By Buba Gagigo
The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG) has announced plans to mobilize Gambians in protest against what they describe as the National Assembly’s ‘unconstitutional’ rejection of Diaspora voting.
In a statement, CoPG urged President Adama Barrow to uphold the rule of law by implementing the Supreme Court ruling and ensuring compliance with electoral laws.
“Your Excellency, you are urged to ensure your government’s respect for the rule of law in this case by implementing the supreme court ruling and adhere to the existing electoral laws. Your government should strengthen the Judiciary and empower them by respecting their decision. In a recent survey, results of the Afrobarometer concluded that most Gambian feel the judiciary is not independent. This is confirmed by the attitude of your government in neglecting their rulings. For the information of all stakeholders, the CoPG will mobilize Gambians and protest against the unconstitutional rejection of the Diaspora voting that disenfranchise them as Gambians,” CoPG said.
CoPG also called on Gambians in the Diaspora to organize and expose what they see as the government’s lack of political will and respect for the constitution. The group criticized the National Assembly, saying its decision shows a lack of regard for the Gambian people.
“This review at the consideration stage should have been the issue of budget and expenditure for the registration of Gambians abroad. We strongly believe that the action of the National Assembly does not reflect the aspirations of the Gambian people that they represent, as one in three compounds are supported financially by a family member in the Diaspora. Besides, the number of remittances they sent to the Gambia in 2024 according to the Gambia government amounts to over $775 Million that is equivalent to D56 Billion, more than 31 percent of the GDP,” they said.
The group further called for a reconsideration of the rejected provision, emphasizing the significant economic contributions of Gambians in the Diaspora.
“We urge the representatives of the people, all stakeholders including CSOs, political actors, donor agents, international partners, community, political and religious leaders to be on one voice and retain the people’s power on the basis of the principles of good governance particularly citizens participation. The CoPG therefore calls on the President to consider the condemnations from all concerned citizens at home and abroad and not accent the Bill until the inclusion of Diaspora Vote is effected as promised by him to be the eight regions of the Gambia back in 2017,” CoPG said.