By Ramatoulie Jawo
Three National Assembly Members (NAMs) in The Gambia have submitted private member bills seeking to amend existing laws on housing, public assembly, and local government representation. These bills, introduced on Tuesday, December 12th, aim to address various concerns and improve relevant legal frameworks.
Hon. Madi Mk. Ceesay, Hon. Sulayman Saho, and Hon. Yaya Sanyang presented their Private Member Bills for their first reading in the National Assembly.
Rent Amendment Bill, 2023 – Hon. Madi Mk.Ceesay
Hon. Madi MK. Ceesay introduced the Rent Amendment Bill, 2023. This bill aims to further modify the Rent Act of 2014, focusing on the landlord’s responsibility to provide and maintain habitable rental premises. Additionally, it addresses issues such as the landlord’s consent before subletting, specifying rate intervals, and conditions for rent increases. The proposed amendments cover various aspects related to rental premises.
Public Order Amendment Bill, 2023 – Hon. Sulayman Saho
Presenting the Public Order Amendment Bill, 2023, Hon. Sulayman Saho aims to bring Section 5 of the Public Order Act in alignment with international best practices and guidelines from the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights. The bill proposes repealing the provision requiring Gambian citizens to obtain a permit for public processions and replacing it with a notice requirement. This change is envisioned to uphold the constitutional right to peaceful assembly through a process with adequate checks and balances.
“It is envisaged that this new process with its adequate checks and balances would give effect to the constitutional right to peacefully assemble,” the Bill highlighted.
Local Government Amendment (No. 2) Bill – Hon. Yaya Sanyang
Hon. Yaya Sanyang put forward the Local Government Amendment (No. 2) Bill. This bill seeks to grant voting rights to Nominated Councillors and Selected Members of the Local Councils, deviating from the 2002 Local Government Act. The objective is to ensure that the interests of all Gambians are duly represented in local government decision-making.
All three Private Member Bills are scheduled for the second reading on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.