GFA Critiques Government’s Betrayal of Diaspora Rights in Gambia
The GFA criticizes the Gambian government for failing to allocate voting rights to the diaspora, despite a Supreme Court ruling supporting their eligibility. Highlighting the diaspora’s significant economic contributions, GFA labels the government’s actions as a betrayal, imploring unity against a regression to past authoritarianism and emphasizing the need for respect and rights for diaspora Gambians.
On January 27, 2021, The Gambia’s Supreme Court ruled that Gambians in the Diaspora are entitled to register for voting in the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) conducted elections, in accordance with Section 39 of the 1997 Constitution. This case, led by Honorable Bakary Bunja Dabo and other prominent diaspora figures, aimed to prompt the government, under President Adama Barrow, to ensure the recognition and facilitation of voting rights for these citizens.
The Gambian diaspora significantly contributes to the nation’s socio-economic health, accounting for approximately 32% of the country’s GDP. Despite this, the Barrow Administration has seemingly ignored their political rights. This perceived neglect is viewed as a complete betrayal of the diaspora community, demonstrating a reluctance to embrace their rightful voting privileges solely for political gain.
The argument that granting voting rights violates the Constitution is criticized as unfounded. It is asserted that Parliament has the responsibility to amend laws to rectify grievances against citizens, including those of the Gambian diaspora. The government has, it is claimed, failed to act on this opportunity to recognize the diaspora as a legitimate voting bloc.
GFA expresses disappointment over the government’s attempt to utilize the Attorney General’s office to nullify the Supreme Court’s ruling. This action is described as an affront to democratic rights and a strategic maneuver by President Barrow and allies to undermine the democratic progress achieved since 2016. The struggle of the Gambian people for democracy should not be diminished.
Moreover, GFA condemns National Assembly members who have allied with the government to deny Gambians their rightful voting status. The organization stresses the division between those advocating for the democratic principles established post-2016 and those who prefer reverting to past authoritarian practices.
GFA urges all Gambians and supporters of The Gambia to rally against any regression to undemocratic practices reminiscent of the Jammeh era. With President Barrow’s administration now eight years in power, lacking a steadfast constitutional framework and halting essential reforms, it has become clear that the current leadership is facing a historical reckoning. The diaspora must be acknowledged and respected; their rights are paramount and should not be overlooked.
In summary, the Gambia For All (GFA) condemns the government’s obstruction of voting rights for the diaspora, emphasizing their critical socio-economic role and the need for recognition within the democratic framework. The GFA calls for unity among Gambians to uphold democratic progress and resist any actions that would undermine the hard-won liberties since the end of the dictatorship. The appeal for respect and acknowledgment of the diaspora’s rights remains paramount for the nation’s future.
Original Source: thepoint.gm
