Gambiaj.com – (Geneva, Switzerland) – The Clerk of the National Assembly of The Gambia, Mr. Kalipha M.M. Mbye, has highlighted The Gambia’s rising reputation for parliamentary innovation during a global forum of the Association of Secretaries-General of Parliaments (ASGP) held in Geneva, Switzerland.
Addressing senior parliamentary officials from over 150 countries, Mr. Mbye outlined a series of institutional reforms that are transforming the National Assembly into a more transparent, accountable, and people-centered institution.
He stressed that innovation is now “a necessity for any modern parliament committed to meeting citizens’ aspirations.”
Among the major reforms he cited is the introduction of a commission-style approach to parliamentary inquiries, where legal counsels lead witness examinations before Members of Parliament intervene.
According to Mr. Mbye, this model has enhanced the credibility and efficiency of legislative investigations, notably demonstrated during the Special Select Committee of Inquiry into the assets of former President Yahya Jammeh and his associates.
He also underscored the impact of the National Assembly’s annual Outreach Programme, which relocates parliamentary sittings to various constituencies across the country.
The initiative enables lawmakers to engage directly with citizens, discuss pressing local issues, and promote civic participation. “It has helped demystify the workings of Parliament and foster trust between representatives and their communities,” Mr. Mbye told delegates.
Other reforms he mentioned include regular management–member interface sessions and the development of a five-year Strategic Plan (2025–2029) aimed at aligning donor support with national priorities and reinforcing internal governance mechanisms.
The ASGP, a body that facilitates the exchange of best practices in parliamentary management, provided a platform for The Gambia to share its democratic progress and institutional experiences with peers worldwide.
Observers at the forum noted that Mr. Mbye’s presentation reflected The Gambia’s broader democratic evolution—one grounded in accountability, citizen engagement, and a renewed vision of Parliament as an institution that truly serves the people.
