Parliament Passed Former President Bill

The bill titled Former President's Bill 2023 has been passed by the National Assembly and will become law once the president assents to it. The bill was introduced in parliament by the Minister of Justice under a certificate of urgency. However, the minority side of parliament disagreed with the urgency of the bill, resulting in a voting process. The majority side voted for the bill to be considered under a certificate of urgency, with 30 votes in favor and 17 votes against from the minority. Eventually, the urgency of the issues was accepted, leading to the minority side walking out of the chamber. This left the bill in the hands of the majority side to be debated and decided upon, resulting in its successful passage. Alhagie S. Darboe, the minority leader, explained their decision to boycott the session to journalists, stating that they did not want to associate themselves with anything that may not be done in the best interests of the Gambians. "The bill grants the former president the same salary as the sitting president, along with other benefits such as three cars with drivers, cooks, an office, and a residence," he explained. The minority leader, Alhagie S. Darboe, expressed concerns regarding the thorough scrutiny that such a bill requires. He mentioned that the certificate of urgency would not allow them the opportunity for proper scrutiny. He argued that the bill should follow the normal procedure, which involves referring it to a relevant committee for scrutiny, consultation, and reporting back to them, ensuring the input of the people. Hon. Suwaibou Touray of PDOIS emphasized that they are not against the bill itself but believe it should undergo proper scrutiny through the normal procedure. He highlighted that the bill deals with taxpayers' money and therefore requires careful examination. The minister, in introducing the bill, explained its purpose and reasons. He said the bill seeks to repeal and replace the Former Presidents (Office, Allowances and Other Benefits) Act [Act No.16 of 2006]. The minister highlighted that, currently, when a president ceases to hold office, they enter retirement without any formal pension from the state, adding that the bill proposes an annual pension and office expenses for former presidents to maintain the dignity of the Office of the President. He added, "The bill also aims to recognize and show gratitude for a former president's service to The Gambia, which extends beyond their term of office,". The minister believes that many Gambians would not want to see their former presidents living the remainder of their lives destitute, and the bill proposes a one-time six-month lump sum gratuity payment to assist the outgoing president in transitioning to post-presidential life. The minister added that even after leaving office, a former president remains a public figure and continues to perform certain informal public roles. He emphasized that other public servants, including those in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, qualify for a pension. "It is therefore fair that a former president also be provided with a pension and additional office facilities to enable them to fulfil duties that arise from their unofficial public status," Minister Jallow explained. He said the bill also includes provisions for an official state funeral for former presidents upon their demise, as a way to show the nation's final respect. "To preserve the dignity of the former first family, the bill proposes a monthly allowance equal to twenty-five percent of the deceased former president's pension to be paid to the surviving spouse,". Finally, Minister Jallow said the bill aims to make life after the presidency modestly comfortable. He added, "The benefits provided by this bill will serve as an incentive for sitting presidents to voluntarily vacate office, thus encouraging them to avoid undue elongation of their stay in power,". He concluded that the bill will help to prevent political instability, which is a common phenomenon in many parts of Africa