By: Kemo Kanyi
Talib Ahmad Bensouda has pledged that the UNITE Movement for Change would prioritize the participation and representation of Gambians in the diaspora in national decision-making if elected to the presidency.
Bensouda made the remarks during a meeting with party supporters in Atlanta, United States, as part of his engagement with Gambians abroad.
He said diaspora inclusion in national elections and parliamentary representation could be achieved through political will rather than a complete constitutional overhaul.
“It is in the public domain that many opposition figures have been calling for the inclusion of the diaspora in the Gambian elections… I don’t think we need a new constitution to introduce diaspora voting. We are going to introduce this and diaspora representation in parliament,” he said.
Bensouda argued that Gambians in the diaspora, who he said contribute significantly to the country’s economy, should have a voice in national affairs.
He also proposed the introduction of diaspora bonds through the Central Bank of The Gambia to enable citizens abroad to invest in national development while benefiting from returns.
The UNITE Movement for Change leader further noted that diaspora contributions to gross domestic product (GDP) justify their inclusion in legislative and governance processes.
The issue of diaspora voting and representation has been a subject of national debate, with opposition figures calling for reforms while the government maintains that it does not seek to disenfranchise any citizen.