Barrow may seek to hold onto power in Gambia

Significance This is a revised version of a 2020 draft constitution, which the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) rejected in its original form but has now revised substantially. The bill’s second reading is scheduled to take place in March. The draft constitution will require a two-thirds parliamentary majority before being submitted to referendum. Impacts A rising public wage bill could undermine the government’s fiscal consolidation plans. Good bilateral relations with Senegal will benefit cross-border trade. The continued presence of regional military forces will deter coup plotting. Barrow can likely entice enough independent parliamentarians to reach the required supermajority to pass the draft constitution.