By Buba Gagigo
MC Cham Jr., Business Councilor at the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) and a staunch supporter of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), has called on Gambians in the diaspora to unite and protest against the recent decision by the National Assembly to reject diaspora voting rights.
In a strong condemnation of the move, MC Cham Jr. argued that no government should deprive its citizens of their right to vote based on political calculations.
“No government should deny its citizens the right to vote simply because they believe those votes may not be in their favor. Every Gambian should stand against this act. The diaspora community must come together and protest this decision. The African Union (AU), United Nations (UN), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) should all be made aware of what is happening in The Gambia,” he stated.
Cham further criticized the National Assembly Members who voted against diaspora voting, warning that political fortunes can change.
“The NAMs who opposed diaspora voting should remember that no government is permanent. While this decision may benefit them today, it could work against them when they find themselves in opposition,” he added.
According to MC Cham Jr., it was the National People’s Party (NPP) lawmakers, along with some independent NAMs, who voted against granting the diaspora the right to vote, despite the constitutional provision that guarantees voting rights for all Gambians, regardless of their location.
“We saw that only the UDP National Assembly Members supported diaspora voting, which clearly demonstrates that our party respects all Gambians, no matter where they reside. Our stance is clear—every Gambian deserves the right to vote, and we have shown our commitment to this principle in the National Assembly,” he asserted.
Cham also emphasized the significant contributions of the diaspora to the country’s economy, arguing that their exclusion from the electoral process is unjust.
“The diaspora plays a crucial role in supporting families and sustaining livelihoods in The Gambia. The government must respect their rights. It is important to remember that diaspora voting was a key campaign promise in 2016. Many people supported the coalition government with the expectation that Gambians abroad would be allowed to vote,” he explained.
He further accused the current administration of betraying the very diaspora community that helped propel President Adama Barrow to power.
“The diaspora contributed substantial financial support to Barrow’s campaign in 2016. It is disappointing that today, his own party members are voting against their right to vote. Their decision is driven by the fear that UDP will secure the majority of diaspora votes, which is a selfish calculation. Regardless of political affiliation, Gambians abroad should not be disenfranchised,” he concluded.