Gambiaj.com – (Banjul – The Gambia) – The Attorney General and Minister of Justice has formally requested and obtained a postponement of the second reading of the 2024 Draft Constitution, moving it from its initial March 27 schedule to the second ordinary session of the National Assembly in June 2025.

The bill, which was originally set to be presented before lawmakers during the first ordinary session of the 2025 legislative year, would have allowed members to debate its principles and decide on its progression. However, the ministry, in a letter to the Clerk of the National Assembly, cited ongoing consultations facilitated by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) as the primary reason for the delay.

“These consultations aim to foster consensus among political parties and stakeholders regarding the proposed constitutional framework,” the ministry stated, adding that the additional time would ensure a more inclusive and widely accepted constitution.

The government emphasized the importance of an open and transparent approach to constitutional reform, stressing that broader engagement with political parties and key stakeholders is essential for crafting a durable and representative national charter.

Political Disagreements Over the Draft Constitution

The debate over constitutional reform in The Gambia has been contentious, with the two major political forces in the National Assembly—President Adama Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP) and the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP)—disagreeing on the path forward.

The UDP has consistently advocated for the revival of the 2020 Draft Constitution, arguing that it was a product of extensive national consultations and cost the state D116 million dalasi of taxpayer money. The party believes the draft should be brought back for legislative consideration, with any necessary amendments made by National Assembly Members (NAMs).

On the other hand, the NPP and its allies remain committed to their 2024 Draft Constitution, which they argue better aligns with the government’s vision for constitutional reform.

Aiming for Consensus

The Ministry of Justice reiterated that given the sensitivity and complexity of the constitutional reform process, additional time is necessary to engage stakeholders effectively. The consultations, it noted, are intended to build consensus around the draft, ensuring that all voices are heard.

“This is due to ongoing consultations, facilitated by International IDEA, with the aim of building consensus around the Draft Constitution,” the ministry stated.

The National Assembly Business Committee (ABC) reviewed the ministry’s request and agreed to reschedule the second reading to June 2025, aligning it with the second ordinary session of the year.

The delay underscores the challenges in navigating The Gambia’s constitutional reform process, as political parties continue to grapple with differences over the country’s future governance framework.