The ongoing constitutional impasse in The Gambia results from political leaders’ failure to agree on new draft constitutions, creating risks for democracy. The necessity for international community intervention and a collaborative spirit among politicians is critical to resolving this crisis and ensuring a stable governance framework.
The Gambia is currently facing a constitutional impasse as discussions among political leaders have not yielded expected results. The inability of the two major political parties to reach a consensus on the 2020 and 2024 draft constitutions may leave the country in a challenging political predicament. This situation follows a controversial transition agreement, which extended the presidential term to five years, originally based on a flawed 1997 constitution without term limits.
The ongoing political rivalry has exacerbated the situation, indicating significant risks to the country’s democratic transition. Without a new constitution, The Gambia’s political landscape at its 60th anniversary can be viewed as both incomprehensible and unacceptable. Leaders must prioritize democracy over personal power aspirations to avoid the collapse of governance structures and to promote national healing.
The international community’s role is crucial in addressing this constitutional crisis. Institutions such as the United Nations, African Union, European Union, and Economic Community of West African States ought to influence the Gambian political leadership towards adopting a new constitution. This step is necessary to establish a legal framework for governance and maintain the peace and stability of the nation.
Political bitterness and rivalry are identified as root causes of the constitutional deadlock. A government should fundamentally serve the people, and there must be a collaborative spirit between the government and the opposition for this to occur effectively. Reevaluating the option of amending the 1997 constitution, instead of drafting a new one, remains a pertinent discussion.
Critiques suggest that the 2020 draft constitution was overly complex and possibly detached from the realities of the populace, contributing to its controversial reception. Furthermore, it is imperative to recognize that effective governance requires a balance of power, ensuring the President retains necessary executive authority. With the future of democracy in The Gambia perilously hanging in the balance, politicians should consider alternative electoral agreements such as the 51% threshold to promote political compromise.
In conclusion, The Gambia’s constitutional stalemate underscores the urgency for political leaders to prioritize democratic principles over personal ambitions. The international community’s involvement in facilitating a new constitution is crucial to stabilize governance and enhance peace. A collaborative approach among political factions may pave the way for a more inclusive and effective political landscape in The Gambia.
Original Source: thepoint.gm
