President Adama Barrow has attributed the failure of previous efforts to pass a new constitution in Gambia to the United Democratic Party (UDP). In an interview with QTV Gambia, Barrow stated that his administration initiated the constitutional reform process but encountered challenges in securing parliamentary support. He noted that an earlier attempt to introduce a new constitution failed at the National Assembly stage.
Barrow's party, the National People's Party (NPP), sought a stronger parliamentary mandate in the 2021 elections. Although the NPP secured a simple majority, its parliamentary numbers were insufficient to meet the threshold required to pass the constitutional draft. The President said his party could not secure the more than 40 votes needed, despite having approximately 35 supporting votes.
The President questioned why his administration continued to face criticism over the stalled reforms when the legislation required support from lawmakers across the political divide. He acknowledged the independence of the National Assembly, noting that lawmakers make their own decisions when voting on legislation. This, he said, necessitates broader parliamentary support for the passage of a new constitution.
The 2020 draft constitution failed to secure the required support at the National Assembly, and the 1997 Constitution remains in force. The debate over constitutional reform continues to centre on the process for adopting a new constitution and the role of lawmakers in securing the necessary majority. President Barrow's statements have reignited discussions on the issue.
Looking ahead to the next election, Barrow said he could not guarantee the passage of a new constitution without his party securing the required majority in the legislature. He stated that if given the necessary parliamentary numbers, his party would prepare a new constitutional draft and present it to the National Assembly.
President Barrow added that he would campaign for the proposed document, while the legislative process would determine whether it could proceed. The UDP's role in the failure of the constitutional draft has been a subject of contention, with the President's statements further escalating tensions between the NPP and UDP.
The issue of constitutional reform remains a pressing concern in Gambia, with various stakeholders continuing to engage in discussions on the way forward. The President's latest statements are expected to contribute to the ongoing debate, as the country seeks to adopt a new constitution that addresses its evolving needs and challenges.
Key points
- President Adama Barrow blames the UDP for the failure to pass a new constitution in Gambia.
- The 2020 draft constitution failed to secure the required support at the National Assembly.
- The 1997 Constitution remains in force in Gambia.
