The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG) calls on the Government of The Gambia, the National Assembly, and all relevant state institutions to expedite the process of enacting a Progressive People’s Constitution that truly reflects the aspirations, rights, and values of every Gambian.
Since the collapse of the 2020 Draft Constitution process, the hopes of millions of citizens for a renewed democratic framework have been left hanging. The Gambian people deserve better — a constitution that limits executive power, safeguards fundamental freedoms, and ensures accountability and equality before the law.
A Progressive Constitution is not a privilege — it is a national necessity. It must:
• Reinstate clear presidential term limits to prevent abuse of power.
• Guarantee independent institutions free from political control — including the Office of the IGP, IEC, GRA, Auditor General, Governor of the Central Bank, Chief Justice, and PURA.
These institutions must serve the people, not the presidency, and their independence should be entrenched in the Constitution through National Assembly approval and a public referendum.
Furthermore, chiefs and alkalos should be elected rather than politically appointed. These traditional offices require community legitimacy — not partisan endorsement.
The current system of nominated National Assembly Members also undermines democratic fairness. Those appointed by the president can tilt parliamentary votes in favour of government interests. The Speaker of the House should therefore be independent, ideally drawn from civil society, and possess the qualifications and experience necessary to preside impartially.
For too long, the promise of constitutional reform has been delayed by partisan interests and political manoeuvring. The CoPG reminds the government that sovereignty lies with the people — not the politicians. Gambians have waited long enough.
We therefore call on all civil society organisations, religious and traditional leaders, youth and women’s groups, and the wider public to unite under this national cause and join us in our planned peaceful protest:
📅 Saturday, 8th November 2025
🕙 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 From Burn Road to the National Assembly, Banjul
GIVE US A PROGRESSIVE CONSTITUTION NOW!
Let this be the generation that finishes what we started — building a new social contract founded on justice, transparency, and people’s power.
Issued by:
Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG)
📧 Email: coalitiongambia475@gmail.com
📞 Tel: (+220) 2290724 / 3780622
📘 Facebook: @CoalitionOfProgressiveGambians
Slogan: #StopTheCorruptionAndInjustice
