By Ramatoulie Jawo
Hon. Yahya Sanyang, the National Assembly Member for LatriKunda Sabiji, has reintroduced the Local Government Amendment Bill, aiming to enhance democracy and good governance in local councils.
The proposed amendment seeks to remove voting restrictions on nominated councillors while maintaining those restrictions for selected members. This bill, previously tabled but not passed in an earlier session, has been reintroduced to strengthen local government structures.
If enacted, the amendment would grant nominated councillors voting rights, diverging from the 2002 Local Government Act. Hon. Sanyang emphasized that this change is essential to ensuring fair representation for all Gambians, particularly marginalized groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
According to the bill, nominated councillors are appointed by mayors and chairpersons, in concurrence with the minister, to represent communities that may not be adequately represented through elections.
“Granting them voting rights would ensure that their voices are heard, and their needs are considered in decision-making. It would also promote democracy and good governance. Democratic institutions are based on the principle of popular participation; giving nominated councillors voting rights would allow them to participate fully in the democratic process and hold the elected councillors accountable,” the bill states.
Hon. Sanyang further argued that the amendment would improve the quality of local governance, as nominated councillors often bring expertise in areas such as education, health, and social welfare. Their participation in decision-making, he noted, would lead to better policies and outcomes for all Gambians.
“For instance, a nominated councillor who is a women’s rights activist could use her vote to advocate for policies that benefit young people. Similarly, a councillor with a disability could push for policies that improve accessibility to local government services,” he explained.
Hon. Sanyang reiterated that granting nominated councillors voting rights would be a significant step toward strengthening democracy, enhancing governance, and ensuring inclusive representation in local councils.