By Lamin Njie
The Gambia moved closer to a new constitution on Thursday after State House announced the draft constitution will be presented to the national assembly in August ahead of presidential elections next year.
The draft constitution was submitted to President Adama Barrow in March but critics have claimed its journey to the national assembly was being delayed by the executive.
It comes as reports emerged that cabinet isn’t happy with a part of the draft constitution which if approved, will condemn President Barrow to just one fresh five-year term.
But State House in a statement on Thursday said the Ministry of Justice will publish the ‘national document in the Gazette before the end of May 2020, before it is subsequently presented to the National Assembly in August 2020’.
“The Office of the President therefore assures the pubic that the due processes will be followed in strengthening our democracy,” State House said.
If the draft constitution passes the national assembly test, Gambians will vote in a referendum ahead of presidential elections next year.
The new draft constitution is attempting to change Office of President in the country to a maximum term of 10 years which comes in two five-year terms.
