Gambian Lawmakers Adopt Prerogative of Mercy Bill

Lawmakers in The Gambia have unanimously adopted the report of a joint parliamentary committee on the Prerogative of Mercy Bill, 2025, paving the way for a clearer legal framework governing presidential pardons.

The bill, a private member’s initiative sponsored by the Member for Upper Saloum, Alhagie Mbowe, was introduced during a sitting of the National Assembly of The Gambia on July 11, 2025. It was subsequently referred to a joint committee comprising the Committee on Human Rights and Constitutional Matters and the Committee on Public Appointments for scrutiny in accordance with the Assembly’s 2019 Standing Orders.

Presenting the committee’s report before the plenary, lawmaker Sulayman Jammeh said the proposed legislation seeks to establish a clear legal framework for the exercise of the prerogative of mercy by the president under Section 82 of the Gambian Constitution.

According to Jammeh, the bill also outlines the criteria for the composition, powers and functions of the committee responsible for advising on the exercise of the prerogative of mercy, including provisions governing petitions and related administrative procedures.

“In particular, the bill provides guidance for the establishment and operations of the committee responsible for advising on the exercise of the prerogative of mercy,” he told lawmakers.

During its review, the joint committee assessed the bill for constitutional compliance, human rights safeguards, legal clarity, enforceability and institutional design, as well as its implications for public accountability.

The committee ultimately recommended that the bill be adopted, subject to several technical and substantive amendments, including revisions related to constitutional cross-references, drafting consistency, terminology and the legal effect of presidential pardons