Africa-Press – Gambia. Samba Jallow, National Assembly Member for Niamina Dankunku, has blamed deep political interference for the collapse of the 2024 draft constitution, warning that politics continues to overshadow genuine constitutional reforms.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Voice Newspaper, Jallow described the constitution as the “biggest political tool” in the country’s governance, arguing that politicians are ultimately the ones who decide the fate of citizens.
“This is why I said there was serious political interference. Politicians are the ones sitting in Parliament deciding the fate of the citizens,” Jallow said.
He explained that while he rejected the 2020 draft, he supported the 2024 version because, in his view, constitutional development is always a work in progress. “There is no perfect law, and constitutional development is not an easy process. I rejected the 2020 draft with reasons because at that time, as a strong supporter of the government, people associated us with only one issue, which was the retroactive clauses. Section 100 of the constitution is clear; it limits us from legislating certain laws,” he explained.
Jallow said critics often forget that the existence of a draft process does not mean there is no current constitution in place. He argued that the 2024 draft contained many important provisions that deserved further scrutiny by lawmakers. “I think members should have let it pass to committee so it could be thoroughly scrutinised. It should follow due process, that’s why I voted for the 2024 draft,” he said.
On whether the rejected 2020 draft could return to Parliament, Jallow said constitution building takes time and every setback provides lessons. “Anytime a draft is rejected, it paves the way to learn and improve. There is no way we will ever table a document that will satisfy everyone,” he noted.
Responding to questions about his campaign promises, the Niamina Dankunku NAM said his constituents’ main concern remains road infrastructure, which he admitted is beyond Parliament’s direct control. “We should know that Parliament only advocates for programmes. Implementation is not in our domain,” he stressed.
However, Jallow said plans are underway for the government to construct the road connecting to Choya in Niamina, expressing hope it will ease one of his community’s biggest challenges.
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