The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice welcomes the maiden press conference convened by the National Assembly on 26th February 2026 ahead of its First Ordinary Session of the year.
We concur with the Speaker and the Clerk regarding the objectives of this initiative within the framework of the Open Parliament policy. In particular, we welcome the Clerk’s commitment to institutional reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, enhancing predictability in legislative programming, moving beyond the traditional practice of merely circulating the Order Paper, and deepening public understanding of parliamentary processes.
Parliament is the most representative institution of the Republic and holds the primary constitutional responsibility for accountability within our governance architecture. As the direct representatives of the people, Members of the National Assembly bear the duty to ensure accessibility, transparency, and responsiveness. This press conference is therefore a positive and necessary step toward strengthening democratic engagement.
However, this initiative must not be episodic. It should be institutionalized. While informing citizens about legislative priorities at the beginning of the session is commendable, it is equally important for National Assembly to regularly brief the public on outcomes. Numerous bills, committee reports, and resolutions have been adopted whose implementation status remains generally unclear to the public. Parliamentary resolutions require follow-up. Oversight findings demand visibility. Committee recommendations must be tracked.
Committees such as the Public Accounts Committee, Public Enterprises Committee, the Public Petitions Committee and other committees including various Special Select Committees have conducted significant inquiries, including review of audit reports, the COVID-19 inquiry, the AKI investigation, the Russia oil matter, and most recently the Jammeh assets inquiry. These processes generated findings and recommendations of legitimate public interest. Citizens deserve periodic updates on implementation and impact.
The quality of governance and development in the Gambia rests substantially on the effectiveness of the National Assembly in executing its four core functions: representation, lawmaking, budgeting, and oversight. Through its decisions and actions, the National Assembly shapes whether executive institutions uphold the rule of law, deliver services efficiently, protect public resources, and safeguard human rights. For this reason, the National Assembly must render account to citizens not only at the beginning of legislative sessions but throughout the year.
EFSCRJ therefore urges the Speaker and the Clerk to institutionalize regular press briefings, not only by the leadership of the Assembly, but also by committee chairs and, where appropriate, individual Members of the National Assembly. Transparency must be systematic, not symbolic. A parliament that communicates consistently, reports on outcomes, and demonstrates follow-through will strengthen public trust and reinforce democratic accountability.
We commend the National Assembly for this important initiative and encourage its continuation, expansion, and improvement in the interest of the Republic.
2026 – Empowered Citizens. Accountable Leadership.
