By: Nyima Sillah
Foday N.M Drammeh, the former representative for the Tumana Constituency, advises legislators to minimize official travel and prioritize attending all parliamentary sessions, emphasizing that every vote is important.
He cautioned, “The government might strategically schedule the tabling of this constitution while many parliamentarians are abroad on official missions. I urge all MPs to prioritize and attend every session, as every vote counts in the decision-making process.”
Mr. Drammeh clarified that his advice is not intended to offend but to share insights based on his experience. As one of the fifth legislators, he witnessed the initiation of the new constitution process.
He argued that the 2020 draft constitution underwent a thorough process, capturing the voices of the people, and involved all necessary stakeholders and authorities. In contrast, he asserted that the new constitution was developed in isolation and did not follow due processes.
“No constitution should be created in isolation. All constitutions should be developed collectively and transparently. A significant amount of resources, time, and energy were invested in the 2020 constitution to ensure its passage. However, today, individuals have altered it to reflect their own ideas about governance rather than how the citizens want the country to be governed.”
He contended that the constitution is the supreme law of the land, and if one party’s or individual’s ideas dominate, it should be concerning for all.
Mr. Drammeh further stated that while amendments to the constitution are inevitable, they should be minimal and occur before voting, not afterward. “Laws should be made for the long term. You cannot create a law and then revise it within 3-4 years,” he added.
He urged all National Assembly representatives to set aside their political affiliations and reject the current constitution. “This is not about party interests, but about what is best for the country. This constitution does not reflect the wishes and aspirations of Gambians. We need the constitution that the Gambian taxpayers’ money was invested in—one that truly represents the voices and aspirations of the people,” he stressed.
Mr. Drammeh concluded by encouraging MPs to make decisions that serve the interests of the country, rather than the interests of the government.
