Mai Ahmed Fatty, the leader of Gambia Moral Congres, has criticised the National Assembly, accusing it of “deliberately wounding democracy” after lawmakers voted against the draft constitution without allowing a public referendum.

In a statement issued, the former Interior Minister said the rejection was not just a political setback but a betrayal of the Gambian people’s right to determine their own future.

“Parliament chose to deny you your voice,” Mr Fatty said, adding that “Our elected representatives have forgotten a fundamental truth: the constitution belongs to the people, not to politicians.”

The draft constitution, intended to replace the 1997 charter established during the rule of Yahya Jammeh, was developed over years of public consultations and legal review.

Though acknowledged by many as imperfect, it was widely seen as a critical step in Gambia’s democratic transition.

Mr Fatty emphasised that his support for the bill stemmed from his belief in the people’s capacity to judge for themselves.

“I trusted your ability to weigh its merits and flaws,” he said.

“That trust was betrayed, not by you, but by those who claim to represent you.”

He warned that when lawmakers block public input on constitutional matters, they overstep their role and erode the very foundation of democracy.

“The art of democratic leadership is knowing when to lead and when to step aside,” he said.

“On constitutional questions, leaders must step aside and let the people decide.”

The draft constitution included proposals such as presidential term limits, stronger checks and balances, and expanded civil liberties.

Its failure in parliament has sparked concern among legal experts and civil society groups, who see it as a missed opportunity for systemic reform.

“The constitutional project is bigger than any single draft, any parliament, any presidency,” he said.

“The work continues. The dream endures. And you, the sovereign people of The Gambia, will have the final word.”

By Adama Makasuba