How the National Assembly Works
Understanding the legislative process, parliamentary sessions, and how your representatives work to serve The Gambia.
The National Assembly of The Gambia operates under Chapter VII of the 1997 Constitution. As the nation's unicameral legislature, it plays three essential roles: making laws, overseeing the Executive, and representing citizens. Understanding how the National Assembly works helps citizens engage more effectively with their democracy.
The Three Functions of the National Assembly
The National Assembly serves the people through three core constitutional responsibilities
Legislation
The primary function of the National Assembly is to make, amend, and repeal laws for The Gambia.
- Debating and passing bills
- Amending existing laws
- Approving the national budget
- Ratifying international treaties
Oversight
The National Assembly holds the Executive accountable to ensure good governance and proper use of public resources.
- Questions to Ministers
- Committee investigations
- Budget scrutiny
- Audit report reviews
Representation
Members represent the interests and concerns of citizens from all constituencies across The Gambia.
- Voicing constituent concerns
- Constituency outreach
- Public petitions
- Debating national issues
How a Bill Becomes Law
The journey of a bill through the National Assembly follows a structured process to ensure thorough review and debate
First Reading
A bill is introduced to the National Assembly, either by a Minister (Government Bill), or by a Member (Private Member's Bill) or by a chairperson (Committee Bill). The bill is formally presented and its title is read aloud. No debate occurs at this stage.
Second Reading
The general principles and merits of the bill are debated in the plenary. Members discuss the policy behind the bill. A vote is taken to proceed or reject the bill.
Committee Stage
The bill is referred to a relevant Standing or Select Committee. The committee examines the bill in detail, may hold public hearings, consult experts, and propose amendments.
Third Reading
The final debate on the bill takes place. Only minor amendments are considered. A final vote is taken. If passed, the bill proceeds to the President for assent.
Presidential Assent
The President signs the bill into law within 30 days. Once signed, the bill becomes an Act of Parliament and is published in the Gazette.
National Assembly Sessions
The National Assembly operates through structured sessions throughout the year
Types of Sessions
Ordinary Sessions
Regular sessions held throughout the year for normal legislative business, including four sessions annually.
Extra-Ordinary Sessions
Special sessions called to address urgent matters, can be convened by the President or the Speaker.
Budget Session
The annual session dedicated to reviewing and approving the national budget, typically held in November-December.
A Typical Sitting Day
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1
Prayers
Opening prayers led by the Chaplain
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2
Communication from the Chair
Announcements from the Speaker
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3
Laying of Papers & Reports
Formal presentation of documents
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4
Questions for Oral Answers
Ministers respond to Member questions
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5
Bills & Motions
Debate and voting on legislation
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6
Adjournment
Debate on matters of urgent public importance
The Committee System
Committees are the workhorses of the National Assembly, conducting detailed examination of legislation and government activities
Standing Committees
Permanent committees that exist throughout the life of the National Assembly with continuous oversight responsibilities.
- • Public Accounts Committee
- • Defence & Security
- • Foreign Affairs
- • Privileges & Ethics
Select Committees
Committees appointed to deal with specific subject areas and exist at the convenience of the Assembly.
- • Health & Social Welfare
- • Education & ICT
- • Agriculture & Rural Dev.
- • Trade & Regional Integration
Special Select Committees
Temporary committees appointed to deal with specific issues or tasks, and dissolved once the task is completed.
- • Investigation committees
- • Special inquiry panels
- • Constitutional review
- • Emergency responses
What Committees Do
Examine Bills
Review legislation clause by clause
Hold Hearings
Invite experts and stakeholders to testify
Oversight
Monitor government ministries and agencies
Report
Produce reports with findings and recommendations
Key Legislative Documents
Understanding the official records and publications of the National Assembly
Order Paper
The agenda for each sitting day, listing all business to be transacted.
Hansard
The verbatim official record of all debates and proceedings in the National Assembly.
Votes & Proceedings
The official minutes recording all decisions and actions taken.
Committee Reports
Detailed findings and recommendations from committee investigations.
Legislative Terms
Common terms you'll encounter when following the National Assembly
Plenary
A session where all Members meet in the chamber to conduct business.
Quorum
The minimum number of Members required (currently one quarter) for business to proceed.
Motion
A formal proposal put before the House for debate and decision.
Division
A formal vote where Members vote for (Ayes) or against (Noes) a motion.
Gazette
The official government publication where new laws are published.
Assent
The President's formal approval that turns a bill into law.