The Gambia’s Justice Minister, Dawda Jallow, unveiled a revised draft constitution on Wednesday, paving the way for a more robust democracy after decades of authoritarian rule. The new draft aims to replace the 1997 constitution, which enabled former dictator Yahya Jammeh to cling to power.
The Constitutional Review Commission, established in 2018, has been working tirelessly to create a more inclusive and equitable constitution. Although the initial draft was rejected in 2020 due to a contentious clause, the new version has addressed these concerns.
Notably, the revised draft removes the retroactive clause that would have imposed term limits on President Adama Barrow, allowing him to potentially serve two additional terms. The draft will now undergo parliamentary review and a national referendum before its adoption.
Justice Minister Jallow emphasized the government’s commitment to enacting the constitution by 2025, despite missing the initial timeline. This significant milestone marks a departure from Jammeh’s 22-year rule, characterized by human rights abuses and embezzlement.
The new constitution is a crucial step towards consolidating democracy in The Gambia, and its successful adoption will be a testament to the country’s determination to build a more just and equitable society.
Write to Meta AI
