The National Assembly of The Gambia successfully has hosted the 4th edition of its annual Open Day under the theme: “Bringing Parliament Closer to the People”.
The event took place at Assembly grounds in Banjul and was attended by Members of the National Assembly (NAMs), government officials, civil society organisations (CSOs), students, development partners, the media, and members of the public.
Delivering the official welcome remarks, Clerk of the National Assembly, Kalipha MM Mbye, described the Open Day as a crucial platform for civic interaction and institutional visibility. He highlighted that beyond symbolism, the event is a demonstration of the Assembly’s openness to public scrutiny and engagement.
“This Open Day is not merely ceremonial,” he stated. “It is a reaffirmation of our belief that democratic institutions must be open, accountable, and connected to the people they serve.”
Mr Mbye emphasised that the Assembly’s legislative, oversight, and representational roles require a constant feedback loop with the public. He underscored that the Open Day forms part of broader strategic interventions aimed at deepening parliamentary transparency and inclusivity.
The event was formally opened by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Seedy S.K. Njie, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Speaker.
He reiterated the importance of public participation in parliamentary affairs and announced plans to launch an annual Speaker’s Seminar Lecture Series to further engage citizens on legislative matters and democratic governance.
“The Open Day reflects our commitment to remain connected and responsive to the people,” Hon. Njie stated. “We encourage all citizens to take interest in parliamentary business, as democracy does not end at the ballot box.”
The event was held in collaboration with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), a UK-based organisation supporting democratic institutions worldwide.
WFD Country Director, Tabu Njie, praised the partnership with the National Assembly and highlighted the importance of openness in parliamentary work.
“The Open Day aligns with WFD’s core pillars of inclusion, transparency, and accountability,” she noted. “It provides a vital platform to deepen public understanding of the legislature and to bring it closer to the people it serves.”
Ms Njie further outlined WFD’s continued collaboration with the Assembly, citing the successful implementation of key activities under the EU-funded Grant-in-Aid and Environmental Democracy projects in the past year. She reaffirmed WFD’s commitment to supporting institutional development, civic education, and parliamentary strengthening.
The British Deputy High Commissioner to The Gambia, Martin Norman, also delivered remarks, acknowledging the role of the Open Day in fostering a participatory democracy.
“Parliament is not just about the structure or the facilities; it is about ensuring that every voice is heard, every opinion is considered, and every citizen’s participation is valued.
The National Assembly is the people’s house a place where voices are brought together to shape the future of the nation. It must uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and responsibility,” he stated.
Mr Norman further highlighted that parliamentary democracy is more than just the act of voting, but about creating an open system where governance is a shared responsibility between leaders and the people.
The 2025 Open Day featured exhibitions, interactive sessions, guided tours of the Assembly premises, and direct engagements between National Assembly Members and the public. As the fourth edition of this annual event, it remains a key initiative in promoting participatory democracy in The Gambia.
