The debate over Gambians abroad gaining voting rights took center stage in Parliament as the Minister for Justice, Hon. Dawda A. Jallow, clarified an amendment to Section 88 of the 1997 Constitution. Speaking to lawmakers on 4th March 2025, he stated that the Constitution allows for 'at least 53' elected members, meaning no amendment is needed to register Gambians living overseas. However, his claim that constituency demarcation is required before registration has sparked debate among pro-Diaspora Vote advocates. So, does the law actually mandate demarcation before registration? Here’s what the facts say.

The Minister of Justice, Hon. Dawda A. Jallow, claimed that the Draft Constitution would have addressed inadequacies related to constituencies for Gambians living abroad. However, a thorough review of both the 2020 and 2024 Draft Constitutions reveals that no such provisions exist, contradicting his statement. This raises concerns about the accuracy of his remarks during the consideration of Clause 14 of the Elections Bill 2021. More in the FactCheck report.

The Gambia’s National Human Rights Commission’s (NHRC) latest progress report highlights that only 16 recommendations issued by the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) have been implemented by the Gambia Government over a two-year period (2021 to 2023). More in the FactSheet.

Since the TRRC recommended prosecution of those bearing the most responsibility, President Barrow’s government continues to tout it’s commitment to prosecution. However, back in 2021, President Barrow’s NPP attempted to go into an alliance with former President Jammeh, which failed, leaving the President in alliance with the APRC, led by Speaker Jatta. These mixed messages have necessitated this review of the government’s efforts to complete it’s implementation plan on prosecution on time.

Back in December 2023 the Justice Minister revealed to Parliamentarians that his Ministry would establish a Victims Commission in the first quarter of 2024. However, now that the third quarter is almost complete the question remains if a Victims Commission will be established in 2024 at all.

Eight years after winning his first term under the promise of a Draft Constitution, President Adama Barrow continues to promise a Constitutional Referendum for December 2024. Our factcheckers verified if the President is on track with his promise.

President Adama Barrow is expected to lay the foundation stone for a US$100 Million Hotel to be built for the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) Summit scheduled to be held in The Gambia. According to the OIC Gambia CEO and the Branding and Communications Lead, the Gambia Government will only benefit from a 10% share of the proceeds of the Hotel.

This publication factchecks the Minister for Justice’s statements that the disputed land is still subject to a court order and that the land belonged to the state.