Constitution of The Gambia (1997) PDF

CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA, 1997 REPRINED 2002  The Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS Section CHAPTER I THE REPUBLIC 1. The Republic 2. Public S...

CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA, 1997 REPRINED 2002  The Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS Section CHAPTER I THE REPUBLIC 1. The Republic 2. Public Seal 3. National flag and anthem CHAPTER II THE CONSTITUTION AND THE LAWS 4. Supremacy of the Constitution 5. Enforcement of the constitution 6. Defense of the constitution 7. The Laws of The Gambia CHAPTER III CITIZENSHIP 8. Citizens on the Commencement of the Constitution 9. Citizen by birth 10. Citizens by Descent 11. Marriage to a Citizen 12. Naturalisation as a Citizen 12 A. Dual Citizenship 13. Deprivation of Citizenship 14. Restoration of Citizenship 15. Acts of the National assembly 16. Interpretation of Chapter III  CHAPTER IV PROTECTION OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS 17. Fundamental Rights and Freedoms 18. Protection of Right to Life 19. Protection of Right to Personal Liberty 20. Protection from Slavery and Forced Labour 21. Protection from inhuman Treatment 22. Protection from Deprivation of Property 23. Privacy 24. Provision to Secure Protection of the Law and Fare Trial 25. Freedom of Speech, Conscience, Assembly, Association and Movement 26. Political Rights 27. Right to Marry 28. Rights of Women 29. Rights of Children 30. Right to Education 31. Rights of the Disabled 32. Culture 33. Protection from Discrimination 34. Declaration of State of Public Emergency 35. Derogations from Fundamental Rights under Emergency Powers 36. Persons Detained under Emergency Powers 37. Enforcement of Protective Provisions 38. Interpretation of Chapter IV CHAPTER V REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE PART1: THE FRANCHISE 39. The Right to Vote and be Registered 40. Secret Ballot 41. Electoral Laws PART 2: THE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION 42. The Commission 43. The Functions of the Commission 44. Financial 45. Electoral Laws PART 3: PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS 46. Election of a President 47. Nomination of Candidates 48. Poll on an Election 49. Challenge to Election of President PART 4: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCIES 50 Delimitation of Constituencies 51 52 53 54 Deleted by No. 6 of 2001 55 56 57 PART 6: SEYFOLU AND ALKALOLU 58 Appointment of a District Seyfo 59 Appointment of an Alikalo PART 7: POLITICAL PARTIES 60. Political Parties CHAPTERVI THE EXECUTIVE PART1: THE PRESIDENT 61 Office of President 62. Qualification for Election of President 63. Tenure of office of President 64.Temporary exercise of President’s functions 65. Vacancy in the Office of President 66. Mental of Physical incapacity 67. Misconduct by President 68. Salary and Allowances 69. Immunity from Civil and Criminal Proceedings PART2: THE VICE PRESIDENT SECRETATIES OF STATE AND THE CABINET 70. The Vice President 71. Secretaries of State 72. Functions and Incidents of Office 73. Cabinet 74. Responsibility of Cabinet and Secretaries of State 75 Vote of Censure PART3: EXECUTIVE POWERS 76 The Executive Power 77. The Executive Power and the National Assembly 78. National Security Council 79. Foreign Affairs 80. Constitution of Public Offices 81. Administration of Departments of State  82. Prerogative of Mercy 83. Honours and Titles PART4: PROSECUTIONS 84. Director of Public Prosecutions 85. Control of Prosecutions 86. Private Prosecutions CHAPTERVII THE NATIONAK ASSEMBLY AND LEGISLATION PART1: ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND MEMBERS 87 Establishment of the National Assembly 88. Members of the National Assembly 89. Qualifications for Membership of the National Assembly 90. Disqualifications for Membership of the National assembly 91. Tenure of Seats of Members of the National Assembly 92 Recall of Members of the National Assembly 93. The Speaker and the Deputy Speaker 94. Clerk of the National Assembly 95. Remuneration and Allowances PART2 THE MEETING AND DISSOLUTIONS OF THE NATIONAL ASEMBLY 96 General Election 97. Sessions of the National Assembly 98. Sittings of the National Assembly 99. Term of the National Assembly PART3: LEGISLATION AND OTHER POWERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 100. The Legislative Power 101. Introduction of Bills and motions 102. Additional Functions of the National Assembly PART4: PROCEDURE IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 103 Procedure in the National Assembly 104 Vacancy and Quorum 105 Language in the National Assembly 106.Voting in the National Assembly 107. Unqualified Person sitting or voting 108.Regulation of Procedure in the National Assembly 109. Committees of the National Assembly 110 Contempt of the National Assembly 111. The National Assembly Service  PART 5: RESPONSIBILITIES, PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES 112. Responsibilities of members 113. Freedom of speech and Debate 114. Privilege of the National Assembly 115. immunity from Service of Process and Arrest 116. Immunity from Witness Summons 117. Immunity from Jury Service 118. Immunity for Publication of Proceedings 119. Privileges of Witnesses CHPATER VII THE JUDICATURE PART1: THE COURTS OF THE GAMBIA 120 The courts and the judicial Power 121. The Chief Justice 122. The Superior Courts 123. Immunity from Suit 124. Courts to give Timely Decisions PART 2: SUPERIOR COURTS A: The Supreme Court 125. Composition of the Supreme Court 1 126.Jurisdiction of Supreme Court 127. Original Jurisdiction 128. Appellate Jurisdiction B: The Court of Appeal 129 Composition of Court of appeal 130 Jurisdiction of Court of Appeal C: The High Court 131. Composition of High Court 132. Jurisdiction of High Court 133 Supervisory Jurisdiction D: Special criminal Court 134. Special Criminal Court 135. Jurisdiction 136. National Assembly to make further provision  PART 3: THE CADI COURT 137.The Cadi court 137A Cadi Appeals Panel PART 4 THE JUDGES 138. Appointment of Judges 139. Qualifications of Judges 140. Vacancy in office of the Chief Justice 141. Tenure of Office of Judges 142. Remuneration of Judges PART 5: ADMINISTRATION OF THE COURTS 143.Administrative provisions 144.Financial PART 6: THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 145.The judicial service commission 146.Appointment of Judicial Officers and Court Staff 147.Other Functions of Commission 148.Operation and Procedure CHAPTER IX FINANCE PART 1: PUBLIC FINANCE 149.Taxation 150.Consolidated Fund 151.Withdrawals from Consolidated and other Funds 152.Annual Estimates and Appropriation Bill 153.Supplementary Appropriation 154.Contingencies Fund 155.Loans 156.Salaries, etc, charged on Consolidated Fund 157.The Public Debt PART 2: THE AUDITOR- GENERAL AND THE NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE 158.The Auditor-General 159.National Audit Office 160.Functions of Auditor-General  PART 3: THE CENTRAL BANK 161.Establishment of Central Bank 162.The Board of the Central Bank CHAPTER X THE OMBUDSMAN 163.The National Assembly to establish Office of Ombudsman 164.Appointment and tenure of office of Ombudsman 165.Independence of Ombudsman CHAPTER XI THE PUBLIC SERVICES PART 1: OFFICES IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE 166.The Public Service 167.Appointment to and Removal from offices in the public Service 168.Head of the Civil Service 169.Protection of Public Servants 170.Restriction on Political Activities of Public Servants 171.Retirement age PART 2: THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION 172.Establishment of Commission 173.Powers of Appointment 174.Other powers of Commission PART 3: PUBLIC ENTERPRISES 175.Public Enterprises PART 4: PENSIONS 176.Protection of Pension Rights 177.Public Service Pensions to be free of tax CHAPTER XII THE POLICE FORCE AND THE PRISON SERVICE PART 1: THE POLICE FORCE 178.The Gambia Police Force 179.Deleted by No. 6 of 2001  180.Police Council 181.Deleted by No. 6 of 2001 PART 2: THE PRISON SERVICE 182.Prison Service 183.Control of Prison Service 184.Prison Service Council 185.Appointments in Prison service CHAPTER XIII THE ARMED FORCES AND THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY PART 1: 186.The Gambia Armed Forces 187.Functions 188.Control of the Armed Forces 189.Armed Forces Council 190.Appointments in Armed Forces PART II: NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY 191.National Intelligence Agency CHAPTER XIV LAND COMMISSION 192.Land Commission CHAPTER XV LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND TRADITIONAL RULERS LOCAL GOVERNMENT 193.System of Local government 194.Local government Authorities CHAPTER XVI THE NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR CIVIC EDUCATION 195.National Youth Service 196.Participation in the Service 197 National Youth Service Board  CHAPTER XVII NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR CIVIC EDUCATION 198. National Council for Civic Education 199.Functions of the Council CHAPTER XVIII COMMISSION OF INQUIRY 200.Commissions of Inquiry 201.Presiding Commissioner 202.Function and Powers of Commission 203.Publication of Report 204.Adverse Findings 205.Immunities of Witnesses 206.The National Assembly to make further provision CHAPTER XIX THE MEDIA 207.Freedom and Responsibility of the Media 208.Responsibility of State owned Media 209.Limitations on Rights and Freedoms 210.National Media Commission CHAPTER XX DIRECTIVE OF PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY 211.Application of the Directive Principles of State Policy 212.National integration and Unity 213.National Sovereignty and Independence 214.Political Objectives 215.Economic Objectives 216.Social Objectives 217.Educational Objectives 218.Cultural Objectives 219.Foreign Relations 220.Duties of a Citizen  CHAPTER XXI CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PUBLIC OFFICERS 221.Application of Code of Conduct 222.The Code of Conduct 223.Declaration of Assets 224.Ombudsman to report Contravention of Code of Conduct 225.Payment of Taxes CHAPTER XXII AMENMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION 226.Alteration of the constitution CHAPTER XXII MISCELLANEOUS PART1: APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS 227.. Acting Appointments 228. Resignations 229. Re- appointments and Concurrent Appointments PART2 GENERAL 230. Interpretation 231. Construction of Various Powers 232 Transitional and consequential Provisions SCHEDULE 2 SCHEDULE1 THE NATIONAL FLAG TRANSITIONAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL PROVISIONS In the name of God, the Almighty. We the people of The Gambia have accomplished a great and historic task. We have had our say on how we should be governed. For this Constitution contains our will and resolve for good governance and a just, secure and prosperous society. Our hopes and aspirations as a people were reflected in the enthusiasm and zeal with which we embarked on the task of nation building on the attainment of independence. The self-perpetuating rule of the recent past, however, soon gave rise to the abuse of office and related vices which negated the total welfare of the Gambian people. The sovereign people of The Gambia therefore endorsed the change of government on 22nd July 1994 to rectify such evils. This Constitution provides for us a fundamental Law, which affirms our commitment to freedom, justice, probity and accountability. It also affirms the principle that all power emanate from the sovereign will of the people. The fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in this Constitution will ensure for all time respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction as to ethnic considerations, gender, language or religion. In acknowledging our fundamental rights we also affirm our duties and responsibilities as citizens of this Country. This Constitution guarantees participatory democracy that reflects the undiluted choice of the people. The functions of the arms of government have been clearly defined, their independence amply secured with adequate checks and balances to ensure that they all work harmoniously together toward our common good. As we usher in the Second Republic and beyond we give ourselves and generations of Gambians yet unborn this Constitution as a beacon of hope for peace and stability in our society and the good governance of The Gambia for all time. In this spirit, we continue to pledge our firm allegiance to our beloved Country and pray that the Great God of Nations will keep us all ever true to The Gambia. CHAPTER I THE REPUBLIC The Republic 1 (1) The Gambia is a Sovereign Secular Republic 6 of 2001 (2) The Sovereignty of The Gambia resides in the people of The Gambia from whom all organs of government derive their authority and in whose name and for whose welfare and prosperity the powers of government are to be exercised in accordance with this Constitution Public Seal 2. (1) The Public seal shall be the seal in existence immediately before this Constitution comes into force or such other seal as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly. (2) The Public Seal shall be used exclusively for authenticating matters of state and no person or organisation, other than the Government of The Gambia and those persons who may be authorised in accordance with an Act of the National assembly, may use the design of the seal or any design resembling it as such person’s or organisation’s emblem. National Flag 3. (1) The National Flag shall be a flag of the design set out in And anthem Schedule1.  (2) The National Anthem shall be the anthem in use immediately before this Constitution comes into force. CHAPTER II THE CONSTITUTION AND THE LAWS Supremacy 4. This constitution is the supreme Law of The Gambia and any other law Of the found to be inconsistent with any provision of this Constitution shall, to Constitution the extent of the inconsistency, be void. Enforcement 5. A person who alleges that- Of the Constitution (a) any Act of the National Assembly or any thing done under the authority of an Act of the National Assembly, or (1) any act or omission of any person or authority, is inconsistent with; or is in contravention of a provision of this constitution, may bring an action in a court of competent jurisdiction for a declaration to that effect. (2) The court may make orders and give directions as it may considered appropriate for given, to such a declaration and any person to whom any order or direction is addressed shall duly obey and carry out the terms of the order or direction. (3) The failure to obey or carry out any order made or direction given under subsection (2) shall constitute the offence of violating the Constitution and (a) shall, in the case of the President or Vice President, constitute a ground for his or her removal from office in accordance with section 67; and (b) any other person who is convicted of that office shall be liable to the penalty prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly. Defence of 6. (1) Any person who – The Constitution (a) by himself or herself or in concert with others, by any violent or other unlawful means, suspends or overthrows or abrogates this Constitution or any part of it, or attempts to do any such act, or (b) aids and abets in any manner any person referred to in paragraph (a)  commits the offence of treason and shall, on conviction, be liable to the penalty prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly for that offence. (2) All citizens of The Gambia have the right and the duty at all times to defend this Constitution and, in particular, to resist, to the extent reasonably justifiable in the circumstances, any person or group of persons seeking or attempting by any violent or unlawful means to suspend, overthrow or abrogate this Constitution or any part of it. (3) A person who resists the suspension, overthrow or abrogation of this Constitution as provided in subsection (2), commits no offence. The Laws 7. in addition to this Constitution, the laws of The Gambia consist of Of the Gambia (a) Acts of the National Assembly made under this Constitution and subsidiary legislation made under such Acts; (b) Any orders, Rules, Regulations or other subsidiary legislation made by a person or authority under a power conferred by this Constitution or any other law; (c) The existing laws including all decrees passed by the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council; (d) The common law and principles of equity; (e) Customary law so far as concerns members of the communities to which it applies; (f) The sharia as regards matters of marriage, divorce and inheritance among members of the communities to which it applies. CHAPTER III CITIZENSHIP Citizens on 8 Every person who, immediately before the coming into force The of this Constitution, is a citizen of The Gambia, shall, subject to this Constitution Commencement Of the Constitution (a) continue to be a citizen of The Gambia; (b) retain the same status as a citizen by birth, by descent, by registration or by naturalisation, as the case may be, as he or she enjoyed immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution. Citizen by 9. Every person born in The Gambia after the coming into force of birth this Constitution shall be presumed to be a citizen of The Gambia 6 of 2001 by birth if at the time of his or her birth, one of his or her parents is a citizen of The Gambia. Citizen by 10 a person born outside The Gambia after the coming into force of Descent this Constitution shall be a citizen of The Gambia by descent if at the time of his or her birth either of his or her parents is a citizen of The Gambia otherwise than by virtue of this section or any comparable provision of any earlier Constitution. Marriage 11 any person who- To a citizen (a) is married to a citizen of The Gambia and, since the marriage, has been ordinarily resident in The Gambia for a period of not less than seven years; or (b) has been married to another person who was, during the subsistence of the marriage a citizen of The Gambia and, since the end of the marriage (whether by annulment, divorce or death), has been ordinarily resident in The Gambia for a period of not less than seven years, shall be entitled, upon making application in such manner as may be prescribed by or under an Act or the National Assembly, to be registered as a citizen of The Gambia. (2) The annulment of a marriage of a person who has been registered as a citizen of The Gambia under this section, or under the provisions of any earlier law for the registration as a citizen of The Gambia of a person on account of marriage, shall not affect that person’s status as a citizen of The Gambia. Naturalisation –12 (1) Any person who has been ordinarily resident in The as a Citizen Gambia for a continuous period of not less than fifteen years and who satisfies the conditions set out in subsection (2) may apply, in such manner as may be prescribed by or under an Act of the National Assembly, to be naturalised as a citizen of The Gambia. (2) The conditions referred to in subsection (1) are that the applicant- (a) is of full age and capacity; (b) is of good character (c) has clearly shown that, if naturalised, he or she intends to continue permanently to reside in The Gambia; (d) is capable of supporting himself or herself and his or her dependents.  (3) The Secretary of State shall give reasons for any refusal of an application made under this section. (4) No person shall be naturalized until he or she has renounced any other citizenship he or she may have take an oath of allegiance to The Gambia. Dual Citizenship 12A. (1) A Citizen of The Gambia who acquires the Citizenship of 6 of 2001 another Country may, if he or she so desires, retain his or her citizenship of TheGambia (2) An Act of the National Assembly may make provision for the better implementation of this section. Deprivation 13. (1) the Secretary of State may apply to the high court for an citizenship order depriving a person who has been registered or has been naturalised as a citizen of The Gambia of his or her citizenship on the grounds that he or she- (a) has acquired by registration, naturalisation or any voluntary and formal act (other than marriage) the citizenship of any other country. (b) Has acquired the citizenship of The Gambia by means of fraud, false representation or the concealment of any material fact; (c) Has, at any time since acquiring citizenship of The Gambia, voluntarily claimed and exercised in a country other than The Gambia any rights available to him or her under the laws of that country, being rights accorded exclusively to that country’s citizens; (d) Has within seven years after being registered or naturalised been convicted in any country of an offence involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude. and, in the cases referred to in paragraphs © and (d), it is not conducive to the public good that he or she should continue to be a citizen of The Gambia. (2) Before making any application for an order under this section, the Secretary of State shall give notice in writing to the person concerned of the grounds for the application and of his or her right to be heard and to be  legally represented at the hearing of the application before the Court. (3) If the High Court is satisfied that the Secretary of State has established that the person concerned has acted in a manner described in subsection (1) and notified that person, and, in a case referred to in paragraph © or (d) of subsection (1) that it is not conducive to the public good that the person concerned should continue to be a citizen of The Gambia, it shall made an order depriving that person his or her citizenship of The Gambia. (4) Nothing in this or any other provision of this Constitution or any other law shall be construed has depriving, or authorising any person or authority to deprive, any citizen of The Gambia by birth or descent of his or her citizenship of The Gambia whether on account of such citizen holding the citizenship or nationality of some other country or for any other cause. Restoration 14. A citizen of The Gambia who loses his or her citizenship of The Of citizenship Gambia as a result of the acquisition or profession of the citizenship of some other country shall, on the renunciation of the citizenship of that other country, be entitled to be registered, or if he or she was formerly a citizen by birth or descent, to be officially recognised, as a citizen of The Gambia. An act of the National Assembly may make Provision for Acts of the 15. (a) the acquisition of the citizenship of The Gambia by National Assembly persons who are not eligible to become citizens under the provisions of this Chapter; (b). the renunciation by any person of his or her citizenship of The Gambia; and (c) generally to give effect to the provisions of this Chapter. Interpretation 16. (1) in this Chapter, “Secretary of State” means the Secretary of chapter III State for the time being responsible for citizenship matters. (2) For the purposes of this Chapter, a person, born aboard a registered ship or aircraft, aboard an unregistered ship or aircraft of the government of any country, shall be deemed  to have been born in the place in which the ship or aircraft is registered or, as the case may be, in that country. (3) Any reference in this Chapter to the citizenship of a parent of a person at the time of that person’s birth, shall, in relation to a person born after the death of that parent, be construed as reference to that parent’s citizenship at the time of death. PROTECTION OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTSS AND FREEDOM Fundamental 17. (1) The fundamental human rights and freedoms enshrined in Rights and this Chapter shall be respected and upheld by all organs of Freedoms the Executive and its agencies, the Legislature and, where applicable to them, by all natural and legal persons in The Gambia, and shall be enforceable by the Courts in accordance with this Constitution. (2) Every person in the Gambia, whatever his or her race, colour, gender, Language, religion, political or other opinion, National or social origin, property, birth or other status, shall be entitled to the fundamental human rights and freedoms of the individual contained in this chapter, but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest. Protection 18. (1) No person shall be deprived of his or her life intentionally of right to life except in the execution of a sentence of death imposed by a court of competent jurisdiction in respect of a criminal offence for which the penalty is death under the Laws of The Gambia as they have effect in accordance with subsection (2) and of which he or she has been lawfully convicted. (2) As from the coming into force of this Constitution, no court in The Gambia shall be competent to impose a sentence of death for any offence unless the sentence is prescribed by law and the offence involves violence, or the administration of any toxic substance, resulting in the death of another person. (3) The National Assembly shall within ten years from the date of the coming into force of this Constitution review the desirability or otherwise of the total abolition of the death penalty in The Gambia  (4) Without prejudice to any liability for a contravention of any other law with respect to the use of force in such cases as are hereinafter mentioned, a person shall not be regarded as having been deprived of his or her life in contravention of this section if he or she dies as a result of the use of force to such extent as is reasonably justifiable in the circumstances of the case, that is to say- (a) for the defence of any person from unlawful violence or for the defence property; (b) in order to effect a lawful arrest or to prevent the escape of a person lawfully detained; (c) for the purpose of suppressing a riot, insurrection of mutiny; (d) in order to prevent the commission by that person of a criminal offence, or (e) if he or she dies as a result of a lawful act of war. Protection 19. (1) Every person shall have the right to liberty and security of right to person. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary, arrest or Personal liberty detention. No one shall be deprived of his or her liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with such procedures as are established by law. (2) Any person who is arrested or detained shall be informed as soon as is reasonably practicable and in any case within three hours, in a language that he or she can understands, of the reasons for his or her arrest or detention and of his or her right to consult a legal practitioner. (3) Any person who is arrested or detained- (a) for the purpose of bringing him or her before a court in execution of the order of a court, or (b) upon reasonable suspicion of his or her having committed, or being about to commit, a criminal offence under the Laws of The Gambia, and who is not released, shall be brought without undue delay before a court and, in any event, within seventy-two hours (4) Where any person is brought before a court in execution of the order of a court in any proceedings or upon suspicions of his or her having committed or being about to commit an offence, he or she shall not thereafter be further held in custody in connection with those proceedings or that offence save upon the order of a court.  (5) If any person arrested or detained as mentioned in subsection (3)(b) is not tried within a reasonable time, then without prejudice to any further proceedings which may be brought against him or her, he or she shall be released either unconditionally or upon reasonable conditions, including, in particular, such conditions as are reasonably necessary to ensure that he or she appears at a later date for trial or proceedings preliminary to trial. (6) Any person who is unlawfully arrested or detained by any other person shall be entitled to compensation from that other person of from any other person or authority on whose behalf that other person was acting. Protection 20. (1) No person shall be held in slavery or servitude From slavery And forced labour (2) No person shall be required to perform forced labour. (3) For the purposes of this section, the expression “forced labour” does not include- (a) any labour required in consequence of a sentence or order of court; (b) labour required of any person while he or she is lawfully detained that, though not required in consequence of the sentence or order of the court, is reasonable necessary in the interests of hygiene or for the maintenance of the place in which he or she is detained; (c) any labour required of a member of a defence force in pursuance of his or her duties as such or, in the case of a person who has conscientious objections to service as a member of any naval, military or air force, any labour which that person is required by law to perform in place of such service; (d) any labour required during a period of public emergency or in the event of any other emergency or calamity which threatens the life or well-being of the community, to the extent that the requiring of such labour is reasonably justifiable in the circumstances of any situation arising or existing during that period or as a result of that other emergency or calamity for the purposes of dealing with that situation; or (e) any labour reasonably required as part of reasonable and normal communal or other civic obligations. Protection 21. No person shall be subject to torture or inhuman degrading  from punishment or other treatment inhuman treatment protection 22. (1) No property of any description shall be taken possession of from deprivation compulsorily, and no right over or interest in any such of property property shall be acquired compulsorily in any part of The Gambia, except where the following conditions are satisfied: (a) the taking of possession or acquisition is necessary in the interest of defense, public safety, public order, public morality, public health, town and country planning, or the development or utilisation of any property in such manner as to promote the public benefit; and (b) the necessity therefore is such as to afford reasonable justification of the causing of any hardship that may result to any person having any interest in or right over the property, and (c) provision is made by law applicable to that taking of possession or acquisition- (i) for the prompt payment of adequate compensation; and (ii) securing to any person having an interest in or right over the property, a right of access to a court or other impartial and independent authority for the determination of his or her interest or right, the legality of the taking of possession or acquisition of the property, interest or right, and the amount of any to which he or she is entitled, and for the purpose of obtaining prompt payment of that compensation. (2) Nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting the making of any law in so far as it provides for the taking or acquisition of property (a) in satisfaction of any tax, rate or due; (b) by way of penalty for breach of law, whether under civil process or after conviction for a criminal offence; (c) as an incident of a lease, tenancy mortgage, charge, bill of sale, pledge or contract; (d) by way of the vesting or administration of trust property enemy property, bona vacantia, or the property of persons  adjudged or otherwise declared bankrupt or insolvent persons of unsound mind, (e) in the execution of judgements or order of courts; (f) by reason of such property being in a dangerous state or liable to cause injuries to the health of human beings, animals or plants; (g) in consequence of any law with respect to the limitation of actions; or (h) for so long as such taking of possession may be necessary for the purpose of any examination, investigation, trial or inquiry, or, in the cases of land, the carrying out thereon. (i) Of work of soil conservation or the conservation of other resources; or (ii) Of agricultural development or improvement which the owner occupier of the land has been required and has without reasonable or lawful excuse refused or failed, to carryout, except so far as that provision, or as the case may be the thing done under the authority thereof is shown not to be reasonably justifiable in a democratic society. (3) Nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting the making or operation of any law for the compulsory taking in the public interest of any property, or the compulsory acquisition in the public interest of any interest in or right over property, where that property interest is held by a body corporate which is established directly by any law and in which no monies are provided by an Act of the National Assembly. (4) where a compulsory acquisition of land by or on behalf of the Government involves the displacement of any inhabitant who occupy the land under customary law, the Government shall resettle the displaced inhabitants on suitable alternative land with due regard to their economic well being and social and cultural values. (5) Any such property of whatever description compulsorily taken possession of, and any interest in or right over property of any description compulsorily acquired in the public interest for a public purpose for which it is taken or acquired.  (6) Where any such property as is referred to in subsection (5) is not used in the public interest or for the public purpose for which it was taken or acquired, the person who was the owner immediately before the compulsory taking or acquisition, as the case may be, shall be given the first option of acquiring that property, in which event he or she shall be required to refund the whole or such part of the compensation as may be agreed upon between the parties thereto; and in the absence of any such agreement such amount as shall be determined by the high Court. Privacy 23. (1) no person shall be subject to interference with the privacy of his or her home, correspondence or communications save as is in accordance with law and is necessary in a democratic society in the interest of national security, public safety or the economic well-being of the country, for the protection of health or morals, for the prevention of disorder or crime or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others. (2) Searches of the person or the home of individuals shall only be justified- (a) where these are authorised by a competent judicial authority ; (b) in cases where delay in obtaining such judicial authority carries with it the danger of prejudicing the objects of the search or the public interest and such procedures as are prescribed by an Act of the national Assembly to preclude abuse are properly satisfied. Provision to 24 (1) Any court or other adjudicating authority established by secure law for the determination of any criminal trial or matter, or protection for the determination of the existence or extent of any civil Of the law right or obligation, shall be independent and impartial; and And fair play (a) if any person is charged with a criminal offence, then, unless the charge is withdrawn; or (b) where proceedings are commenced for the determination or the existence of any civil right or obligation, the case shall be afforded a fair hearing within a reasonable time. (2) All proceedings of every court and proceedings relating to the determination of the existence or extent of civil rights or obligations before any other authority including the announcement of the decision of the court or other authority, shall be held in public.  Provided that the court or other authority may, to such extent as it may consider necessary or expedient in circumstances where publicity would prejudice the interests of justice or interlocutory civil proceedings, or to such extent as it may be empowered or required by law to do so in the interest of defense, public safety, public order, public morality, the welfare of persons under the age of eighteen years or the protection of the private lives of persons concerned in the proceedings, exclude from its proceedings persons other than the parties thereto and their legal representatives. (3) Every person who is charged with a criminal offence- (a) shall be presumed innocent until he or she is proved or has pleaded guilty; (b) shall be informed at the time he or she is charged, in a language which he or she understands and in detail, of the nature of the offence charged; (c) shall be given adequate time and facilities for the preparation of his or her defense; (d) shall be permitted to defend himself or herself before the court in person or, at his or her own expense, by a legal representative of his or her own choice; Provided that where a person is charged with an offence which carries a punishment of death or imprisonment for life, that person shall be entitled to legal aid at the expense of the State. (e) shall be afforded facilities to examine in person or by his or her legal representative the witnesses called by the prosecution before the court and to obtain the attendance and carry out the examination of witnesses to testify on his or her behalf before the court on the same conditions as those applying to witnesses called by the prosecution; and (f) shall be permitted to have without payment the assistance of an interpreter if he or she cannot understand the language used at the trial of the charge; and, except with his or her own consent, the trial shall not take place in his or her absent unless he or she so conducts himself or herself has to render the continuance of the proceedings in his or her presence impractical and the court has ordered him or her to be removed and the trial to proceed in his or her absence. (4) When a person is tried for any criminal offence, the accused person or any person authorised by him or her in that behalf shall, if he or she requires and subject to the payment of such reasonable fee as may be prescribed by law, be given within a reasonable time, and in any event within thirty days after the end of the trial, a copy for the  use of the accused person of any record of the proceedings made by or on behalf of the court. (5) No person shall be charged with or held to be guilty of a criminal offence on account of any act or omission which did not at the time it took place constitute such an offence, and no penalty shall be imposed for any criminal offence which is more severe in degree or description that the maximum penalty which might have been imposed for that offence at the time when it was committed. (6) No person who shows he or she has been tried by any competent court for a criminal offence and either convicted or acquitted shall again be tried for that offence or for any other offence of which he or she could have been convicted at the trial for that offence save upon the order of a superior court made in the course of appeal or revision proceedings relating to the conviction or acquittal: Provided that nothing in any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of this subsection by reason only that it authorises any court to try a member of a defense force for a criminal offence notwithstanding any trial or conviction of the member under service law; but any court so trying such a member and convicting him or her shall, in sentencing him or her to any punishment, take into account any punishment awarded him or her under service law. (7) No person shall be tried for a criminal offence if he or she shows he or she has been pardoned for that offence. (8) No person charged with a criminal offence shall be compelled to give evidence at the trial. (9) A person charged with criminal offence in the High court shall have the right to elect to be tried by a jury. (10) Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of- (a) subsection (3)(a) to the extent that the law in question imposes upon any person charged with a criminal offence the burden of proving particular facts; (b) subsection (3)(e), to the extent that the law in question imposes reasonable conditions that must be satisfied if witnesses called to testify on behalf of an accused person are to be paid their expenses out of public funds. Freedom 25 (1) Every person shall have the right to- Of speech, Conscience, (a) freedom of speech and expression, which shall assembly, include freedom of the press and other media; Association and movement (b) freedom of thought, conscience and belief, which shall include academic freedom; (c) freedom to practise any religion and to manifest such practice; (d) freedom to assemble and demonstrate peaceably and without arms; (e) freedom of association, which shall include freedom to form and join associations and unions, including political parties and trade unions; (f) freedom to petition the Executive for redress of grievances and to resort to the Courts for the protection of his or her rights. (2) Every person lawfully within The Gambia shall have right to move freely throughout The Gambia, to choose his or her own place of residence within The Gambia, and to leave The Gambia. (3) Every citizen of The Gambia shall have the right to return to The Gambia. (4) The freedoms referred to in subsections (1) and (2) shall be exercised subject to the law of The Gambia in so far as that law imposes reasonable restriction on the exercise of the rights and freedoms thereby conferred, which are necessary in a democratic society and are required in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of The Gambia, national security, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court. Political rights 26 Every citizen of The Gambia of full age and capacity shall have the right, without unreasonable restrictions- (a) to take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives; (b) to vote and stand for elections at genuine periodic elections for public office, which election shall be by universal and equal suffrage and be held by secret ballot; (c) to have access, on general terms of equality, to public service in The Gambia. Right to marry 27. (1) Men and women of full age and capacity shall have the right to marry and found a family  (2) Marriage shall be based on the free and full consent of the intended parties. Rights of women 28. (1) Women shall be accorded full and equal dignity of the person with men. (2) Women shall have the right to equal treatment with men, including equal opportunities in political, economic and social activities. Rights of children 29. (1) Children shall have the right from the birth to a name, the right to acquire a nationality and subject to legislation enacted in the best interest of children, to know and be cared for by their parents. (2) Children under the age of sixteen years are entitled to be protected from economic exploitation and shall not be employed in or required to perform work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with their education or be harmful to their health of physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development. (3) A juvenile offender who is kept in lawful custody shall be kept separated from adult offenders. Rights to education 30. All persons shall have the right to equal educational opportunities and facilities and with a view to achieving the full realisation of that right- (a) basic education shall be free, compulsory and available to all; (b) secondary education, including technical and vocational education, shall be made generally available and accessible to all by every appropriate means, and in particular, by the progressive introduction of free education; (c) higher education shall be made equally accessible to all, on the basis of capacity, by every appropriate means, and in particular, by progressive introduction of free education; (d) functional literacy shall be encouraged or intensified as far as possible; (e) the development of a system of schools with adequate facilities at all levels shall be actively pursued. Rights of the Disabled 31. (1) the right of the disabled and handicapped to respect  and human dignity shall be recognised by the State and society. (2) Disabled persons shall be entitled to protection against exploitation and to protection against discrimination, in particular as regards access to health services, education and employment. (3) In any judicial proceedings in which a disabled person is a party, the procedure shall take his or her condition into account. Culture 32. Every person shall be entitled to enjoy, practice, profess, maintain and promote any culture, language, tradition or religion subject to the terms of this Constitution and to the condition that the right protected by this section do not impinge on the rights and freedoms of others or the national interest, especially unity. Protection from 33. (1) All persons shall be equal before the law. Discrimination (2) Subject to the provisions of subsection (5), no law shall make any provision which is discriminatory either of itself of in its effect. (3) Subject to the provisions of subsection (5), no person shall be treated in a discriminatory manner by any person acting by virtue of any law or in the performance of the functions of any public office or any public authority. (4) In this section, the expression “discrimination” means affording different treatment to different persons attributable wholly or mainly to their respective descriptions by race, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status whereby persons of one such description are subjected to disabilities or restrictions to which persons of another such description are not made subject, or are accorded privilege or advantages which are not accorded to persons of another such description. (5) Subsection (2) shall not apply to any law in so far as that law makes provision- (a) with respect to persons who are not citizens of The Gambia or to qualifications for citizenship; (b) with respect to the qualifications prescribed by this Constitution for any office; (c) with respect to adoption, marriage, divorce, burial, devolution of property on death or other matters of personal law;  (d) for the application in the case of members of a particular race or tribe of customary law with respect to any matter in the case of persons who, under that law, are subject to that law. (6) Subsection (3) shall not apply to anything which is expressly or by necessary implication authorised to be done by any such provision of law as is referred to in subsection (5). (7) The exercise of any discretion to the relating to the institution, conduct or discontinuance of civic or criminal proceedings in any court that is vested in any person by the Constitution or any other law shall not be enquired into by any court on the grounds that it contravenes the provisions of subsections (3). Declaration of 34. (1) The President may, at any time, by Proclamation Of state of public emergency published in the Gazette, declare that- (a) a state of public emergency exists in the whole or any part of The Gambia; (b) a situation exists which, if it is allowed to continue, may lead to a state of public emergency. (2) A declaration made under this section shall lapse at the expiration of a period of seven days, or if the National Assembly is not then in session twenty- one days, beginning on the day on which the Proclamation is published in the Gazette unless, before the expiration of that period, it has been approved by a resolution of the National Assembly supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds of all the members thereof. (3) A declaration made under subsection (1) may at any time be revoked by the President by Proclamation which shall be published in the Gazette. (4) A declaration made under subsection (1) that has been approved by a resolution of the National Assembly shall, subject to subsection (3), remain in force so long as that resolution remains in force and no longer.  (5) A resolution of the National Assembly passed for the purpose of this section shall remain in force for ninety days or such shorter period as may be specified therein; Provided that- a. any such resolution may be extended from time to time by a further resolution supported. (i) In the case of a first extension, by the votes, (ii) in the case of a subsequent extension, by the votes of not less than three quarters of all the members of the National Assembly, but no extension shall exceed ninety days from the date of the resolution effecting the extension; and b. Any such resolution may be revoked at any time by a resolution supported by the votes of the majority of all the members of the National Assembly. c. Any provision of this section that a declaration shall lapse or cease to be in force at any particular time shall be without prejudice to the making of a further declaration under this section whether before or after that time. Derogation from 35. (1) An Act of the National assembly may authorise the taking, fundamental during any period of emergency, measures that are Emergency powers reasonably justifiable for dealing with the situation that exists in The Gambia. (2) Nothing contained in or done under the authority of such an Act shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of sections 19, 23, 24 (other than subsections (5) to (8) thereof) or 25 of this Constitution to the extent that it is reasonably justifiable in the circumstances arising or existing during a period of public emergency for the purpose for dealing with the situation. Persons detained 36 (1) Where a person is detained by virtue of or under any Act of under emergency the National assemble referred to in section 35, the power following provisions shall apply- (a) he or she shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any case not later than twenty four hours after the commencement of the detention, be furnished with a  statement in writing specifying in detail the grounds upon which he or she is detained; and the statement shall be read, and, if necessary, interpreted, to the person who is detained in a language which he or she understand (b) the spouse, parent, child or other available next-of-kin of the person detained shall be informed by the authority effecting the detention and shall be permitted access to the person concerned at the earliest practicable opportunity, and in any case not later than twenty-four hours after the commencement of the detention; (c) where none of the persons mentioned in paragraph (b) can be traced or none of them is wiling and able to see the person detained, the person who is detained shall be informed of this fact within twenty-four hours of the commencement of the detention and he or she shall be informed of his or her right to name and give particulars of some other person who shall have the same right of access to the person who is detained as any of the persons mentioned in paragraph (b); (d) not more than fourteen days after the commencement of his or her detention, the authority which effected the same shall give notice in the Gazette stating that he or she has been detained and giving particulars of the provision of law under which the detention is authorised; (e) not more than thirty days after the commencement of his or her detention, and after that at intervals of not more than ninety days during the continuance of his or her detention, the case of the person concerned shall be reviewed by a tribunal as provided in subsection (2); (f) the person who is detained shall be afforded every possible facility to consult a legal practitioner of his or her choice who shall be permitted to make representation to the tribunal appointed to review the case; (g) at the hearing before the tribunal appointed for review of his or her case, the person detained shall be entitled  to appear in person or by a legal practitioner of his or her choice and at his or her own expense. (2) A tribunal appointed to review the cases of persons who have been detained shall be composed of three persons being, or qualified to be appointed as, judges of the High Court (3) A tribunal composed of the same members shall not review more than once the case of a particular person who has been detained (4) On a review by a tribunal of the case of a person who has been detained, the tribunal may order the release of the person or it may uphold the detention; and the authority by which the detention was ordered shall act in accordance with the decision of the tribunal for the release of any person. (5) No person may be detained under or by virtue of an Act of the National Assembly referred to in section 35 during any state of emergency in excess of a total of one hundred and eighty-two days (whether such days are consecutive or not) and, on the expiry of that period, any person who has been so detained shall be entitled to invoke the provisions of section 19 (right to person liberty). (6) In every month during the period in which a state of public emergency is in force and in which there is a sitting of the National Assembly, a Secretary of state authorise by the president shall make a report to the National Assembly of the number of persons detained by virtue of or under an Act of the National Assembly to which section 35 refers and the number of cases in which the authority which ordered the detention has acted in accordance with the decisions of the tribunal as provided in subsection (4). (7) For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that where the declaration of a state of public emergency is revoked or otherwise ceases to be in force, any person who is in detention or in custody by virtue of or under an Act of the National Assembly to which section 35 refers, other than a person sentence to imprisonment by a court for an offence against such a law for a term which has not then expired, shall be released immediately without further order. Enforcement of 37. (1) If any person alleges that any of the provisions of protective section 18 to 33 or section 36 (5) of this Chapter has provisions been, is being or is likely to be contravened in relation to himself or herself by any person he or she may apply to the High Court for redress. (2) An application may be made under this section in the case of a person who is detained by some other person acting on the detained person’s behalf. (3) An application under this section shall be without prejudice to any other action with respect to the same matter which is lawfully available. (4) If in any proceedings in any court subordinate to the High court any question arises as to the contravention of any of the provisions of the said sections 18 to 33 or section 36(5), that court may, and shall if any party so requests, refer the question to the High Court, unless, in the opinion of the subordinate court, the raising of the question is merely frivolous or vexatious. (5) The High court shall- (a) hear and determine any application made by any person pursuant to subsection (1) or (2); (b) determine any question arising in the case of any person which is referred to it in pursuance of subsection (4); and may, in addition to the powers conferred on it by section 5 (which relates to defense of the Constitution) make such order, issue such writ, and give such directions as it may consider appropriate for the purposes of enforcing or securing the enforcement of any of the provisions of the sections 18 to 33 or section 36(5) to the protection of which the person concerned is entitled. Provided that the High court may decline to exercise its powers under this subsection if it is satisfied that adequate means of redress for the contravention alleged are or have been available to the person concerned under any other law.  (6) The High Court shall consider every application and reference referred to it in pursuance of this section and, having heard arguments by or on behalf of the parties, shall pronounce its decision on the question in open court as soon as may, and in the case of a reference under subsection (4), not later than thirty days after the conclusion of the final addresses of the parties. (7) An Act of the National Assembly may confer on the high court such powers in addition to those conferred by this section as may appear to be necessary or desirable for the purpose of enabling the Court more effectively to exercise the jurisdiction conferred upon it by this section. (8) The rights, duties, declarations and guarantees relating to the fundamental human rights and freedoms specifically mentioned in this chapter shall not be regarded as excluding other rights which may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly as inherent in a democracy and intended to secure the freedom and dignity of man. Interpretation 38. (1) In this Chapter, save where the context otherwise requires- Of chapter iv “a period of public emergency” means any period during which The Gambia is at war or a declaration is in force under section 34; “contravention” in relation to any requirement, includes a failure to comply with that requirement, and cognate expressions shall be construed accordingly: “court” means any court of law in The Gambia other than a district tribunal or, save as provided in subsection (2), a court constituted under service law; “defence force” means any naval, military or air force of The Gambia; “member” in relation to a defence force, includes persons who, under the law regulating the discipline of that force, are subject to that discipline; “owner” includes any person deprived of any right or interest pursuant to section 22; “service law” means the law regarding the discipline of a defence force or of the Police Force or the Prison Service or any disciplined volunteer force. (2) In relation to an offence against service law, a reference to “court”  (a) in sections 18 to 20, subsections (2), (3), (4), (6) (but not the proviso thereto) of section 24, subsection (3) of section 25 subsection (8) of section 33 and subsection (2) of section 37 includes reference to a court constituted by or under service law; (b) in sections 19 and 20 and subsection (8) of section 33, includes an officer of a defence force and of the Police Force. (3) References in sections 18, 19 and 22 to a “criminal offence” shall be construed as including references to an offence against service law and such references in subsections (4) to (9) of section 24 shall, in relation to proceedings before a court constituted by or under service law, be similarly construed. (4) In relation to any person who is a member of an armed force raised otherwise than under the law of The Gambia and lawfully present in The Gambia, nothing contained in or done under the authority of the disciplinary law of that force shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of any of the provisions of this chapter. CHAPTER V REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE PART 1: THE FRANCHISE The right to vote 39. (1) Every citizen of The Gambia being eighteen years or older and be registered and of sound mind shall have the right to vote for the purpose of elections of a President and members of the National Assembly, and shall be entitled to be registered as a voter in a National Assembly constituency for that purpose. (2) Every citizen of The Gambia who is a registered voter shall be entitled to vote in a referendum held in accordance with this Constitution or any other law. (3) Every citizen of The Gambia being of the age of eighteen years or older and of sound mind shall be entitled, in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter and any Act of the National Assembly providing for such elections to vote in elections for local government authorities and traditional rulers in the area in which he or she is ordinarily resident. Secret ballot 40. All public elections and all referenda voting shall be by secret ballot. Electoral laws 41. Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, an Act of the National Assembly may make provision for giving effect to the provisions of this Chapter and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, may provide for- (a) the registration of voters for the purposes of public elections; (b) voting at, and the conduct of, public elections and referenda; (c) the duties of public officers in connection with the registration of voters and the conduct of public elections and referenda; (d) equal access to public facilities and the media by candidates at public elections. PART 2: THE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION The Commission 42 (1) there shall be an Independent Electoral Commission for The Gambia which shall be part of the public service. (2) The members of the Commission shall be a Chairman and four other members. (3) The members of the Commission shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission and the Public Service Commission. (4) Subject to the provisions of this section, the members of the Commission shall be appointed for a period of seven years and may be re-appointed for one further term: Provided that three of the first members (who shall be chosen by lot) shall be appointed for lesser periods than seven years in order to provide continuity within the Commission. (5) A person shall not be qualified for appointment as a member of the Commission if- (a) he or she is a member of the National assembly; (b) he or she is, or has at any time during the two years immediately preceding his or her appointment, been nominated as a candidate for election as a member of the National Assembly; (c) he or she is, or has at any time during such period of two years been, the holder of any office in any organisation that sponsors or otherwise supports or has at an time sponsored or otherwise supported, a candidate for election as a member of the National Assembly or of any local government authority or if  he or she has actively identified himself or herself with any such organisation; (d) if he or she holds an office in the public service other than as a members of the Commission or the staff of the Commission; or (e) if he or she has been convicted in any country of any offence involving dishonesty or moral turpitude. (6) The president may remove a members of the Commission from office- (a) for inability to perform the functions of his or office whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or from any other cause; (b) if any circumstance arises which would have disqualified him or her fro appointment to the Commission; or (c) for misconduct, but, before removing a member, the president shall appoint a tribunal of three judges of superior court to enquire in to the matter and report on the facts. A member of the Commission shall be entitled to appear and be legally represented before the tribunal. (7) Three members of the Commission including the chairman shall form a quorum: Provided that any decision of the Commission shall require the concurrence of a majority of the members. (8) The Commission may by regulation or otherwise regulate its own procedure. (9) The Commission shall make an annual report on its activities to the National Assembly. (10) Before assuming the functions of his or her office, a member of the Commission shall take and subscribe to the prescribed oaths.. Functions of the 43 (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution the Commission Independent Electoral Commission shall be responsible for- (a) the conduct and supervision of the registration of voters for all public elections and the conduct and supervision of all public elections and referenda;  (b) the conduct of the election of a speaker and a Deputy Speaker, (c) the registration of political parties; (d) ensuring that the dates, times and places of public elections and referenda are determined in accordance with law and that they are publicised and elections held accordingly; (e) ensuring that candidate in elections make a full declaration of their assets at the time of nomination. (2) The Commission shall announce the results of all elections and referenda for which it is responsible. (3) In the exercise of its functions under this Constitution or any other law, the Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority. Financial 44 The Independent Electoral Commission shall submit its annual estimates of expenditure to the president for presentation to the National Assembly in accordance with this Constitution. The President shall cause the estimates to be placed before the National Assembly without amendment, but may attach to them his or her own comments and observations. Electoral Laws 45 An Act of National Assembly may make further provisions for the purposes of this part PART 3: PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS Election of a 46 There shall be an election for the office of the President in the President three month before the expiration of the term of the incumbent President. The dates for the nomination of candidates and for holding the election shall be determined by the Independent. Electoral Commission. Nomination of 47 A candidate for election to the office of President shall, on or Candidates before nomination day- (a) satisfy the Commission that his or her nomination is supported by not less than five thousand registered voters consisting of not less than two hundred from each administrative area, as signified by their signatures or otherwise; (b) deposit with the Commission such sum as may be president by the Elections Decree or any Act of the National Assembly replacing or amending that Decree, which shall be returned if he or she receives not less than forty per cent of the valid votes cast at the election. The poll on an 48 (1) Subject to subsection (4), a poll shall be taken on the day, Election or days appointed for the election of a President  notwithstanding that there may be only one candidate nominated for election. (2) Where a nominated candidate dies between nomination day and polling day, the Independent Electoral Commission shall appoint a new nomination day and, if necessary, a new day or days for the election. (3) No person shall be elected as President on a first ballot unless the votes cast in his or her favour at the election are more than fifty per cent of the total number of votes validly cast at that election. (4) If, on a first ballot, there was only one candidate and he or she fails to obtain the percentage of the votes validly cast as specified in subsection (3), new nomination and election days shall be appointed, if, at the close of nominations for a second ballot, (a) there is only one candidate nominated, he or she shall be declared to have been duly elected President, (b) there are more than one candidate nominated, a second ballot shall be held. (5) If, on the first ballot, there were two or more candidates, a second ballot shall be held within fourteen days between the two candidates who received the highest number of votes validly cast at the first ballot. In the event that more than two candidates received equally the highest number or second highest number of votes, all of them shall participate in the second ballot. (6) On a second ballot, the candidate, who receives the highest number of votes shall be declared to have been duly elected President. Challenge to 49. Any registered political party which has participated in the election of a President Presidential election or an independent candidate who has participated in such an election may apply to the Supreme Court to determine the validity of the election of a President by filling a petition within ten days of the declaration of the result of the election. PART 4: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCIES Delimitation of 50 (1) An Act of the National assembly shall establish a constituencies 6 of 2001 Boundaries Commission which shall be responsible  for demarcating constituency boundaries for the purpose of elections to the National Assembly. (2) The National assembly shall prescribe by an act, the criteria for the demarcation of the constituency boundaries. (3) Until the National Assembly establishes a