The highest court in The Gambia ruled on January 27, 2021, that Gambians living overseas have the right to vote in elections. This ruling cited section 39 of the 1997 Constitution. Hon Bakary Bunja Dabo and several diaspora activists brought this case forward. They wanted President Adama Barrow's government to ensure that Gambians abroad could exercise their voting rights.
Gambians living overseas play a huge role in supporting their home country. They send money back home that makes up about 32% of the national economy. President Barrow's team seems to value these financial contributions. Yet they refuse to let these same people vote in elections. Many believe this refusal comes from selfish political calculations rather than legal concerns.
The excuse that diaspora voting would break constitutional rules makes no sense. Parliaments exist exactly to change laws when needed. President Barrow had plenty of time to create a new law establishing overseas Gambians as voters. Instead, his administration asked the Attorney General to team up with lawmakers to cancel what the Supreme Court decided.
This attack on the court's decision hurts democracy in The Gambia. President Barrow and his political friends from the APRC party seem determined to undo progress. The GFA party strongly criticizes any lawmakers who helped block voting rights for citizens abroad. A clear division exists between those who want democratic progress and those seeking personal power.
The GFA urges all supporters of The Gambia to fight against sliding backward to the days of dictatorship. After eight years leading the country, President Barrow has failed to deliver a new constitution, and most government reforms have stopped moving forward. His treatment of Gambians living abroad shows he stands on the wrong side of history. These citizens deserve respect and full voting rights.
Gambians living overseas play a huge role in supporting their home country. They send money back home that makes up about 32% of the national economy. President Barrow's team seems to value these financial contributions. Yet they refuse to let these same people vote in elections. Many believe this refusal comes from selfish political calculations rather than legal concerns.
The excuse that diaspora voting would break constitutional rules makes no sense. Parliaments exist exactly to change laws when needed. President Barrow had plenty of time to create a new law establishing overseas Gambians as voters. Instead, his administration asked the Attorney General to team up with lawmakers to cancel what the Supreme Court decided.
This attack on the court's decision hurts democracy in The Gambia. President Barrow and his political friends from the APRC party seem determined to undo progress. The GFA party strongly criticizes any lawmakers who helped block voting rights for citizens abroad. A clear division exists between those who want democratic progress and those seeking personal power.
The GFA urges all supporters of The Gambia to fight against sliding backward to the days of dictatorship. After eight years leading the country, President Barrow has failed to deliver a new constitution, and most government reforms have stopped moving forward. His treatment of Gambians living abroad shows he stands on the wrong side of history. These citizens deserve respect and full voting rights.
