A political group has fired shots at parliament over the new constitution draft. The Coalition of Progressive Gambians wants lawmakers to fix what they call major problems with the 2024 version. They released a tough statement Monday demanding changes before any voting happens. The group says parliament must bring back important parts that got cut from the original 2020 draft. They refuse to accept what they see as backward steps that hurt democracy.
Parliament first said no to the 2020 constitution draft years ago. Government leaders made some changes and sent it back as the 2024 version. The pressure group came out swinging just as parliament started debating the new draft. They claim the 2020 version came from real talks with regular people across the country. That earlier draft captured what most Gambians wanted for better democracy and fairness.
The coalition fears the 2024 changes wreck basic democratic protection. They want several key rules put back right away. First comes rules about honesty for government officials. Second involves giving local areas more power to run their affairs. Third demands the president and spouse must reveal all their money and property before and after serving. Fourth requires political parties to show where their funding comes from. Fifth calls for traditional leaders to stay neutral during elections.
Parliament first said no to the 2020 constitution draft years ago. Government leaders made some changes and sent it back as the 2024 version. The pressure group came out swinging just as parliament started debating the new draft. They claim the 2020 version came from real talks with regular people across the country. That earlier draft captured what most Gambians wanted for better democracy and fairness.
The coalition fears the 2024 changes wreck basic democratic protection. They want several key rules put back right away. First comes rules about honesty for government officials. Second involves giving local areas more power to run their affairs. Third demands the president and spouse must reveal all their money and property before and after serving. Fourth requires political parties to show where their funding comes from. Fifth calls for traditional leaders to stay neutral during elections.
