By: Haruna Kuyateh
The National Council for Civic Education (NCCE), with support from the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched a series of townhall meetings aimed at enhancing public understanding of the 2024 Draft Constitution.
Held under the theme, “A New Constitution for a New Republic: Get Informed, Get Involved,” the first session took place Saturday in Kerewan.
The engagement attracted district chiefs, alkalolu, women, youth, councillors, and persons with disabilities. National Assembly Members Hon. Sulayman Saho (Central Badibou) and Hon. Salifu Jawo (Jokadu) attended sessions in Kerewan and Kuntair, respectively.
Yusupha Bojang, Chief Civic Education Officer at NCCE, highlighted the government’s commitment to the constitutional reform process, citing the establishment of the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) through a 2017 Act of the National Assembly. He emphasized that these dialogues were crucial for collecting feedback and fostering better interaction between lawmakers and their constituents.
Chief Fabala Fadia Kinteh of Lower Badibou thanked the NCCE and its partners for promoting inclusive civic engagement. He urged Gambians to set aside differences and support the finalization of the draft constitution.
Hon. Sulayman Saho described the process as vital for empowering citizens and fostering ownership of the national charter. He called on political party leaders and citizens to unite for the finalization of a constitution that meets democratic standards.
James P. Monibah, Project Specialist at UNDP, underscored the importance of the campaign, describing it as a national effort to deepen public understanding, ensure inclusive participation, and build democratic resilience. He affirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting a people-led constitution-making process through the EU-UNDP GREAT Project, part of the 2023–2027 Recovery-Focused National Development Plan.
Monibah called on women, youth, and persons with disabilities to actively engage, stressing that inclusive governance aligned with SDG 16 is essential to building peace, justice, and strong institutions.
