In 2024, The Gambia initiated reforms to engage citizens in the Draft Constitution process, focusing on inclusivity through the EU-UNDP GREAT Project. This project facilitated widespread civic education and dialogue, enabling over 203,543 individuals to contribute feedback. Collaborative efforts emphasized restoring constitutional principles, transparency, and accountability, ensuring the emerging framework reflects the collective aspirations of all communities in The Gambia.
In 2024, The Gambia advanced its democratic reforms as key stakeholders united to foster dialogue on the Draft Constitution. The EU-UNDP GREAT Project encapsulated this inclusive initiative, actively involving government bodies, civil society organizations, and local communities. This collaborative effort ensured that the new constitutional framework encompasses the diverse voices from all segments of society throughout the nation.
A focal point of these initiatives has been the promotion of meaningful dialogue regarding essential constitutional tenets. Collaborating with organizations like the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the GREAT Project underscored that public engagement is crucial for legitimate constitution-making. Various campaigns in local languages and community forums enabled citizens, including marginalized groups, to express their expectations and concerns.
The outcomes include significant civic education outreach across the nation; workshops, caravans, media campaigns, and town hall meetings educated thousands about their rights under the prospective Constitution. Feedback mechanisms allowed communities to refine constitutional proposals actively, addressing longstanding demands for engagement among historically excluded populations. The project impacted approximately 203,543 individuals and engaged over 21 civil society organizations.
At the end of 2024, the NHRC organized a National Convergence, yielding a communiqué that highlighted the importance of restoring constitutional principles such as integrity and transparency. It pointed out the necessity of regular consultations with political parties and interest groups during the drafting process, emphasizing the urgency for inclusive forums to facilitate public input.
Gambia Participates significantly contributed by facilitating civic education in remote regions, thereby delivering information directly to underserved communities. Using storytelling and interactive methods, they broke down complex legal themes into relatable formats, instilling optimism about the Constitution’s relevance to citizens’ everyday lives.
The EU-UNDP GREAT Project provided essential support through coordination, technical assistance, and ensuring accessible civic education materials. When challenges arose, such as delays in stakeholder consultations, adaptive strategies were employed to encourage localized outreach. This fostered an environment conducive to robust discussions on the Draft Constitution, enhancing the country’s democratic processes.
As The Gambia moves forward with Draft Constitution discussions, a continued focus on inclusivity and collaboration remains paramount. Engaging diverse societal groups, including leaders and grassroots organizations, positions the EU-UNDP GREAT Project and its partners toward formulating a Constitution that truly embodies national aspirations. This collective endeavor is not only pivotal for democratic governance but also vital for fostering accountability and unity, thereby ensuring The Gambia’s progress.
The Gambia’s draft constitutional process demonstrates significant strides toward an inclusive democratic framework. Through collaborative initiatives like the GREAT Project, the voices of diverse groups have been amplified, promoting civic education and active participation. The project aims to craft a Constitution that resonates with the needs and aspirations of all citizens, reinforcing democratic principles and societal integrity.
Original Source: www.undp.org
