Constitutional Crisis in The Gambia: A Call for Political Cooperation

The Gambia faces a constitutional crisis as political discussions between key parties have stalled, preventing the establishment of a new constitution. This impasse is linked to past agreements extending presidential terms, exacerbated by a lack of term limits in the 1997 constitution. The international community is urged to intervene as political rivalries hinder democracy, underscoring the need for cooperation among political factions.

The ongoing constitutional impasse in The Gambia poses significant challenges for the nation, particularly as political discussions among leadership have failed to yield fruitful outcomes. The inability of the two leading parties to reach consensus on the draft constitutions for 2020 and 2024 places the country in a precarious political situation. This impasse is further complicated by a previous transition agreement that extended the presidential term from three to five years, devoid of any term limits under the 1997 constitution.

This situation reflects serious political miscalculations that have cost the country dearly in terms of democratic integrity. The obstacles to establishing a new constitution include specific hurdles within Parliament and the need for a referendum. Unfortunately, ongoing political rivalries are eroding the spirit of The Gambia’s democratic transition, leading to a disheartening landscape as the country approaches its 60th anniversary without a new constitutional framework.

When the quest for power overshadows democratic principles, the entire democratic structure is at risk. Therefore, it is imperative that there be a commitment from political leaders to create a new constitution that resonates with the aspirations of the Gambian people. The international community, which has historically supported Gambia’s transition, should not remain silent but rather advocate for a constitutional resolution that promotes peace and stability.

The current crisis is rooted in deep-seated political bitterness, necessitating a collaborative responsibility between the government and the opposition for a more inclusive governance approach. Questions have been raised as to whether it would be more practical to amend the 1997 constitution rather than engage in the costly process of drafting a new one, which has led to further political failure. It should also be noted that the 2020 draft constitution was criticized for being overly complex and biased, which contributed to its rejection.

Consequently, there must be a balanced solution to governance, wherein certain powers remain vested with the President, ensuring effective administration. To avert a further collapse of democracy, political leaders should consider forming agreements, such as implementing a 51% threshold for presidential election outcomes, as a means to foster cooperation. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of politicians to finalize a new constitution that aligns with Gambia’s democratic future.

The Gambia’s constitutional stalemate is a pressing issue that threatens its democratic integrity. The lack of agreement among political leaders is symptomatic of deeper political rivalries that must be addressed. A collaborative approach, potentially aided by international pressure, is essential to move forward with a new constitution. It is crucial for the political leadership to prioritize democratic ideals over personal ambitions to ensure stability and governance that truly serves the people.

Original Source: thepoint.gm