By: Nyima Sillah
Hon. Sedia Jatta, Chairperson of the People’s Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) and former Chair of the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs Committee, has strongly condemned the rejection of diaspora voting by parliamentarians, calling it “rubbish” and “intolerable.”
In an interview on Wednesday, Hon. Jatta questioned the decision, emphasizing that MPs are fully aware that the Constitution guarantees every Gambian the fundamental right to vote and stand for election.
“The whole Gambia should stand up and stamp this rubbish out of our practice. It’s simply not correct,” he said, adding that the issue is national and should not be ignored. “Everyone knows their decision is wrong.”
Hon. Jatta pointed out that the diaspora now represents the eighth region of The Gambia, with over 275,000 Gambians living abroad. These citizens contribute significantly to the country’s development through remittances. “These people are investing in the country, yet MPs, who swore to uphold the Constitution, are denying them their right to vote. This is wrong,” he stated.
He further emphasized that The Gambia is the only country where such a situation exists, noting that neighboring countries like Senegal, Guinea, and Mali allow their citizens abroad to vote. “Why should The Gambia be an exception?” he questioned.
“This is like treating our citizens as non-Gambians. Gambians in the diaspora are doing more for the country than some at home. I propose that we file a lawsuit against the National Assembly. The Supreme Court must step in as these lawmakers are blatantly disregarding the law. We cannot ignore this issue,” Hon. Jatta asserted.
The former MP concluded by stating that the rejection is an insult to both the diaspora and to all Gambians who care about the country’s future. “This issue is worth recalling these lawmakers,” he said, expressing regret that he was no longer in power to continue his work on this matter with Professor Faal and his team. “We must not allow MPs to trample on the fundamental rights of the people, especially those in the diaspora.”