Hagi Sawaneh The President Of The United Democratic Party Youth Wing
By Ramatoulie Jawo
The President of the United Democratic Party (UDP) Youth Wing, Hagi Suwaneh, has called on National Assembly Members (NAMs) to reject the proposed 2024 Draft Constitution. Suwaneh expressed his concerns in a Facebook post on Tuesday, describing the draft as deeply flawed and unsuitable for Gambians.
Suwaneh likened the draft constitution to “rotten food that should be thrown into the garbage,” emphasizing the lack of adequate consultation during its preparation. He argued that NAMs, as elected representatives of the people, have a duty to reject a constitution that he believes was crafted without public engagement and trust.
“The reason been for their lack of consultation is enough for Members of Parliament to throw it out. Consultations and building public trust are fundamental and key. We cannot allow the executive to throw the people’s constitution just to rush and impose their own laws on the people. NAMs are elected by the people to honorably represent them in the House of Parliament. Thus, if the Executive disrespect us and deliberately failed to engage the people they represent, then the NAMs must show the Executive that they are the representatives of the people the government is ignoring,” the statement reads.
He stated that no true representative of the people would support the 2024 Barrow Draft Constitution, emphasizing that the purpose of a new constitution should extend beyond just term limits or the 50+1 rule. “Gambians want and need a term limit and 50+1 in any new constitution, but they also need more comprehensive laws than these two provisions,” he said.
He further emphasized that Gambia requires a progressive constitution that will foster good governance and safeguard the collective rights of the people.
“We need a constitution that would not only strengthen our state Institutions but also will set the bar to fight corruption particularly to prevent public servants or anybody from receiving bribes in the name of gift while they are engaging in state functions. Leadership & Integrity clause totally deleted from the 2020 draft constitution, vetting of Ministers’ appointments, confirmation of IEC Heads and composition of Judicial Service Commission all omitted. Also, the appointment of IGP to protect and promote an independent police that will operate effectively, apolitical and render protections and services to the people which will not be influenced by political interferences are all omitted in the 2024 Barrow self tailored and designed constitution,” he said.
He stressed that diaspora voting is a constitutional right upheld by the Supreme Court, yet the Barrow administration continues to disregard the rule of law. He also pointed out that the IEC has been seen favoring the NPP and its allied parties, despite their failure to hold the mandatory biennial congresses.
“Why would you entertain a constitution which the Executive single-handedly made over 120 fundamental changes to. Among them, teacher’s welfare, consumer protection and an unelected vice president to automatically succeed and complete the term of the president instead of facilitating elections within three months. More concerning in 2024 Barrow Draft is the President’s intention to be given powers to remove nominated Members if he wishes to do so,” he wrote.
He emphasized that winning the 2026 election does not depend on a 50+1 majority, as Barrow himself claimed victory with an absolute majority in the 2016 election, despite the absence of a 50+1 system, under the same 1997 constitution.
“What we all need to do is to stand firm against any electoral malpractices, and we must be ready for anything to stop electoral malpractices by all means necessary. Without these measure, even if we bring a new constitution, we will still encounter the same issues,” he concluded.