By Ousman Saidykhan
The leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Lawyer Ousainu Darboe, has firmly rejected the 2024 Draft Constitution, dubbing it “Barrow’s Draft” and vowing that his party will not support it under his leadership.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Darboe reiterated the UDP’s unwavering commitment to the 2020 Draft, which he claims reflects the true will of the Gambian people.
“Well, the United Democratic Party may agree, but not under my leadership. I want a constitution for The Gambia, but not just any constitution,” Darboe declared, criticizing the 2024 Draft as a product of President Adama Barrow and his cabinet, lacking broader public input. “The 2024 Draft—Barrow’s Draft—should not be the one presented to the National Assembly.”
Darboe contrasted the two drafts, praising the 2020 version for its extensive consultation process involving groups like the Gambia Press Union, the Bar Association, the Teachers Union, women’s organizations, and political parties. “The 2020 Draft combines the ideas of Gambians across all sectors,” he said. Meanwhile, he slammed the 2024 Draft as a top-down imposition. “Before it was gazetted, it was never presented to the Gambian people for discussion. They took us for granted and thought they could blackmail Gambians. No.”
The UDP leader called on Barrow to submit the 2020 Draft to the National Assembly, arguing that any contentious provisions could be debated and amended there—a process he described as standard practice. “But you can’t sit there, draft any document, and push it down the throat of the Gambian people,” he said.
Darboe highlighted the omission of Chapter 5 on Leadership and Integrity from the 2024 Draft, linking it to Barrow’s recent assent to an Anti-Corruption Act. He pointed out a clause in the Act shielding corruption allegations from 2017 to its signing from the investigation, as well as provisions in the 2024 Draft that protect former presidents and ministers from asset disclosure after leaving office.
“Fighting corruption, and you put that in the Anti-Corruption Act? He is playing with Gambians, really. He is taking Gambians for granted,” Darboe charged.
Addressing claims that the 2020 Draft, previously rejected by parliament, cannot be reintroduced, Darboe clarified, “A measure defeated in one session cannot be brought back in that same session, but it can in another session. This is our position.”
The press conference followed a closed-door meeting last Tuesday between Darboe and Barrow, facilitated by Dr. Muhamed Ibn Chambas, Representative of Silencing the Guns, to explore a constitutional compromise. Darboe remained tight-lipped about the discussions, saying only, “It would be indiscreet of me to discuss what took place. Everyone knew we wanted the 2020 Draft, and everyone knows he wants the 2024 Draft.”
The UDP’s rejection of the 2024 Draft, widely criticized for its lack of consultation, underscores ongoing tensions over The Gambia’s constitutional future, with Darboe signaling no compromise under his watch.
As the debate intensifies, Gambians await whether Barrow will heed calls to revive the 2020 Draft or press forward with his administration’s version.
