GDC Leader: None Would Support Retroactive Clause in 2020 Draft Constitution If in Barrow’s Position

By Fatou Sillah

Political Leader Speaks Out on Constitutional Debate

Mama Kandeh, leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), has made a striking statement regarding the controversial 2020 draft constitution, asserting that no political leader would accept its retroactive term limit clause if they were in President Adama Barrow’s position.

The Core Constitutional Controversy

During a press conference in Kombo Kiti, Kandeh identified the key issue in the constitutional debate: the provision that would count Barrow’s first five years in office toward the proposed term limits. He argued that applying these limits retroactively would be fundamentally unfair.

“In all fairness, if we are to be truthful, none of us would have accepted such a provision if we were in President Barrow’s position,” Kandeh stated. “The constitution that existed when he took office did not have term limits, and the new draft should only take effect once approved by referendum.”

Proposed Solution to Constitutional Impasse

The GDC leader proposed an alternative approach to resolving the constitutional deadlock:

• Pass the draft constitution without retroactive application
• Exclude Barrow’s first five years from term count calculations
• Apply the new constitution’s provisions only to future terms

“We should have passed the draft constitution, removed the first five years that Barrow served, and allowed the new constitution to apply moving forward,” Kandeh explained. “That would mean he would have only one term remaining, and his re-election would depend on the will of Gambians.”

On Potential Third Term Concerns

Addressing growing concerns about President Barrow potentially seeking a third term, Kandeh emphasized that ultimate power rests with voters:

“People are saying no to a third term for Barrow, but that can only happen if Gambians refuse to vote for him. If it were solely up to us, the 2020 draft constitution would have already been passed,” he asserted.

Vision for Constitutional Reform

Kandeh concluded with a bold prediction about The Gambia’s constitutional future:

“I am certain that The Gambia will have a new constitution, but only when Mama Kandeh is in the State House. Before that, I do not believe they will pass the draft constitution,” he declared.