By: Kemo Kanyi
The leader of the People’s Reformist Organization for Growth, Renewal, Equity, Security and Social Justice (PROGRESS), Amadou Jaiteh has called for stronger institutions to safeguard Gambia’s democracy.
He quickly argues that the sustainability of democracy depends on independent and effective institutions rather than individuals.
Jaiteh made the remarks while reacting to the Supreme Court’s judgement in the case involving former Auditor General Modou Ceesay and the state.
He described the ruling as one of the most significant constitutional decisions in The Gambia’s democratic history, saying it underscored the importance of constitutional safeguards and institutional independence.
“Strong democracies are not built by strong individuals. They are built by strong institutions,” Jaiteh said, stressing that institutions must be independent enough to restrain executive power, defend the constitution and prevent constitutional violations from becoming precedents.
He commended the Supreme Court for affirming the principle that no one, including the president, is above the constitution.
According to Jaiteh, the court’s unanimous decision that the removal of the former Auditor General was unconstitutional, unlawful, null and void reaffirmed that the security of tenure of independent constitutional office holders was a protection guaranteed by the constitution and not a privilege granted by the executive.
However, he raised concerns over the court’s decision to allow the current Auditor General to remain in office while awarding compensation to the former office holder.
“If an action is declared null and void because it violates the constitution, can the legal consequences flowing from that unconstitutional act continue to stand?” he asked.
Jaiteh argued that constitutional remedies should restore the proper legal order rather than only compensate individuals affected by unconstitutional actions.
“These are not political questions. They are constitutional ones,” he said.
The PROGRESS leader added that the constitution should not create incentives for unconstitutional conduct, stressing that the issue was not about personalities but about protecting the integrity of public institutions.
He said the Office of the Auditor General belongs to the people of The Gambia and exists to protect public resources, promote accountability and ensure proper management of state finances.
Jaiteh maintained that the strength of the country’s democracy depends on institutions capable of upholding constitutional principles and protecting public interest.