Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia’s National Assembly witnessed a dramatic vote on a highly contentious issue—the potential repeal of the ban on Female Genital Mutilation/Circumcision (FGM/C). The Joint Committee of Health and Gender, having worked diligently on a report, saw some of its members vote against their own recommendations when it was time for Parliament to decide.

Out of the 58 National Assembly Members, 56 were present for the crucial vote. The Bill, proposed by Hon Almameh Gibba of Foni Kansala, sought to repeal the current ban on FGM/C, which is punishable by fines and imprisonment.

The voting pattern revealed a clear division within the Parliament. The Majority Caucus, dominated by the National People’s Party (NPP), largely supported the adoption of the report. Meanwhile, the Minority Caucus, led by the United Democratic Party (UDP), predominantly opposed it.

A total of 35 members voted in favor of adopting the report, including all NPP members, 10 Independent Members, 2 UDP Members, 2 PDOIS Members, and 2 NRP Members. Notably, two UDP members, Hon Modou Bah and Hon Musa Badjie, both part of the Joint Committee, sided with the Majority.

Conversely, 17 members voted against the report’s adoption. This opposition group included all five members of the No to Alliance, led by Hon Almameh Gibba, who tabled the repeal bill. The remaining opponents were UDP members, excluding the two who voted in favor.

In a surprising twist, several Joint Committee members opposed their own report. These members included Hon Fatou Cham, Hon Pa Dembo Sanneh, Hon Amie Colley, Hon Kebba Sanneh, and Hon Sulayman Saho.

Six members did not participate in the vote. Among them was the Speaker, who presided over the session, two members from the NRP who abstained, and two APRC members who were absent with permission. Additionally, Hon Yaya Menteng Sanyang, who was present during the session, left the chambers before the vote.

With the report now adopted, the next step is the Consideration Stage, scheduled for July 16, 2024. During this stage, the report will guide the review of the bill, determining whether the ban on FGM/C will be repealed or upheld.

An infographic detailing the voting patterns will be published soon, providing a clear visual representation of how each member voted on this pivotal issue.

The Author is a journalist at Gainako.com