Constitutional debates are too serious for legal opportunists and impostors; instead, scholars of constitutional law and public policy influencers should lead the discourse in the media and on social media. Additionally, the struggle for constitutional reform in The Gambia highlights the significance of attitude in such critical discussions.
Alagi Yorro Jallow.
Fatoumatta: The Gambia’s path to a new constitution has been riddled with obstacles, igniting fervent discussions among both constitutional experts and laypersons. While striving for a strong and detailed constitution is praiseworthy, it’s vital to acknowledge that even the most exemplary constitution cannot effect change in The Gambia unless there is a collective change in our national attitude and mindset.
Debating a constitution is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly by those who lack knowledge in constitutional construction or do not understand its significance. While constitutions are not solely for lawyers and all citizens should be involved, they are typically drafted by political scientists, not lawyers. The current debate on the draft Constitution signals the resurgence of so-called Facebook lawyers, carpenters, and legal pretenders. The uninformed, impostors, and fraudsters of the online world are poised to participate. The merchants of legal fallacies will come out of dormancy, flooding the streets to debate the constitution, often overshadowing our esteemed constitutional scholars and experts.
Prepare for an unprecedented level of noise. While citizens voicing opinions on national matters doesn’t bother me, my problem is with self-styled legal experts. These individuals, who have never prosecuted a case or managed a legal task, are now pervasive across media and online platforms, purporting to have expertise in various legal domains and thus, misguiding the public.
Fatoumatta: A constitution, regardless of its meticulous construction, serves fundamentally as a framework establishing the basis for governance and the rule of law. Yet, the core of any constitution is embedded in the commitment of its people and leaders to adhere to its principles and values. Absent a unified dedication to integrity, accountability, and the common welfare, even the most outstanding constitution is doomed to miss its mark.
It should be noted that some nations, even without a written constitution, perform better than The Gambia. Such countries prosper due to a culture of respect for the rule of law, democratic principles, and social unity, fostered by both citizens and leaders. This underscores the fact that beyond the importance of a constitution, it is the collective attitude and mindset that are crucial to a nation’s development and stability.
Fatoumatta: The Gambia urgently requires a paradigm shift. Embracing a positive and proactive approach to nation-building is essential. This involves cultivating patriotism, unity, and a sense of responsibility among the populace. It is imperative that leaders set a precedent, showcasing dedication to transparency, equity, and the populace’s well-being.
Furthermore, civic education is crucial in enabling citizens to comprehend their rights and duties as outlined in the constitution. A well-informed and active citizenry is more capable of holding leaders to account and participating effectively in the democratic process. The 1997 constitution, as well as any proposed drafts, cannot address the governance issues of Gambia without a shift in mindset. It is imperative that we scrutinize and understand the provisions in the draft constitution, contrast them with the 1997 constitution, and make a well-considered choice to assist our legislators in establishing a more robust legal structure. Tackling the country’s challenges requires proactive citizenship, which appears to be currently in a state of dormancy.
Fatoumatta: In summary, the adoption of a new constitution marks a significant milestone for The Gambia, but it is not a cure-all. True transformation will stem from a shift in our collective attitudes and mindsets. Fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and civic responsibility will guarantee that the constitution is more than just words on paper, but a dynamic framework that genuinely reflects the people’s will. In the end, it is our collective attitude that will be the catalyst for The Gambia to realize its complete potential and secure enduring advancement.
