The Gambia’s parliament’s rejection of an electoral clause that would have granted Gambians in the diaspora the right to vote and stand for election has sparked outrage and widespread condemnations.

Twenty-five National Assembly members, entirely from the ruling National People’s Party and from its allied National Reconciliation Party as well as nominated and Independent members voted against the clause. Fourteen other lawmakers, mainly from the opposition United Democratic Party voted in favour of the clause.

In reaction to the decision by the country’s lawmaking house, Gambians living both at home and abroad have been venting their disappointment over the parliament’s rejection.

Modou Ceesay, urged the electorate to avoid electing their lawmakers based solely on their  tribe or friendship, instead advocating for the election of competent individuals into the country’s parliament.

He asserted that the Gambia remains the only country whose citizens living abroad are denied voting rights. 

“Even Guinea Bissau citizens living abroad vote, and The Gambia gained its independence before it,” he said.

Sulayman Dampha added: “the lawmakers who voted against the diaspora voting right betrayed Gambians. We have seen nationals of other countries voting in the country when their country goes to the polls. It’s a shame and disappointing. They are doing a disservice to the country because they have rejected the draft constitution and this clause to enable the diaspora voting rights.

Kebba Jammeh also expressed dismay over the rejection which now denied the Gambian diaspora a right to vote.

He added: “ I am very saddened by the rejection of the diaspora voting rights by our National Assembly members, who have denied their fellow citizens the right to vote in elections. But they have done this in bad faith for the country and in good faith for President Adama Barrow.”

Sanna Sillah said: “if not the Gambian diaspora, the country would have been plunged into serious economic disaster. These are people who keep our ailing economic lives by sending home remittances. And now these groups of national assembly members denied them the right to vote.”

By Adama Makasuba