Dawda A Jallow, Minister Of Justice
By Ramatoulie Jawo
The Ministry of Justice has requested that the second reading of the 2024 Draft Constitution be rescheduled to the second ordinary session in June 2025.
Initially set for March 27, the bill was to be presented before lawmakers during the first ordinary session of the 2025 legislative year. This stage would have allowed members to debate its merits and principles before deciding whether to advance or reject it.
In a letter to the Clerk of the National Assembly, the ministry cited ongoing consultations facilitated by International IDEA as the reason for the delay. These consultations aim to foster consensus among political parties and stakeholders regarding the proposed constitutional framework.
“I have the honour to kindly write on the above subject, to request the indulgence of the Clerk’s Office for the rescheduling of the Second Reading of the 2024 Draft Constitution,” the letter stated.
The ministry emphasized that, given the sensitivity and complexity of the constitutional reform process, additional time is needed to engage political parties and other key stakeholders.
“This is due to ongoing consultations, facilitated by International IDEA, with the aim of building consensus around the Draft Constitution,” they added.
They emphasized that given the sensitivity and complexity of their constitutional building process, the mediators require additional time to engage political parties and other stakeholders on the proposed constitutional framework.During a meeting of the National Assembly Business Committee (ABC), members deliberated on the request and ultimately agreed to postpone the second reading to June, aligning it with the second ordinary session.