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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 28074, member: 2262"] Banjul's mayor blasted the National Assembly for stopping diaspora voting rights in the Election Bill. Twenty-five lawmakers, mostly from the ruling National People's Party and its friends, blocked the measure. This made many folks mad, especially Gambians living abroad and people against the current government. Critics claim this keeps important economic contributors from having any political voice during elections. Government officials tried defending themselves for legal reasons. Attorney General Dawda Jallow claimed they needed a special voting district for overseas Gambians, requiring changes to the constitution first. Many people see these excuses as just ways to keep Gambians abroad away from influencing politics back home. The real issue seems more political than technical. Mayor Lowe wrote her feelings to The Standard, saying it hurts seeing today's National Assembly work against citizens who helped put them in office. She believes every Gambian deserves a say in picking leaders regardless of where they live. The mayor thinks anything becomes possible when leaders truly want it to happen. She emphasized that strong determination could easily solve these voting challenges. The mayor highlighted how overseas Gambians make huge contributions beyond just sending money home. She dislikes when discussions about diaspora importance focus only on cash transfers. Mayor Lowe explained that Gambians abroad build connections between their homeland and host countries, boosting economic development through investments and skills sharing. She praised how these citizens actively help tackle development problems facing The Gambia despite living elsewhere. [/QUOTE]

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