Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The controversial 2024 draft constitution bill is set to make a return to the National Assembly on July 7, after being delayed in March to allow for further consultations. The bill’s re-emergence comes as part of the second ordinary session of the legislature, which begins on June 16.

Initially scheduled for a second reading on March 27, the bill was postponed at the last minute following a request by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice. In a letter to the Clerk of the National Assembly, the ministry cited ongoing efforts to build consensus around the new constitution 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 at the time.

The dialogue process has been facilitated by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), an intergovernmental organization supporting democratic processes worldwide.

The bill requires the support of at least 42 members of the Assembly to proceed to the next stage and potentially pave the way for a national referendum. However, the governing National People’s Party (NPP) and its allies currently lack the necessary majority and face stiff opposition from members of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and other opposition groups, most of whom have vowed to block the bill.

The push for a new constitution follows a turbulent effort in February to bridge differences between President Adama Barrow and his main political rival, UDP leader Ousainou Darboe.

Despite an intensive eleven-hour negotiation facilitated by Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns, the talks failed to resolve disputes over key constitutional provisions.

The proposed draft constitution seeks to replace the 1997 charter, which has been widely criticized for granting excessive executive powers and lacking strong protections for democratic principles. A previous draft constitution was rejected in a 2020 parliamentary vote, with the government pledging to revive the reform process in subsequent legislative sessions.

With the July 7 date approaching, political analysts warn that The Gambia risks another setback if lawmakers remain deadlocked. “If this bill fails again, it could seriously undermine the broader democratic reform agenda and public confidence in the legislative process,” said a political science lecturer at the University of The Gambia.

The coming weeks are likely to see intensified lobbying and political maneuvering as lawmakers weigh whether to support or reject the bill in what could be a defining moment for The Gambia’s constitutional future.