Africa-Press – Gambia. The National Assembly on Monday rejected the highly anticipated 2024 Draft Constitution during its second reading, halting its progression to the next legislative stage. The bill, presented by Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dawda A. Jallow, failed to secure the required majority vote necessary for it to proceed to the consideration stage.
The proposed legislation sought to enact a new constitution for the Republic of The Gambia, replacing the 1997 Constitution. During the second reading, Minister Jallow appealed to lawmakers to support the bill, emphasizing that it had undergone consultation with political party leaders and was intended to reflect a modern governance framework.
Despite the minister’s defense, the bill faced significant opposition from members of the Assembly. Several lawmakers argued that the draft did not adequately reflect the aspirations of the Gambian people. Others maintained that the process leading to the draft’s development lacked sufficient public consultation, with some representatives stating that their constituents had explicitly asked them to vote against the bill.
Following a heated debate, the final vote saw 35 members in favor, 21 against, and 1 absentee. The outcome fell short of the two-thirds majority required for the bill to advance.
In his closing remarks, Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, confirmed the bill’s failure to pass the second reading.“The constitution of the Republic of The Gambia promulgation bill 2024 draft has not met the constitutional threshold required for passage at this stage, which is the second reading. And shall not proceed further,” he said.
The rejection of the draft constitution marks a significant moment in The Gambia’s ongoing democratic transition, underscoring persistent divisions over constitutional reform and the direction of national governance.
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