Halifa Urges National Assembly to Prioritize Citizen Consultation on New Constitution

By: Fatou Krubally

The Secretary-General of the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), Halifa Sallah emphasized the necessity for citizen consultation in the process of crafting a new constitution for The Gambia. 

Sallah’s words resonated with a sense of urgency and responsibility towards the nation’s future.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, the PDOIS secretary-general stated, “A nation must have an understanding of what belongs to all of us. Gambia belongs to all of us. It is our property. How it is to be governed depends on us, all of us, each and every one of us.” With this statement, Sallah underscored the importance of collective ownership and participation in shaping the country’s governance structure.

Reflecting on the history of constitutional development in The Gambia, Sallah highlighted the flaws in previous constitutions, particularly the lack of term limits. He emphasized, “No term limit existed in 1970. That’s why the first president stayed here for almost 30 years. No term limit exists in the 1997 Constitution. That is why the last president stayed for 22 years.” 

This stark comparison served as a poignant reminder of the need for institutional safeguards to prevent prolonged rule and ensure democratic principles.

Turning his attention to the role of lawmakers in the constitutional process, Sallah issued a clarion call for parliamentary accountability.

“Your National Assembly members will now have to engage in a debate and vote to determine whether the bill will pass the second reading or not,” he stated. Sallah emphasized the duty of legislators to act in the best interest of the people and engage in meaningful dialogue to shape the future of the nation.

His remarks underscored the significance of citizen consultation, transparency, and accountability in the constitutional reform process. His impassioned plea for lawmakers to heed the voices of the people and prioritize the nation’s interests set a strong tone for ongoing discussions on the country’s future governance structure. As The Gambia navigates its transition, Sallah’s words serve as a poignant reminder of the power of collective action and citizen engagement in shaping a more inclusive and democratic society.