Africa-Press – Gambia. The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG) has voiced strong condemnation of the National Assembly members who recently endorsed the contentious 2024 Draft Constitution, asserting that their decision contravenes the genuine will of the Gambian populace and undermines years of painstaking constitutional reform efforts.
In an official statement, CoPG expressed profound disappointment with the Assembly’s vote, emphasizing that it disregards the collective aspirations of Gambians and jeopardizes democratic accountability.
“The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG) expresses profound disappointment with the National Assembly’s decision to vote in favour of the 2024 Draft Constitution. This decision disregards the will of the Gambian people and undermines years of genuine efforts towards constitutional reform and democratic accountability,” the statement reads.
CoPG underscored that the 2020 Draft Constitution was the product of an extensive national consultation process characterized by broad-based dialogue and a significant investment exceeding 100 million dalasis. That draft was widely regarded as a unified and forward-looking framework embodying the hopes and aspirations of all Gambians.
“It was widely accepted as a unified and progressive framework that reflected the aspirations of all Gambians. Yet, without meaningful consultation with the public and relevant stakeholders, the government introduced a 2024 draft that lacks transparency, legitimacy, and consensus,” CoPG noted.
The coalition further argued that the current process appears designed to perpetuate the outdated 1997 Constitution, which they contend serves entrenched political interests to the detriment of democratic progress.
“The refusal to incorporate critical entrenchment clauses and the deliberate omission of reform-oriented provisions further confirm these concerns,” they said.
CoPG also commended the 21 members of Parliament who they described as courageously opposing the 2024 Draft Constitution, describing their stance as a principled stand in defense of national integrity.
“Your principled decision will be remembered in history as a moment when lawmakers stood for what was right at a time when it mattered most: Your vote reflects integrity and national interest – not fear or favour. We urge you to remain steadfast and continue advocating for the restoration and ratification of the 2020 Draft Constitution, a document that genuinely reflects the aspirations of the Gambian people.” CoPG said.
Concluding their statement, the coalition called for unity across political divides to safeguard democracy against exploitation by self-serving interests.
“Let us all rise above political divisions and defend our democracy from those who seek to exploit the system for personal gain. The CoPG remains committed to working with all stakeholders to bring back a constitution that guarantees justice, accountability, term limits, and a democratic future for all Gambians,” they concluded.
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