By: Nyima Sillah
Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly, secretary-general and leader of the Gambia Action Party (GAP) said the rejection of diaspora voting has sparked discontent among opposition figures and the diaspora community.
The GAP leader maintained that the rejection has highlighted the discontent between the diaspora community and the political establishment in The Gambia.
“One key point of contention is the role of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and its leaders in empowering President Barrow, whom they once referred to as our Moses. The UDP, along with other political parties, played a significant role in propelling Barrow to power but is now facing criticism for not adequately addressing the concerns of the diaspora community. This situation underscores the complex relationships between political parties, leaders, and their constituents, especially in the context of diaspora representation and engagement,” GAP Leader stressed in a statement shared with this medium.
According to him, when political leaders met in Nigeria years ago, key figures suggested that the 1997 Constitution was a “very good” one but was amended by Yahya Jammeh’s government, and that getting rid of the bad clauses and sections was easier than getting a new constitution.
“Their suggestions were reportedly met with resistance by the UDP-led government at the time, who were viewed as enemies. This highlights the challenges of enacting meaningful reforms and addressing critical issues when political interests clash or overshadow broader national concerns,” he pointed out.
The GAP leader emphasized that the rejection of the diaspora voting bill reflects a missed opportunity to engage with and empower Gambians living abroad, who make significant contributions to the country’s development.
He asserted that the GAP has emerged as a proponent of diaspora representation and has emphasized the importance of addressing the concerns of Gambians living outside the country.
“The rejection of the bill represents a setback for inclusivity and democratic participation, raising questions about the government’s commitment to representing all segments of the Gambian population. Moving forward, there is a need for constructive dialogue and collaboration between political parties, government officials, and the diaspora community to address the challenges of representation and engagement,” stated Batchilly. He added: “The rejection of the diaspora voting bill serves as a wake-up call for policymakers to prioritize the interests of all Gambians, both at home and abroad. Failure to do so may lead to further disenchantment and alienation among the diaspora community, potentially affecting the country’s political landscape in the future.”
