Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG) has strongly condemned the government’s failure to implement the Supreme Court ruling on Diaspora voting, accusing it of lacking the political will to uphold constitutional principles. The organization announced plans to mobilize Gambians in protest against what it describes as the National Assembly’s ‘unconstitutional’ rejection of Diaspora voting rights.

In a statement, CoPG urged President Adama Barrow to take immediate action to ensure his government adheres to the rule of law by enforcing the Supreme Court’s decision and respecting electoral laws.

“Your Excellency, you are urged to ensure your government’s respect for the rule of law in this case by implementing the Supreme Court ruling and adhering to the existing electoral laws. Your government should strengthen the Judiciary and empower them by respecting their decision,” the statement read.

The group cited a recent Afrobarometer survey, which found that most Gambians perceive the judiciary as lacking independence, attributing this sentiment to the government’s continued neglect of court rulings.

CoPG also called on Gambians in the Diaspora to organize and expose what it sees as the government’s disregard for constitutional governance. The group criticized the National Assembly, arguing that its decision to block Diaspora voting shows a lack of regard for the Gambian people.

“This review at the consideration stage should have focused on budgetary provisions and expenditure for registering Gambians abroad. We strongly believe that the action of the National Assembly does not reflect the aspirations of the Gambian people they represent. One in three compounds in The Gambia is financially supported by a family member in the Diaspora. In 2024 alone, Gambians abroad sent over $775 million—equivalent to D56 billion—accounting for more than 31 percent of the country’s GDP,” the statement noted.

Emphasizing the significant economic contributions of the Diaspora, CoPG called for the reconsideration of the rejected provision and urged broader civic engagement to pressure the government into compliance.

“We urge the representatives of the people, all stakeholders including CSOs, political actors, donor agencies, international partners, and community, political, and religious leaders to unite in ensuring citizens’ participation in governance. CoPG, therefore, calls on the President to heed the condemnations from concerned citizens at home and abroad and to withhold assent to the Bill until the Diaspora vote is included, as he promised in 2017 when he referred to them as the eighth region of The Gambia,” the group stated.

With growing concerns over democratic backsliding, CoPG’s call for action signals an intensifying demand for accountability and adherence to constitutional obligations in The Gambia.