By: Haddy Touray & Malanding Darboe
The APP-Sobeyaa leader and secretary-general Essa Mbye Faal has stressed that democracy thrives when all citizens are empowered to exercise their rights, whether at home or abroad, adding that the Gambian people deserve a government that upholds justice, inclusivity, and constitutional integrity.
In an open letter to President Barrow, calling for the upholding of the voting rights of Gambians in the Diaspora, dated April 4, 2025, Faal argued that in spite of the President’s utterances, it is crystal clear that the NPP’s policy is to deny Gambians abroad the right to vote based only on political calculations.
“The world is watching, and history will judge the decisions made today. I urge you to take swift and decisive action to correct this injustice and allow all Gambians, irrespective of their residence, to partake in shaping our nation’s future. Together with the thousands of Gambians who have signed the online petition, I look forward to your immediate response and action on this matter. Yours in the service of the people of The Gambia,” Faal said in the letter made available to The Voice on Tuesday.
“I write to you as a fellow countryman and an advocate for the democratic principles enshrined in our Constitution. As the leader of our nation, you have the power and responsibility to address the pressing issue faced by thousands of Gambians in the diaspora who have been systematically denied their fundamental right to vote, a right guaranteed under Section 39(1) of the 1997 Constitution and reaffirmed by the Supreme Court of The Gambia in its landmark ruling of March 2021,” added the APP-SOBEYA alliance leader.
He contended that “the disenfranchisement of Gambians abroad is not only a legal injustice but also a democratic deficit that undermines our nation’s governance”.
“The contributions of our diaspora community to The Gambia’s economy are not just undeniable and indispensable, but they are also monumental. In 2024 alone, Gambians abroad officially remitted over $775.6 million, which accounted for 31% of our national GDP. This could easily exceed One Billion dollars if the informal remittance is included. This act of patriotism has provided crucial support to families, fuelled development, and reinforced economic stability, but it has also significantly shaped our nation’s economic landscape. Yet, despite their sacrifices, they remain voiceless in national decision-making, unable to exercise their right to choose their leaders and shape the future of their homeland,” he stated.
“Even though we belong to different political parties and hold different political views, I believe you can embrace genuine democratic and progressive political policies. You now have the chance to make history and to make good the promise that our constitution has bestowed on Gambians abroad. Your decision to bring about diaspora voting will not only strengthen our democracy but also inspire confidence in your government. Still, it will also allow thousands of Gambians to participate in our national politics.”
Faal lamented that it’s deeply concerning that despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, President Barrow’s government has not taken tangible steps to facilitate diaspora voting. He continued: “Your responsibility as President includes upholding the constitution, and your failure to act in this instance constitutes a clear violation of the constitution you have sworn to uphold and dashes the hopes and expectations of the Gambians in the diaspora.”
Faal said the urgency of diaspora voting cannot be overstated, as it directly affects the rights and participation of a significant portion of The Gambia’s population in the upcoming elections.
He, therefore, demanded immediate and concrete actions to ensure diaspora voting in the 2026 presidential elections, stating that the government should ensure that the required statutory laws and frameworks are in place to enable diaspora voting.
“The IEC must swiftly establish a framework for registering Gambians in the diaspora and ensuring their inclusion in the voter roll. The government must allocate the necessary resources to facilitate the logistical and administrative arrangements for diaspora voting and practical measures, such as embassy-based voting, electronic voting, mail-in ballots, or such other models must be introduced to guarantee that every eligible Gambian, regardless of location, can participate in the electoral process freely and fairly,” said Faal.
