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Our History

The evolution of parliamentary democracy in The Gambia from 1843 to present day.

The National Assembly of The Gambia is the unicameral legislature of the Gambia. The authorisation for the National Assembly lies in Chapter VII of the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia. It is composed of 58 Members who serve a five-year term. 53 Members are directly elected while the remaining five are appointed by the President. Members are elected in single-member constituencies using a first-past-the-post system.

Historical Timeline

2022

Current Era

Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta became Speaker. The Sixth Legislature was inaugurated, continuing the democratic governance of The Gambia.

2017

Democratic Transition

A new democratic era began with Hon. Mariam Jack Denton elected as Speaker. The Fifth Legislature was inaugurated.

1997

New Constitution

A new constitution was promulgated. The political ban was lifted in August 1996. Legislative elections took place on January 2, 1997, with APRC winning 33 out of 45 seats.

1994

Military Coup

The PPP Jawara government was overthrown in a military coup. The constitution and all elected institutions were dissolved. Political party activities were banned.

1982

National Assembly

The name changed to National Assembly and "National Members" terminology was adopted. Nyimasatta Sannehjyang became the first elected female member.

1970

Parliament Established

The House of Representatives was renamed to Parliament. The Vice President became the leader of government business.

1965

Independence

The Gambia gained independence. The PPP continued to win the majority of seats through a series of democratic elections in 1966, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, and 1992.

1962

Universal Adult Suffrage

Legislative representation based on universal adult suffrage began with elections for a 32-seat House of Representatives. The PPP led by Dawda Jawara won. Lacerita Claire Jones became the first female member.

1954

House of Representatives

Ministers were appointed for the first time. The Legislative Council was renamed to the House of Representatives. The position of Speaker was created, with Hon. Sir John Mahoney as the first Speaker.

1951

Political Parties Allowed

Political parties were officially allowed for the first time, marking the beginning of multi-party democracy in The Gambia.

1947

First Elections

The first elections of the Legislative Council were held. The 1947 Constitution provided for elections for Bathurst and Kombo only. Edward Small and Garba Jahumpa were elected as Members.

1880

First Gambian Representative

Mr. Richards was nominated as the first Gambian member to the Legislative Council, marking a significant milestone in local representation.

1843

The Beginning

First Legislative Council established with three European members, all nominated by the Governor. This marked the beginning of colonial governance structure in The Gambia.

Speakers of the National Assembly

The distinguished leaders who have presided over the Assembly since 1954

Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta

2022-Present

Current

Hon. Mariam Jack Denton

2017-2022

Hon. Abdoulie Bojang

2010-2017

Hon. Mrs. Elizabeth Renner

2009-2010

Hon. Mrs. Fatoumata Jahumpha Ceesay

2007-2009

Hon. Mrs. Belinda G. Bidwell

2006-2007

Hon. Sheriff M Dibba

2002-2006

Hon. Mustapha Wadda

1994-2001

Hon. Alhagie Momodou Babacarr (BO)

1983-1994

Hon. SRD Jones

1972-1983

Hon. Sir Alieu Sulaiman Jack

1962-1972

Hon. Sir John Mahoney

1954-1962

Clerks of the National Assembly

Clerks of the National Assembly to date

Mr. Kalipha MM Mbye

2024 – to date

Current

Mr. Momodou A. Sise

2018 – 2024

Mr. Dodou CM Kebbeh

2005 – 2018

Mr. Momodou Sellu Jallow

2001 – 2005

Mr. Saihou M Jobe

1998 – 2000

Mr. Dodou S Njie

1993 – 1994

Mr. Rudolph Sowe

1986 – 1993

Mr. Edi Bright

1981 – 1986

Mr. Tamsir Mbye

1980 – 1981

Mr. Papa Jeng

1979 – 1980

Mr. Abdoulie Sallah

1968 – 1978

Mr. Saihou Njie

1967 – 1968

Mr. Francis AJ Savage

1966 – 1967

Mr. Saihou Sissoho

1966

Mr. Hatib Semega Janneh

1964 – 1966

Mr. HR Monday JN

1963 – 1964

Mr. Asn Davies

1961 – 1963

Mr. OC Njie

1959 – 1961

Key Milestones

Female Representation

  • 1962: Lacerita Claire Jones - First nominated female
  • 1982: Nyimasatta Sannehjyang - First elected female
  • 2006: Mrs. Belinda G. Bidwell - First female Speaker

Constitutional Development

  • 1970: Republic established under new constitution
  • 1997: Current constitutional framework adopted
  • Separation of powers firmly established

Electoral Evolution

  • From nominated to elected members
  • From limited to universal adult suffrage (1962)
  • Current: 53 elected + 5 nominated members
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