The National Assembly has rejected the 2024 draft constitution bill, after it failed to secure the supermajority required to proceed beyond its second reading.

The proposed legislation aimed to repeal the current 1997 Constitution and replace it with a new republican charter, in what was seen as a landmark effort to reset the country’s democratic foundations following decades of authoritarian rule and recent political transitions.

Despite the bill’s national significance, it fell short of the required threshold.

In a statement delivered to lawmakers, Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta confirmed the outcome of the vote.

A total of 56 votes were cast, with 35 members voting in favour and 21 against. There were no abstentions.

According to Section 226 of the current constitution, any bill seeking to alter or replace the national constitution must be supported by no less than three-quarters of the Assembly, which equates to 44 of the 58 members.

With only 35 votes in favour, the bill was formally ruled out.

“Having carefully examined the result of the division and acting in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and the Standing Orders, I am compelled to rule that the Constitution Bill has not met the constitutional threshold required for passage at this stage,” he said.

“The Bill is therefore negatived at this stage and shall not proceed further.”

The ruling puts an end, at least for now, to an ambitious process that many hoped would help solidify democratic reforms in the West African nation.

A previous attempt at constitutional reform also collapsed in 2020 under similar circumstances.

Despite the setback, Speaker Jatta emphasized the importance of continued national dialogue, urging stakeholders, from political actors to civil society and the wider public, to remain engaged.

“The failure of this Bill does not signify the end of constitutional reform,” he said. “Rather, it marks a critical moment for reflection, consultation, and renewed engagement with all sectors of Gambian society.”