Samba Baldeh, the Senior Administrative Secretary of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC),
By Buba Gagigo
Samba Baldeh, the Senior Administrative Secretary of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), has strongly criticized Niamina West National Assembly Member Birom Sowe for failing to consult his constituents before rejecting diaspora voting at the National Assembly.
Birom Sowe, currently serving his second term, was among the lawmakers who opposed diaspora voting during last week’s parliamentary session. His stance has drawn backlash from various quarters, including members of his own constituency.
“Our National Assembly member (Birom Sowe) should have consulted us before taking his decision. Birom Sowe voted against the Diaspora voting without any consultation, and all of us know the contributions of the Diaspora in the Gambia. They are the breadwinners of most of the compounds, so they have every right to vote in elections in their country. Denying them their rights will bring more problems,” Samba Baldeh, Senior Administrative Secretary of GDC Teranga FM’s Jaye Jallow in an interview.
Baldeh further accused Sowe of neglecting his constituency, highlighting that the MP has failed to hold executive or constituency meetings since his election.
“In fact, I don’t think Birom has ever called for an executive or constituency meeting in order to sit and discuss with his people, and this is his second term in office. He has a budget for that, but I have never seen him doing it. What is he doing with that money? I think a bill like this, he should have consulted with his people and voted based on what they agree on. His decision really pains me, and I know 90 percent of the people in Niamina are not happy with his decision.”
Expressing his disapproval of the rejection of diaspora voting, Baldeh likened it to being denied a meal in one’s own home. He also questioned Sowe’s motivations, urging him to consider the interests of his entire constituency rather than just his party.
“We don’t support the rejection of Diaspora voting. It is just like being denied lunch in your own house. I want to ask Birom, who did he consult to vote against Diaspora voting? He should not look at the benefit of his party only. He’s a National Assembly member for everyone, not only the NPP. That is why he should have voted based on the voice of Niamina. What he did is very wrong, he’s representing Niamina not the NPP. I spoke to a lot of people in the Diaspora, and they are not happy with Birom’s decision,” he said.