Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Prominent human rights advocate Marr Nyang has sparked a heated debate over the future of The Gambia’s 2024 Draft Constitution, challenging political figures and activists opposed to its passage. Nyang, who has long championed constitutional reform and accountability, took to social media to address critics, including United Democratic Party (UDP) Member of Parliament Madi Ceesay.
Nyang expressed disappointment over criticisms directed at a billboard campaign urging Parliament to pass the 2024 Draft Constitution with necessary amendments. He also pushed back against allegations by Hon. Ceesay, who claimed that campaigners lack an understanding of legislative procedures.
“I find it very difficult to digest,” Nyang stated, referencing his decade-long experience working with the National Assembly on various bills. “The claim that we don’t have an idea about parliamentary procedures is baseless.”
Concerns Over Parliamentary Dynamics and Call for Unity and National Interest
Hon. Ceesay, a vocal opponent of the 2024 Draft, argued that political mistrust between the UDP and the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) creates obstacles for meaningful constitutional amendments. He highlighted concerns that the NPP’s parliamentary majority would dominate the committee stage, leaving opposition parties with limited influence.
Nyang countered this argument, questioning its logic. “If you bring back the 2020 Draft to the National Assembly for amendments, isn’t it true that the NPP can still use its majority to shape the process?” he asked. “Any amendment that could be done to the 2020 Draft at the committee stage can also be applied to the 2024 Draft.”
Nyang called on lawmakers from both the UDP and NPP to set aside political rivalries and prioritize national interests. He urged them to work collaboratively to refine the draft and reintroduce it for public consultation.
“You all did the working-together thing in passing laws that served your individual interests against that of the population,” he said. “Why not now?”
He emphasized the overwhelming public support for constitutional reform, noting that about 80% of Gambians want progress on this issue.
A Plea for Bipartisan Cooperation
Nyang’s comments also underscored the shared objectives of the UDP and NPP concerning constitutional reform. “Both parties share a general interest in constitutional reform. For once, let’s work together and focus on the collective good of the population,” he urged.
His remarks have reignited discussions about the long-stalled constitutional reform process, which aims to replace the 1997 Constitution with a modern framework that reflects the aspirations of Gambians.
The rejection of the 2020 Draft Constitution in 2020, primarily due to political disagreements, remains a sore point in The Gambia’s political landscape.
As the debate continues, Nyang’s intervention highlights the critical need for inclusive dialogue and compromise. His call for lawmakers to “wear the hat of a lawmaker” and consult citizens could pave the way for a renewed effort to achieve constitutional reform. Whether political leaders can rise to the occasion and bridge divides remains to be seen.
