KMC Women’s Representative Urges President Barrow to End Interference in Lady Councillor Elections

By Fatou Sillah

Matty Kanyi, the Women’s Representative of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) and former Councillor for over seven years, has publicly urged the government, along with the Minister for Women, Gender, and Children Affairs, to cease interference in the ongoing lady councillor elections across all regions of The Gambia.

“This is the right of women, and their rights must not be violated. The government should allow women to choose their own representatives,” Kanyi said. “I call on President Barrow, the leader of our country, to permit women to fully exercise their rights. Likewise, I urge the Minister for Women and Children Affairs to step back and let women make their own choices. The women of KMC will not tolerate any interference, and we are prepared to go to great lengths to ensure our voices are respected.”

Kanyi revealed that the initial directive to KMC specified that the Alikalo and the Mayor would be responsible for selecting a female representative, but that decision was later reversed.

“The first letter sent to KMC outlined that the Alikalos, the Mayor, and a representative from the Women’s Bureau would lead the selection process. We had already informed the women, and many had begun applying for the position. All the necessary documents are at the Women’s Bureau office at KMC. However, we later received a revised letter stating that the Executive Coordinator, who is appointed by the President, would be in charge of the selection. It was even reported that the Alikalo of Abuko had been asked to stamp this decision because the chosen candidate would become the Women Councillor,” she explained.

Kanyi emphasized the struggles women face in politics, urging that the position, which is reserved for women, be fully entrusted to them.

“Women have endured so much in the political arena, and this position rightfully belongs to them. They should be given the complete freedom to choose their own representatives. It’s unfair to claim the position belongs to women, only to take that choice away from them,” Kanyi added.