Political expert Sait Matty Jaw thinks the two biggest parties need to agree before The Gambia can fix its constitution. He told The Standard newspaper that the ruling National Peoples Party must work with the opposition United Democratic Party since they control most seats in parliament. Their teamwork matters most right when lawmakers prepare to read the draft constitution a second time. After that step passes, Jaw believes everyone should have a chance to share their ideas about the document.
Jaw feels hopeful about recent talks to restart discussions on the draft. He said any new constitution must protect term limits for presidents and ensure strong government agencies. Human rights protections also need to remain solid in whatever version finally passes through the system. The country has tried before to create better basic laws since voting out its dictator back in 2016.
Lawmakers shot down the first attempt at a new constitution in 2020. That proposal failed because it couldn't get support from three-quarters of the National Assembly members, as required by law. Regular citizens really want these changes—surveys show 86 percent favor limiting how long presidents can stay in office. People across The Gambia hate the current constitution from 1997 and demand something better.
The government promised to publish another draft constitution officially in 2024. They delivered this version to parliament last December 23rd. Many critics call it the "Barrow Papers" because they think President Barrow influenced it heavily. These same critics complain nobody asked regular folks what should go into the document. They worry the draft gives presidents more power than citizens wanted and weakens important checks against government overreach.
Jaw feels hopeful about recent talks to restart discussions on the draft. He said any new constitution must protect term limits for presidents and ensure strong government agencies. Human rights protections also need to remain solid in whatever version finally passes through the system. The country has tried before to create better basic laws since voting out its dictator back in 2016.
Lawmakers shot down the first attempt at a new constitution in 2020. That proposal failed because it couldn't get support from three-quarters of the National Assembly members, as required by law. Regular citizens really want these changes—surveys show 86 percent favor limiting how long presidents can stay in office. People across The Gambia hate the current constitution from 1997 and demand something better.
The government promised to publish another draft constitution officially in 2024. They delivered this version to parliament last December 23rd. Many critics call it the "Barrow Papers" because they think President Barrow influenced it heavily. These same critics complain nobody asked regular folks what should go into the document. They worry the draft gives presidents more power than citizens wanted and weakens important checks against government overreach.
