Seedy Cham, Chairman of The Coalition of Progressive Gambians
By Buba Gagigo
The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG) has expressed disappointment with the recent amendments to the 2020 final Draft Constitution in a statement shared with Kerr Fatou.
“The Draft Constitution 2020 was written by an independent commission established by the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) through an Act of Parliament and in compliance with Section 226 of the 1997 Constitution. We are deeply disappointed and concerned over the recent amendments of the 2020 Draft Constitution, tampering with its original purpose.
“Our concern is the amendment of some of the provisions without due processes, by a selected few and for the interest of the few for the intent of absolute power,” CoPG said.
The Pressure Group expressed concern that key provisions promoting leadership and integrity as fundamental values for public officials—meant to curb misconduct and ensure fiscal discipline—have been removed. They further noted that the clauses concerning the appointment and dismissal of officials from independent institutions, as well as the reduction of local authorities’ powers, violate the principle of complete autonomy. Additionally, the removal of the clause specifying the process for appointing the Chief Justice and judicial judges constitutes a serious neglect of the Separation of Powers, undermining the foundation of credible and reliable governance.
“The CoPG is also disappointed by the lack of respect for the due process of ensuring that any amendment of this sacred document is the sole responsibility of the people’s representatives, the National Assembly. We expected the Attorney General and Legal Adviser to the President to follow the procedure and due process and avoid popular disagreements and negative consequences that may emanate because of these amendments,” they said.
The Coalition of Progressive Gambians is calling on National Assembly members to reject what they called the ‘illegal’ process that strips them of their authority in appointing independent institutions, undermining their duties and responsibilities as the nation’s legislative body.
“We strongly believe that this amended draft 2024 does not reflect the aspirations of the Gambian people. We will therefore advocate for the rejection of this bill by the people, as Power belongs to the people. We urge the representatives of the people, all stakeholders, including CSOs Political Actors, Donor Agents, the international partners, and community and Religious leaders to be on one voice and retain the peoples power on the basis of the principles of good governance Transparency, accountability, rule of law and citizens participation,” they said.
CoPG called for the 2020 Draft Constitution to be promulgated without any amendments and urged the government, through the Ministry of Justice and its Constitutional Review Committee, to restore the original draft and follow due process to ensure any changes are made legally.
“We call on the government through the Ministry of Justice and its Constitutional Review Committee to bring back the 2020 Draft Constitution in its original form and allow the due process to take effect, as in democratic governance, to see this document through its legal stages and ensure that only through legal frameworks that the document can be amended.,” they concluded.