Kalipha MM Mbye, The New Appointed Clerk Of The National Assembly
The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice hereby welcomes the appointment of Mr. Kalipha MM Mbye as the new Clerk of the National Assembly. As we congratulate him for ascending to this new position, we wish to equally express thanks to the outgoing clerk Momodou Sise for his longstanding service to the nation. We wish him the best in his retirement.
As we welcome Mr. Mbye to this new position, we wish to note that the position of Clerk is a constitutional function under Section 94 of the 1997 Constitution. The position of the Clerk is a significant leadership position which is crucial to the effectiveness and responsiveness of the parliament in the strengthening of democracy and good governance in the Gambia.
The functions of the Clerk have been clearly expressed in multiple places in the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, which covers all aspects of the work and administration of both the Assembly as an institution and to the effectiveness of its Members and staff. Hence the position of Clerk is a major national responsibility.
We have noted and are satisfied with the qualifications and experience of Mr. Mbye as provided by the National Assembly. We have also observed his proven track record which we found to be adequate for him to be able to efficiently steer the National Assembly in effectively discharging its functions.
In this regard, we can only remind Mr. Mbye of the historic duty placed on his shoulders and urge him to fulfill that role without fear, favour or ill-will but to be guided by only the law and his conscience and the national interest. For that matter, we urge Mr. Mbye to build on the successes of his predecessor in making the National Assembly even more accessible, open and accountable to our citizens. We have no doubts that he will live up to expectations.
As an organization dedicated to transparency and accountability, we are indeed willing and ready to partner with the Office of the Clerk in furtherance of the role and function of the National Assembly in ensuring the good governance and sustainable development of the Gambia. In this regard, we will also continue to monitor and hold him accountable in the discharge of his functions as a public officer. We wish Mr. Mbye a fruitful and constructive tenure.
In The Spirit of Edward Francis Small, For The Gambia, Our Homeland