The National Human Rights Commission is upset after Gambian lawmakers voted against letting citizens who live outside the country vote in elections. Many Gambians, both at home and living abroad, criticized this decision. Twenty-five lawmakers, mostly from the ruling National People's Party and their friends, said no to the bill. These lawmakers stopped Gambians living in other countries from voting despite how much money these overseas citizens send back home to help the national economy.
People against this decision include opposition lawmakers and supporters of Gambians abroad who believe everyone deserves a voice. NAM Madi Ceesay from Serekunda West called it taking away people's rights. Others pointed out how these same lawmakers ask for help from overseas Gambians but refuse to let them vote. Justice Minister Dawda Jallow explained they rejected the idea because of practical problems like not having special voting areas for people living abroad.
The Human Rights Commission released a strong message yesterday asking the government and Election Commission to make sure Gambians abroad can vote by the presidential election in 2026. They want quick action to keep promises made earlier to include all citizens. They stated that voting stands as a basic right for every eligible citizen, no matter where they live. Many international agreements The Gambia signed say the same thing about protecting these rights.
Both the Election Commission and government promised several times they would help overseas Gambians vote before the next presidential election. But the recent vote in the National Assembly that rejected part of the Elections Bill went back on those promises. This decision left out many Gambians who still help their country grow by sending money home - about 31.5% of the entire economy comes from these payments. The Commission believes despite any challenges mentioned by Minister Jallow during the debate, officials had plenty of time to solve these problems. They pointed out that nearby countries like Senegal, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, and Niger already let their citizens abroad vote successfully, and The Gambia could certainly do the same with proper commitment.
People against this decision include opposition lawmakers and supporters of Gambians abroad who believe everyone deserves a voice. NAM Madi Ceesay from Serekunda West called it taking away people's rights. Others pointed out how these same lawmakers ask for help from overseas Gambians but refuse to let them vote. Justice Minister Dawda Jallow explained they rejected the idea because of practical problems like not having special voting areas for people living abroad.
The Human Rights Commission released a strong message yesterday asking the government and Election Commission to make sure Gambians abroad can vote by the presidential election in 2026. They want quick action to keep promises made earlier to include all citizens. They stated that voting stands as a basic right for every eligible citizen, no matter where they live. Many international agreements The Gambia signed say the same thing about protecting these rights.
Both the Election Commission and government promised several times they would help overseas Gambians vote before the next presidential election. But the recent vote in the National Assembly that rejected part of the Elections Bill went back on those promises. This decision left out many Gambians who still help their country grow by sending money home - about 31.5% of the entire economy comes from these payments. The Commission believes despite any challenges mentioned by Minister Jallow during the debate, officials had plenty of time to solve these problems. They pointed out that nearby countries like Senegal, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, and Niger already let their citizens abroad vote successfully, and The Gambia could certainly do the same with proper commitment.
