The unconstitutional sacking of IEC chairman Solomon Tilewa Johnson,
Saja Fatty, the auditor general and DIG of the police is clear
manifestation that constitutional crisis is looming our country. Since
it is the decision of the government to amend the 1997 constitution
including four entrenched clauses, sections 58 and 59, to give the power
for the president to appoint chiefs and alkalolu instead of directly
elected by the people.

It also the decision of the executive to amend section 42 so as to scrap
the IEC and replace it with adhoc body with limited power and
independence. The move is unconstitutional both political parties, civil
organization and trade unions should created a common platform to
protest to Yaya Jammeh that power belongs to the people. Section 42 sub
section 6 stipulated under which condition the president can remove a
member of the commission. A member of commission cannot be removed
without tribunal being established with the composition of three judges
of high court.

The formulation or amendment of the constitution most involve democratic
and participatory process so as to fully reflect the aspiration of the
majority of the populace. Many belief that 1997 constitution was
manipulated because their was no limitation of term of presidency and
the age limitation of 45 years for the presidency was change to 30 years
which was not the recommendation of the people during the  review of the
1970 constitution. Since the constitution is a political document, the
review was done when their was a ban on political parties, thus giving
the AFPRC the center stage to campaign for a YES vote during the
referendum.

To save our country, its about time for the opposition to unity to fight
our common enemy and his group self-centered sycohants. Since they know
that they don't have the popular support of the masses, they will do any
thing to retard the  national outcry for better democractisation. One
common thing I observed is that any time there is political tension what
dictator does is to leave Banjul and stay in Kanillai where will no
access or time to read the daily newspaper headlines. These is a clear
indication that Yaya Jammeh is not interested in the pledge of the
common man but the power to rule the Gambia even after realizing things
are in a state of decay.
BY:- Abdou Karim Sanneh

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