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Constitution of the Republic of the Gambia, Gambia
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Year of Version
2001
Dates
Entry into force:
January 16, 1997
Assented:
August 8, 1996
Type of Text
Constitution/Basic Law
Subject Matter
Other
Notes
Situated around the Gambia River in West Africa, the Republic of the Gambia gained its independence from the United Kingdom on February 18, 1965, as a constitutional monarchy within the British Commonwealth.
The Constitution of the Republic of Gambia was adopted by national referendum on April 8, 1996, repealed the 1970 Constitution and entered into force on January 16, 1997.
This consolidated version of the Constitution incorporates amendments introduced by the "Constitution of the Republic of the Gambia (Amendment) Act, 2001 (Act No. 6 of 2001".
The Constitution provides for a Presidential form of Government with a unicameral legislature (Chapters VI & VII) and an independent judiciary (Chapter VIII).
The Gambia's legal system is based on a tripartite system: English law, including the common law and principles of equity; customary law; and Shari’a law (Islamic law). The latter two systems apply only to indigenous Gambians and/or Muslims (Article 7).
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Constitution of the Republic of the Gambia
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WIPO Lex No.
GM001