Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mr. Gaye TheVoice
Published on 2024-02-26 00:24:29
Seedy K. Njie, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, commended the sixth legislature for their efforts in passing several bills aimed at improving the collective wellbeing of Gambians. This recognition was made during his address at the 3rd Edition of the National Assembly Annual Open Day in Banjul, organized in partnership with the Westminister Foundation for Democracy (WFD).
Njie highlighted the exceptional performance of both the Standing and Select committees of Parliament in their oversight functions over the executive, attributing it to the collaborative efforts between the government and the House. He emphasized that the National Assembly has been representing The Gambia effectively at both national and international levels, with strong participation in various parliamentary bodies such as the Pan-African Parliament, ACP-EU Parliament, ECOWAS Parliament, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Inter-Parliamentary Union, and other international organizations.
Ousman Jallow, representing the Westminister Foundation for Democracy (WFD), reiterated the organization’s commitment to promoting democracy through pillars of inclusion, transparency, and accountability. He explained that WFD, a UK public body dedicated to strengthening democracy globally, has been actively supporting democracies for over 30 years to foster freedom and prosperity. Establishing a presence in The Gambia in 2018, WFD has been working closely with the National Assembly to enhance citizen engagement with Parliament and promote openness and dialogue.
Buba M.E Jatta, the Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, highlighted the significance of the National Assembly Open Day in bringing the legislature closer to the people. The event aimed to celebrate the work and contributions of the National Assembly to The Gambia by fostering interactions between citizens, representatives, and staff. Jatta emphasized the importance of this day in demonstrating the legislature’s commitment to openness, accessibility, service delivery improvement, and citizen engagement.
The National Assembly Open Day serves as a platform to showcase the unique history, role, challenges, and successes of the legislature to the public. It signifies a step towards creating a more open and accessible institution that prioritizes citizen engagement and transparency in its operations.
In conclusion, the collaborative efforts between the government, the National Assembly, and organizations like the Westminister Foundation for Democracy demonstrate a commitment to strengthening democracy in The Gambia and promoting the collective wellbeing of its citizens. The National Assembly’s role in legislative oversight, representation, and citizen engagement plays a crucial part in advancing democratic values and principles in the country.
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