The Ministry of Justice has expressed “profound disappointment” after the country’s long-anticipated draft constitution failed to secure enough votes in the National Assembly on Monday, halting a major legislative effort to overhaul the country’s legal foundation.

In a statement released after the vote, the ministry confirmed that the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia (Promulgation) Bill 2024 did not receive the required three-quarters majority to advance beyond the Second Reading.

A total of 35 lawmakers voted in favour of the bill, 21 voted against, and one was absent, leaving the proposal nine votes short of the constitutional threshold.

“This marks a significant setback in our ongoing efforts to usher in a new era of constitutional democracy,” the ministry said, while emphasising the government’s continued commitment to constitutional reform.

The draft constitution, developed with the support of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), aimed to replace the 1997 Constitution and reflected compromises made following the collapse of a similar effort in 2020.

The Ministry of Justice noted that the process had included “extensive consultations with stakeholders” and thanked both local institutions and international partners for their support,  including the UNDP, EU, and former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who played a key role in the mediation process.

While the rejection of the bill means it will not proceed to the Consideration Stage or be put to a national referendum, officials say alternative legal avenues will now be explored, including possible amendments to the current constitution.

Observers say the failure of the draft is likely to delay broader reform efforts aimed at strengthening democratic governance and transitional justice mechanisms in the post-Jammeh era.

“We remain firmly committed to delivering a new constitution that reflects the will of the Gambian people and meets international standards of democracy, human rights, and rule of law.”

By Adama Makasuba