By: Fatou Krubally
The UDP leader has called for the scrapping of the “Barrow Constitution” and the reintroduction of the 2020 draft constitution.
Lawyer Ousainou Darboe asserted that the 2020 draft was more inclusive and representative, arguing that the proposed 2024 draft constitution which, he called, “President Barrow’s constitution”, does not serve the interest of the Gambian people.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the long-standing opposition leader said the Barrow administration has been manipulating the constitutional process to suit its own agenda.
“The 2024 draft is not a people’s constitution, it is Barrow’s constitution. It is designed to protect his interest and keep him in power, rather than serve the nation,” Darboe stated.
He recalled that the 2020 draft constitution had undergone extensive consultations and was widely accepted before being discarded by the current government, adding that the decision to abandon it was politically motivated, as the draft contained provisions that would have prevented President Barrow from extending his stay in power.
“The 2020 draft had the aspirations of the Gambian people. It included strong democratic principles, term limits, and mechanisms to prevent abuse of power. Why was it rejected?” stated Darboe.
The UDP leader said the draft was rejected because it did not favor Barrow.
He warned that pushing forward with the 2024 draft would be a betrayal of the Gambian people’s trust and a step backward in the country’s democratic journey. He urged all stakeholders, including civil society and the international community to reject the new proposal and demand the return of the 2020 version.
“This is not just about politics. This is about the future of our country. If we allow this government to impose a constitution that serves its own interests, we are setting a dangerous precedent,” he said.
The opposition leader’s remarks have intensified the debate on the constitution-building process, with many questioning whether the government’s approach is truly in line with democratic principles.
For now, the fate of Gambia’s next constitution remains uncertain, but the opposition has made it clear that they will continue to fight for the reinstatement of the 2020 draft.
