The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG) hereby expresses its profound concern regarding the substantial omissions and regressive alterations evident in the 2024 Draft Constitution, which is scheduled for tabling before the National Assembly on 17th July 2025.
The 2020 Draft Constitution, developed through extensive national consultation and reflecting broad public consensus, encapsulated the aspirations of the Gambian populace for genuine democratic reform, institutional accountability, and social justice. Its abandonment and the dilution of its core principles in the 2024 draft is both alarming and unacceptable.
We strongly contend that the revised draft undermines foundational democratic safeguards and removes essential provisions that ensure transparency and good governance. Therefore, we unequivocally call for the restoration and reinforcement of the following provisions in the final adopted constitution:
Key Provisions Demanded for Reinstatement
• Leadership and Integrity Provisions
Status: Completely removed in the 2024 Draft
Demand: Immediate reinstatement to uphold ethical standards in public office.
• Local Government Autonomy
Status: Financial and administrative independence revoked
Demand: Restoration of autonomy to strengthen grassroots governance and decentralisation.
• Declaration of Assets (President and Spouse)
Status: Spousal disclosure requirement omitted
Demand: Full declaration of assets before and after tenure must include spouses.
• Ministerial Appointments
Status: National Assembly confirmation removed
Demand: Reinstate parliamentary vetting to ensure democratic checks and balances.
• Independence of Institutions
Status: Chairpersons no longer subject to National Assembly approval
Demand: Restore requirement to maintain institutional independence and accountability.
• Appointment of the Chief Justice
Status: Now solely a presidential prerogative
Demand: Parliamentary confirmation is vital to safeguard judicial impartiality.
• Political Party Financial Accountability
Status: Obligation for audited accounts eliminated
Demand: Reinstate financial disclosure to promote transparency and party discipline.
• Health and Education Service Commissions
Status: Dissolved in favour of centralized authority
Demand: Re-establish commissions to guarantee sector-specific oversight and standards.
• Neutrality of Traditional Authorities
Status: Ban on political involvement by Seyfos and Alkalos removed
Demand: Restore neutrality to uphold public confidence in traditional leadership.
Our Position
The Coalition of Progressive Gambians maintains that no constitution should erode democratic accountability, transparency, or decentralised governance. To do so would be a direct betrayal of the will of the people and a grave threat to the democratic future of The Gambia.
We therefore urge the National Assembly, civil society, and all democratic stakeholders to reject any watered-down constitutional draft and demand the reinstatement of these essential provisions without compromise.
CoPG remains steadfast in its commitment to civic mobilisation, public education, and principled advocacy, all in the pursuit of a constitution that embodies the genuine voice and aspirations of the Gambian people.
StopTheCorruptionAndInjustice
✊🏽 Power to the People
⸻
Signed:
Executive Secretariat
Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG)
