Ousainou Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party, has said his party’s lawmakers will vote against the 2024 draft constitution, describing the amendment of the document as an “insult” to Gambians.

The draft constitution in 2021 failed to pass in parliament, with 33 lawmakers voting against and only 42 voting in its favour. 

In response, President Adama Barrow’s government has sought to reintroduce the document, this time with amendments, in an attempt to secure its approval by parliament.

However, Darboe condemned the act as “joke” and “insult” to Gambians.

Speaking to West Coast Radio, he said: “I think that the constitution is a joke for President Barrow and his cabinet to want to give Gambians that type of constitution.

“Bring the 2020 draft and work it at the committee stages. I have said it and I am saying it again without apology that we are going to vote against the 2024 Barrow draft [constitution].”

By Adama Makasuba