Why All These Amendments? The Independent (Banjul) EDITORIAL December 11, 2000 Banjul In a clandestine effort to 'tidy up' the constitution the APRC government is only just about to make a complete mess of the state document. Trying to change 39 provisions of the constitution including some entrenched clauses is really making us wonder about the real motive of the government whose officials were the authors of the 1997 constitution in the first place. Gambians at this point would be right if they are suspicious about the reason to have the constitution changed at this point when the nation is about to be caught by election fever. What is the APRC government really up to? If no explanation is forthcoming, Gambians are likely to take it as just another attempt by the powers that be to entrench themselves in power before the people decide in the 2001 elections. The gazettes have revealed a lot about the proposed changes. Many as these provisions are we have not seen anything written about the term limit for the president. Gambians who voted in the referendum will never forget that this important suggestion was seriously overlooked. Thus Jawara's 'mistake' of overstaying in power is still the mistake that the APRC will almost happily live with as long as it serves those in power. What double standards! What an ugly contradiction! Gambians should see the examples of neighbours like Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Ghana, Tanzania and South Africa - African countries that have worked a very effective way out for leaders who are only there for themselves. But the situation as recent trends have shown is contagious and The Gambia could not possibly escape its grasp. The wind of change we all anticipated after PPP's demise did not come in full force. It took Gambians six years to realise the 'change' was no change at all. It merely occasioned a brief pause from the plunder and recklessness of our leaders. Thus our problem is still a question of governance. Who are our rightful leaders? There is general consensus as to the importance of constitutions, and respect for constitutional principles and the rule of law as the basis for democratic governance. But the emphasis is that the formulation or amendment of constitutions must also be through a democratic and participatory process if they are to fully reflect the aspirations of the majority of citizens. In this respect, the Government's recent plans to deny recognition to fundamental basic rights and recognition to other extra- constitutional provisions are inimical to rights of the person. Among other things, the fundamental importance of the judiciary was recognised in the constitutional provisions to be amended. However, there attention must also be given to strengthening the institutions that support democracy; an effective public service, capable local government structures, an independent and competent judiciary, and a representative legislature. However, democracy is not only about regular multiparty elections and formal institutions. Democratic principles and practices have to be embedded in a democratic political culture, which is essential if democracy is to be deepened and sustained. Without such a culture, there is a danger that the form, but not the substance of democracy, will prevail. Autocratic practices will continue under the guise of multi-part democracy. In The Gambia, the prevailing political culture is still conditioned by non-democratic norms and values. A democratic culture cannot be imposed, and the challenge facing the country is to develop a political culture that has resonance for all citizens, and that will give form and meaning to democracy as a system of governance. Gambians beware of the crackpot types. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask] if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------