By Ramatoulie Jawo
Hon. Yahya Sanyang, the National Assembly member for Latri Kunda Sabiji, has withdrawn a invoice that sought to grant voting rights to nominated councilors, citing technical considerations and legislative priorities.
The proposed Local Government Amendment Bill, 2024, was initially launched throughout a earlier session however did not cross. Mr. Sanyang reintroduced it on March 3, 2025, aiming to take away restrictions that forestall nominated councilors from voting on council choices.
However, forward of its scheduled second studying on Tuesday, the lawmaker withdrew the invoice, stating that the choice was primarily based on two key elements.
“The withdrawal of the bill, entitled local government amendment bill 2024, is based on two reasons,” he advised the Assembly. “First is the technicalities I observed, and I made consultation with the drafting department who highlighted technicalities involved in the bill for it to be developed better. This prompted me to hold on the bill,” he stated.
He acknowledged that, secondly, he has three different payments earlier than the National Assembly and intends to current all of them on the identical day.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Fabakary T. Jatta, accepted the withdrawal of the invoice in accordance with Order 76.
The proposed modification would grant nominated councilors voting rights. Hon. Sanyang emphasised that this modification is essential for making certain truthful illustration for all Gambians, notably marginalized teams similar to girls, youth, and individuals with disabilities.