipated reliable and credible democratic values and good governance Gambians expected,’’ it added.
‘’We also want to assure the citizenry that we are committed to ensure that they get the constitution they want and deserve. We will strive and work and pray so that in unity and peace we will achieve the freedom we deserve to proof our brotherhood irrespective of our diversity. All’s done for the peace and progress of The Gambia our Homeland and dear Motherland,’’ the political movement gave assurance.