The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG) has voiced strong opposition to the National Assembly members who recently backed the contentious 2024 Draft Constitution, asserting that their decision contradicts the genuine wishes of the Gambian populace and threatens years of dedicated efforts toward constitutional reform.
In an official statement, CoPG expressed profound disappointment concerning the Assembly’s vote, emphasizing that it disregards the collective hopes of Gambians and jeopardizes democratic accountability.
The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG) expresses profound disappointment concerning the National Assembly’s approval of the 2024 Draft Constitution. This statement highlights that the decision disregards the wishes of the Gambian people and threatens years of genuine efforts focused on constitutional reform and democratic accountability.
CoPG highlighted that the 2020 Draft Constitution emerged from an extensive national consultation process characterized by inclusive dialogue and a significant investment exceeding 100 million dalasis. The draft was regarded as a unified and forward-thinking framework that embodied the hopes and aspirations of all Gambians.
“It was widely acknowledged as a unified and progressive framework that represented the aspirations of all Gambians.” Nonetheless, the government has put forth a 2024 draft that lacks transparency, legitimacy, and consensus, as highlighted by CoPG, owing to the failure to engage in meaningful consultation with the public and pertinent stakeholders.
The coalition argued that the current process appears designed to uphold the outdated 1997 Constitution, which they claim favors entrenched political interests to the detriment of democratic progress.
“The choice to omit critical entrenchment clauses and the deliberate exclusion of reform-oriented provisions further substantiate these concerns,” they stated.
CoPG commended the 21 members of Parliament whom they described as courageously opposing the 2024 Draft Constitution, labeling their stance as a principled defense of national integrity.
“Your principled decision will be remembered as a pivotal moment when lawmakers stood firm for what was right during a crucial time: Your vote reflects integrity and the national interest – untainted by fear or favoritism.” We urge you to remain steadfast and continue your endeavors to advocate for the restoration and ratification of the 2020 Draft Constitution, a document that genuinely reflects the aspirations of the Gambian people. CoPG has made a statement.
In summary, the coalition called for solidarity across political lines to safeguard democracy from being manipulated by self-serving agendas.
“Let us come together beyond political divides and safeguard our democracy from those who seek to exploit the system for their own gain.” The CoPG is committed to working alongside all stakeholders to reinstate a constitution that guarantees justice, accountability, term limits, and a democratic future for all Gambians,” they concluded.
