The Civic Education Officer at CRC Madam Saffiatou Savavge-Sidibeh explained that Gambians endorsed the 1997 Constitution based on their party affiliations.

She made this remark in the communities of Kaur and Ballangharr all in the Lower Saloum District of Central River Region south as part of the CRC and NCCE ongoing engagement with Gambians about the building of the new Constitutional Process for the Republic of the Gambia.

Madam Sidibeh explained to Lower Saloum communities that the Constitution is their voice thus participating in its building process should be the concern of everyone.

She therefore enjoins them to go through the Issues Document given to them in order to have a thorough discussion on it before the arrival of the bigger team from Banjul this week.

According to Madam Sidibeh, it is an opportunity for Gambians more especially the women folk to take the ownership of the discussion adding that in the 1997 Constitution women and youth’s affairs are not captured as was  expected.

“The right information were not given to Gambians during the drafting of the 1997 Constitution while stating that Gambians were put into a mess in order to give way to the Jammeh Government to come to power,” Sidibeh stated.

She said Gambians opinion were not sought during the drafting of the 1997 Constitution adding that this is the first time the opinions of Gambians opinion are being sought.

Sidibeh also used the chance to call on the youths in Lower Saloum district not to wait for anyone to decide for them noting that this is an opportunity for them.

The chairman National Council for Civic Education, Sering Faye expressed his thanks to the community of Lower Saloum for their large-out to the meeting.

“Don’t see this exercise as a waste of time for you to attend because discussing on the drafting of the new Constitution is of part of your life and it is this Constitution that will decide your future,” Faye informed Lower Saloum communities.

Lower Saloum Chief, Ali J. Touray, Modou Mbaye, Mustapha Njie and Emil Nying both commended the CRC and NCCE for sensitizing them about the drafting of the new Constitution.

By: Lamin B. Darboe