Addressing the Constitutional Impasse in The Gambia

The Gambia is facing a constitutional impasse as political leaders fail to agree on a new draft constitution, resulting in significant risks to the nation’s democratic future. The lack of term limits in the 1997 Constitution and ongoing political rivalries are primary issues impeding progress. Urgent action from both domestic leaders and the international community is essential to avoid further deterioration of the country’s democratic values.

The ongoing constitutional impasse in The Gambia is becoming increasingly concerning as discussions among political leaders have not resulted in a successful resolution. The inability of the dominant political parties to reach consensus on the draft constitutions for 2020 and 2024 places the nation in a politically precarious situation, reflecting a deep divide that threatens democratic progress. The previously negotiated extension of the presidential term from three to five years has resulted in significant political costs, jeopardizing the country’s democratic framework.

The fundamental issue lies within the 1997 Constitution, which lacks term limits for the President, a critical oversight by the political leadership that has compounded current challenges. The new constitution faces two significant obstacles: parliamentary approval and a national referendum. This prolonged deadlock could lead to further political turmoil, undermining the country’s democratic transition.

It is unacceptable for The Gambia, sixty years post-independence, to lack a new constitution, as this indicates a failure of political leadership to prioritize democratic principles over power struggles. National healing is imperative to forge a new constitutional framework that is aligned with the aspirations of the Gambian people. The international community, including entities such as the United Nations and the African Union, must take an active role in advocating for a resolution to this impasse.

The roots of the constitutional crisis are embedded in political rivalries and bitterness that have arisen in recent years. A government must serve the people, which necessitates co-equal responsibility from both government and opposition. Many Gambians question why merely amending the existing 1997 Constitution was not pursued instead of attempting to draft a new constitution that ultimately failed. The 2020 draft constitution is criticized for being overly complex and elitist, potentially contributing to its rejection.

Governance requires a balanced distribution of power, and it is crucial to recognize that certain executive powers must be preserved for effective presidential governance. As shadows loom over The Gambia’s democracy, immediate action is required to avert a decline into authoritarianism. As a possible compromise, political leaders should consider a 51% threshold for presidential elections instead of a simple majority to encourage political collaboration and accountability.

The current constitutional impasse in The Gambia calls for urgent attention and collaboration among political leaders to forge a new governance framework. The absence of a new constitution threatens to undermine democratic progress, while internal political rivalries exacerbate the situation. The international community’s advocacy for constructive engagement is essential in guiding The Gambia towards a viable resolution for a participatory and stable democracy.

Original Source: thepoint.gm