By Buba Gagigo
The Coalition of Progressive Gambians has announced its intention to stage a peaceful protest if the 2020 Draft Constitution is not tabled for review before November, despite President Barrow’s suggestion of a December referendum on the draft.
“Following the recent pronouncement by President Adama Barrow during the State of the Nation address for a referendum in December, the CoPG is yet to be convinced that there is going to be a referendum in December. It must be noted that this is not the first time the President has made such a pronouncement. Our concern is not only a delay for a referendum but also the amendments or changes that may be made in some of the provisions that are not in favor of the ruling party and also the commitment by the ruling party to support the original form of the constitution, which all stakeholders are calling for,” CoPG said.
The group emphasized that any alterations to key provisions could lead to widespread rejection by stakeholders, underscoring that the fate of the 2020 Draft Constitution rests solely with the ruling party and government.
“We have notably seen the presentation and passing of Bills backed by certificates of urgency for the sole purpose of financial gains and advantages for a few within short notice. An urgency certificate backed the retirement benefits of the President; now the benefits for the Judicial Officers and National Assembly Salaries and Pensions Bill, which have no relevance to the expectations of Gambians. When Gambians are calling for a total system change for credible democratic dispensations and good governance, those entrusted to execute our expectations are busy with self-perpetuating interests that have extremely adverse economic or financial repercussions on the lives of the taxpayers,” they said.
Additionally, the Coalition of Progressive Gambians called upon the Ministry of Justice and National Assembly members to fulfill their duty to the electorate, emphasizing the need for swift action on the draft constitution.
“The world and particularly Africa, is fast changing and certainly, in the age of information technology, ignorance is a choice. The reality is that people are aware and awakened. We therefore call on the government, through the Ministry of Justice, to present the 2020 Draft Constitution with a Certificate of Urgency, as with other bills, to the National Assembly for reading, and we also urge the National Assembly Members to do their utmost to support and ensure a date for a referendum is proposed soon. We want to remind all those responsible that it’s wise to let the hungry sleeping dogs sleep. Let Justice guide our actions for the good of all,” they concluded.