Salieu Taal, has sharply criticised the government for what he described as a “flagrant violation” of the country’s constitution following the delayed presentation of the 2025 national budget.

The former president of the Gambia Bar Association’s comments came after Seedy Keita, the minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, was questioned in parliament about the government’s failure to meet the constitutional deadline for presenting the budget. Minister Keita later issued an apology for the delay, acknowledging the breach.

However, Taal, a prominent figure in the legal community, did not hold back in expressing his concern.

Speaking to West Coast Radio, he described the government’s actions as a direct violation of the law, emphasising that the constitution was clear on the matter.

“The process is fundamentally flawed,” Taal said. “This is a direct and flagrant violation of the constitution. The law is unequivocal: Section 152 of the Constitution, as amended by the 2023 Constitutional Amendment Act, clearly stipulates that the national budget must be presented to the National Assembly at least 60 days before the end of the fiscal year. There is no ambiguity here.”

Taal’s criticism is rooted in the fact that the budget was presented far beyond the stipulated deadline, leading him to question the government’s commitment to constitutional governance.

“This is a sad day for the country’s democracy,” he added. “The Constitution is the foundation of our democratic system, and when it is disregarded so blatantly, it undermines the integrity of our institutions.”

In response to the delay, Minister Keita expressed regret for the oversight, but the incident has sparked concern among lawmakers and citizens alike.

Critics have raised alarm over what they perceive as a growing disregard for constitutional obligations, warning that such actions could erode public confidence in the government’s ability to govern effectively and lawfully.

Taal’s comments have reignited calls for greater transparency and adherence to legal procedures within the Gambian government, with many emphasising the need for accountability at all levels of public office.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba