By: Haddy Touray
Sait Matty Jaw, co-founder and executive director of the Centre for Research and Policy Development (CRPD), has observed that The Gambia cannot afford to lose the chance of having a new constitution, noting that the constitution-building process must involve the participation of every Gambian and not just be limited to political parties and their leaders.
Mr. Jaw made these remarks during a town hall meeting at a local Hotel in Banjul on Tuesday, where he commended the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), the British High Commission and other partners for bankrolling such an important engagement.
“Let us be clear, Gambians cannot afford to fail again, the 2024 Draft Constitution is our second chance. The second chance is not a guarantee, it must be earned, it must be strengthened, and above all, it must be owned by the people,” he underlined. “This draft process proposes reforms that matter: Presidential term limit, issues of decentralisation and strong judicial independence, issues of gender equity and institutional accountability, but the strength of any constitution lies not just in its clauses but in its legitimacy. That legitimacy comes from citizens’ participation, transparency, and broad base dialogue, the very things that this town hall meeting is trying to amplify.”
According to him, CRPD through the benevolence of the British High Commission, was able to embark on nationwide citizen engagement to enlighten them on the importance and contents of the draft constitution, hinting that these engagements proves that Gambians across all walks of life are eager to have a new constitution that will reflect their voices, protect their rights and safeguard their future.
“Fellow Gambians, we are not just simply debating its legal text; we are debating the soul of the nation. We must ask ourselves whether we want a constitution that serves one leader or party or all citizens. We must also ask ourselves whether we want a constitution that will entrench old habits or enable a democratic future, or whether it will divide or unite us,” the CRPD executive director stated. “This is not the time for silence, it is time for courage, for vision, and collective action. We must reclaim the constitution as our own, not Barrow’s, not UDP or CRPD, but the people, and only the people, it will endure.”
He emphasised that CRPD is committed to advancing democratic governance in The Gambia and will continue to work with institutions such as WADAMOS, Gambia Participates, TANGO, NHRC and other partners, noting that these engagements will ensure that citizens are not just consulted but put at the centre of discussion.
Mr. Jaw argued that to ensure that a new constitution is born, Gambians, more than ever, want legislators to listen with humility and legislate with integrity, the executive leadership to rise above self-interest and embrace statesmanship, the civil society to remain vigilant, bold and united and most importantly, the citizens to stay engaged.
Yadicon Njie, executive director of TANGO, expressed the appreciation of the Home of NGOs to CRPD for starting the discussion on the draft constitution.
