The Gambian Federal Association (GFA) criticizes Parliament and the government for obstructing voting rights for Gambians in the diaspora, a breach of a Supreme Court ruling. The GFA underscores the importance of the diaspora’s financial contributions and demands legislative efforts to amend the situation. They call for unity among citizens to prevent a regression to prior authoritarian practices.
On January 27, 2021, The Gambia’s highest court delivered a pivotal ruling affirming the voting rights of Gambians residing in the diaspora, as outlined in section 39 of the 1997 Constitution. Championed by Honorable Bakary Bunja Dabo and leading diaspora activists, the case aimed to urge the Coalition government, under President Adama Barrow, to actively facilitate these rights.
The Gambian diaspora significantly contributes to the nation’s socio-economic fabric, accounting for approximately 32% of the GDP. Despite this, the Barrow Administration has failed to recognize their political rights, choosing to obstruct the process of granting them voting rights, which GFA deems a complete betrayal of the diaspora.
The assertion that granting voting rights to the diaspora would breach the 1997 Constitution is perceived as an unfounded excuse. The primary duty of Parliament is to amend legislation to rectify injustices faced by citizens, including the diaspora. The Barrow administration had the opportunity to legislate the inclusion of the diaspora as a voting bloc but evidently lacked the political will.
GFA expresses its dismay at the government’s apparent attempts, using the Attorney General’s office, to collaborate with the national assembly in undermining the Supreme Court ruling. Such actions are seen as an attack on democratic rights, orchestrated by President Barrow and his APRC allies, aiming to undermine the democratization process initiated in 2016.
GFA will unequivocally condemn any National Assembly members who collaborate with the executive to inhibit Gambian citizens’ rights to register for elections. The organization acknowledges a clear division between those supporting continued democratization and those seeking to revert to prior undemocratic practices, motivated by personal gain rather than patriotism.
The GFA calls upon all Gambians and supporters of The Gambia to unite and oppose any regression to the oppressive governance reminiscent of the Jammeh era. Eight years into Barrow’s presidency, progress appears stalled, and his administration’s betrayal of diaspora citizens will not be overlooked. It is high time to accord the Gambian diaspora the respect and rights they are entitled to.
In conclusion, the GFA asserts the critical importance of voting rights for Gambians in the diaspora, emphasizing the need for legislative action to rectify existing injustices. The Administration’s disregard for the Supreme Court ruling is criticized as an affront to democracy. GFA calls for solidarity to safeguard progress made since the 2016 transition away from dictatorship, urging respect for the diaspora’s contributions and entitlements within the political system.
Original Source: thepoint.gm
