The Gambia’s National Assembly has voted against granting voting rights to Gambians in the diaspora, a move that has sparked disappointment and frustration among Gambians living abroad.
According to Hon. Madi Ceesay, a member of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), the vote was largely opposed by members of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), the National Reconciliation Party (NRP), all nominated members, and some independent lawmakers. “The NPP, NRP, all the nominated members, and some independent members have just voted against diaspora voting 25 against 14,” he stated.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Gambians living abroad, many of whom argue that they contribute significantly to the country’s economy and should not be excluded from the democratic process.
Ambassador Essa Bokarr Sey condemned the decision, stating that successive governments have consistently sidelined the diaspora. “For years now, the executive in the first, second, and third Republics have been rejecting Gambians abroad simply because they travelled. Being punished for going abroad? Seriously?” he questioned.
He further criticized lawmakers for what he described as hypocrisy. “The same National Assembly members who deny us voting rights are the ones calling, texting, and emailing us for help when they travel abroad. Some of them have their families living with the very people they are denying the legal right to vote.”
Ousman Ceesay, a Gambian based in the United States, also expressed frustration, arguing that the rationale given for blocking diaspora voting is flawed. “Many of us own homes and businesses in The Gambia, rooted in specific constituencies. Why, then, can’t we use those as our domiciles for voter registration? This is not a complex issue it is a deliberate act of disenfranchisement,” he said.
He also pointed out that diaspora remittances account for nearly 30% of The Gambia’s GDP. “Yet, when it comes to having a voice in governance, we are treated as outsiders. The Supreme Court has already ruled in our favour, affirming our right to vote, but the executive continues to drag its feet,” he added.
Meanwhile, Justice Minister Dawda Jallow defended the decision, stating that logistical and legal hurdles must first be addressed before diaspora voting can be implemented. “If you give the IEC (Independent Electoral Commission) the authority to register the diaspora, they would still not be able to vote unless they demarcate the diaspora into a National Assembly constituency,” he explained.
