By Fatou Sillah
Human rights activist Madi Jobarteh has strongly condemned the National Assembly’s failure to convene on Tuesday, 2 December, describing the lack of quorum as a direct violation of the Constitution and an affront to Gambian citizens.
“The failure of the National Assembly to sit on Tuesday, December 2, due to lack of quorum is not just disappointing; it is a direct violation of the Constitution and an insult to the Gambian people,” Jobarteh said.
He criticized the chronic absenteeism among certain lawmakers, noting that the Speaker of the National Assembly has repeatedly voiced frustration over poor attendance and lateness by members.
“When the Speaker lamented the chronic problem of poor attendance and punctuality among NAMs, it only confirmed what citizens have long witnessed: some lawmakers are willfully neglecting their duty,” he said.
Jobarteh stressed that National Assembly members receive substantial benefits and allowances on the expectation that they will perform their duties diligently.
“This behavior is utterly unacceptable; NAMs are among the most pampered public officials in this country. Attending sittings fully and on time is not a favor; it is a legal obligation and a moral imperative,” he asserted.
He further noted that absenteeism among lawmakers undermines public trust and disrupts national progress. “When NAMs fail to attend sittings, they are not only breaching the Constitution, the Standing Orders, and their Code of Conduct, but they are also disrespecting their electorates and undermining national interest. Every sitting of the National Assembly carries real consequences for citizens,” he said.
Calling for strict enforcement measures, he urged the Speaker to uphold accountability and ensure Parliament operates effectively.
“The National Assembly belongs to the people, not to the comfort or convenience of NAMs; the public must demand better, and the leadership of the Assembly must act decisively to restore discipline, integrity, and respect for the institution,” he concluded.