REPORT OF THE jOINT COMMITTEE OF REGIONAL GOvERNMENT & LANds, OMBUdsMAN & IEC & HUMAN RIGHTs ANd CONsTITUTIONAL MATTERs dECEMBER 2023

Summary

Periodic free and fair election is one of the most important pillars and prerequisite of democracy. It is through such election that the will and opinions of the citizens are reflected, and the legitimacy of governments is obtained. This is bill is, above been important, crucial in The Gambia’s transition and solidification of democratic rule. It is important because government belongs to the people, thus, requiring the people to serve in that government. Needless to say, it is incumbent upon the state to promulgate rules that prescribe how the electoral system operates, method of voting, class of citizens entitled to vote and be voted for, how to be voted into various offices, who conducts the electoral process and the resources required to conduct various elections needed to fill elective public offices. By introducing this Bill, the Executive recognizes its role, and sorts to better the Electoral Decree 78. Now the baton is on this Legislature to duly, and faithfully execute its mandate to the People of The Gambia. Therefore, the Joint Committee enjoins the Assembly, to thoughtfully…. thoughtfully examine this Bill in the interest of bettering our electoral laws and enhancing our democratic rule. It is equally important to point out that laws in general and particularly Electoral Laws are so are the bedrock of the state’s existence. The affirm the legitimacy of governments, and the peaceful co- existence of the state. This Assembly, must not lose sight of this fact. Therefore, care and consciousness should be applied in the scrutiny and approval of the laws before us. It is also important to remind this honourable Assembly and other stakeholders that there is a need to periodically review of these laws to either respond to emerging issues or address some of the lapses and loopholes, and we must do so considering the contemporary demand of our society, and governance process. I thank the Members of the Joint Committee, the Staff of the National Assembly attached to the Joint Committee, both former and present, Office of the Clerk, Subject Matter Specialists, the Civil Society Organization, and Gambians of all works of life for their invaluable contribution in providing opinions an guiding the Joint Committee to reach its recommendations