Hon. Yahya Sanyang, The National Assembly Member For Latri Kunda Sabiji
By Ramatoulie Jawo
Hon. Yahya Sanyang, the National Assembly member for Latri Kunda Sabiji, has withdrawn a bill that sought to grant voting rights to nominated councilors, citing technical concerns and legislative priorities.
The proposed Local Government Amendment Bill, 2024, was originally introduced during a previous session but failed to pass. Mr. Sanyang reintroduced it on March 3, 2025, aiming to remove restrictions that prevent nominated councilors from voting on council decisions.
However, ahead of its scheduled second reading on Tuesday, the lawmaker withdrew the bill, stating that the decision was based on two key factors.
“The withdrawal of the bill, entitled local government amendment bill 2024, is based on two reasons,” he told the Assembly. “First is the technicalities I observed, and I made consultation with the drafting department who highlighted technicalities involved in the bill for it to be developed better. This prompted me to hold on the bill,” he said
He stated that, secondly, he has three other bills before the National Assembly and intends to present all of them on the same day.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Fabakary T. Jatta, accepted the withdrawal of the bill in accordance with Order 76.
The proposed amendment would grant nominated councilors voting rights. Hon. Sanyang emphasized that this change is crucial for ensuring fair representation for all Gambians, particularly marginalized groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities.