Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The National Assembly is set to reconvene for its First Ordinary Session of the 2025 Legislative Year, during which lawmakers will deliberate on key government business, including the highly anticipated second reading of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia (Promulgation) Bill, 2024.

The session, scheduled to run from Monday, March 3, to Friday, March 28, 2025, will be a pivotal moment in The Gambia’s constitutional reform process. The draft 2024 Constitution, which aims to replace the current 1997 Constitution, will undergo detailed scrutiny by lawmakers before advancing further in the legislative process.

The second reading marks a critical stage where National Assembly Members (NAMs) will engage in thorough debate on the principles and merits of the bill. The proposed constitution seeks to address longstanding governance concerns, including presidential term limits, judicial independence, and strengthened democratic institutions. If passed, the bill will pave the way for a referendum, allowing Gambians to decide on the adoption of the new constitution.

The legislative session will also feature ministerial question sessions, committee reports, and motions on various national matters.

In addition, President Adama Barrow will deliver his annual State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in accordance with Section 77 (1) of the 1997 Constitution and Order 24 of the Standing Orders of the National Assembly. The SoNA will provide an overview of the government’s policies and priorities for the year ahead.

Members of the public wishing to attend the National Assembly sittings are required to obtain admittance from the Office of the Clerk and adhere to the prescribed dress code of traditional suits. Strict rules of decorum, including maintaining silence during proceedings, will be enforced.

As The Gambia moves forward in its efforts to establish a modernized legal framework, the outcome of the second reading of the draft constitution will be closely watched by both citizens and stakeholders eager for meaningful democratic reforms.