Posted by Chester Morton / Tuesday 22 May 2018 / No comments
The main features of the 1965 independent constitution of The Gambia
THE MAIN
FEATURES OF THE INDEPENDENCE CONSTITUTION OF THE GAMBIA
Introduction
On the 18th of
February, 1965, The Gambia became a politically independent country, having
been granted independent status by the British colonial powers. A new
constitution was introduced with the coming of independence. Though the Queen
of England remained the Head of State, she was only a nominal head, represented
by a Governor, a British national.
FEATURES OF THE GAMBIA’S INDEPENDENCE CONSTITUTION
The
Executive – Governor-General
The
constitution made provision for the position of a Governor-General. The
Governor-General was appointed by the Cabinet of the Gambia and he exercised
the powers that were hitherto exercised by the Queen. At independence, the
Governor-General was John Warburton Paul until he left office on 9th
February, 1966 to be replaced by Sir Farimang Mamadi Singatehthe same day.
The
Executive – Prime Minister
The
constitution also made provision for the position of a Prime Minister. The
constitution empowered the Governor-General to appoint a Prime Minister if his
or her party emerged as the dominant party in the National Assembly after a
general election. The Prime Minister was therefore leader of the majority party
in Parliament. At independence in 1965, Sir Dawda Jawara was appointed as the
country’s first Prime Minister.
The
Legislature
The
constitution made provision for the establishment of a 32 seat unicameral
legislature and it was referred to as the House of Representatives. In
addition, provision was made for a Speaker of Parliament to preside over the
conduct of proceedings of the National Assembly. Hon. Sir Alieu Sulayman Jack continued
to serve as the Speaker of the house till he left office in 1972.
The
Judiciary
The constitution
made provisions for a judiciary, hierarchical in structure. It was designed much
like that of the British. The highest court of appeal, however, remained the
Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London.
Guaranteeing
of Fundamental Human Rights
The
constitution made provisions for the guarantee of the fundamental human rights
of the people. It allowed for free speech, freedom of movement, religion,
political persuasion, etc.
SAMPLE QUESTION(S)
1. Highlight the main features of the independent
constitution of The Gambia.
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