‘Gambia’s new draft constitution near finalisation’ – Justice Jallow

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By SHERIFF SAIDYKHAN

Justice Cherno Sulayman Jallow Chairperson of the Constitutional Review Commission, CRC has said the new draft Constitution of The Gambia is near finalization.

He made these remarks at a press briefing held at CRC Secretariat in Kotu.

He enunciated that the Commission is working hard to finalise its assignment and the Draft Constitution and the accompanying report will be formally submitted to the President of the Republic not later than March 2020.

Justice Jallow revealed that they have registered significant strides during their public consultation.

According to him, the Commission undertook a series of consultation informing the public about the provisions in the draft Constitution and soliciting feedback that would help the Commission come up with a final draft Constitution for the Republic of the Gambia,

Second phase of countrywide public consultation
He said they have embarked on a second phase of countrywide public consultation in all the regions and communities, with the view to gauge citizens’ voices on the proposed provisions and recommendations proffered by citizens.

”In these communities, the CRC ensured that the local government authorities, seyfolu (district chiefs), alkalolu (village heads), school administrators and community based organisation were availed with adequate advance copies of the Draft Constitution in order to facilitate public access and allow Gambians to familiriarise themselves with the proposed provisions and subsequently provide feedback to the Commission”

The Way Forward
He said the CRC gives credence to all divergent views, regardless of faith or sect.

He added that they respected all views amid heated debates about ”Secular”, adding that the CRC will maintains its mandate to ensure all faiths are protected in their various communities.

The veteran legal practitioner said Constitution development in any country, the final product will never satisfy every view and opinions canvassed.

”Constitutional development is effectively a negotiation process of give and take. It can never address all issues. In our case here in the Gambia, we had put in place a very robust transparent, inclusive and participatory public consultation process whereby every citizens and other stakeholders had the opportunity to make a contribution,” he posited.