A summary of the National Human Rights Commission’s advisory notes on the Elections Bill and the Draft Constitution reveals how the government has taken a lackadasical approach to progressing the rights of Gambians in the Diaspora to vote. More in this notice.

Despite multiple attempts by NAMs to reintroduce Clause 14, which mandates the registration of diaspora voters, the effort has been blocked by Deputy Speaker Hon. Seedy S. Njie and the Majority Caucus. This impasse has stalled parliamentary proceedings, preventing progress beyond seven clauses by 13:00 hrs. More in the report.

Gambian CSO leaders urged Parliamentarians to restore the deleted Clause 14 in the Elections Bill to register Gambians living abroad to vote in the 2026 Presidential Elections. More in the report.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has withdrawn its mission from Guinea-Bissau following threats of expulsion by President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. More in the report.

Almost a year after the First National Dialogue held in February 2024, a report published on the engagement highlights how the Executive was cautioned to build consensus prior to tabling a new Draft Constitution in Parliament. More in this report.

In his quest to confront immigration and border issues, newly inaugurated President Donald Trump unleashed a wave of presidential orders soon after his inauguration on 20th January 2025. More in this report.

As Gambians await a new Constitution, with strong opposition from opposition party leaders and several civil society organisations, Justice Minister Hon. Dawda A. Jallow has pledged to defend the 2024 Draft Constitution in Parliament. More in the report from the first Mansakunda Townhall of 2025.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) issued a statement announcing by-elections for Massembeh Ward in Mansakonko Administrative Area in February 2025. Here is a link to the statement from the IEC.

Former Parliamentarian for Serrekunda, Hon. Halifa Sallah, the leader of the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), held a press conference on the 8th of January 2025 urging members of the Sixth Legislature to take ownership of the Constitution Building process and to “axe” and “mould” the Constitution into a bill fit for purpose. More in the report.

Hon Fatoumatta Njie of Banjul South maintained her parliamentary seat for Banjul South but lost her application for series of injunctions against the leadership of the People’s Progressive Party, Mr Kebba Jallow on Thursday 5th December 2024.
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