UN General Assembly
1999

of good governance, we can stride ahead to build a nation with a strong economy in an atmosphere of social justice and political stability. Recognizing that improving the governance environment is a sine qua non for sustainable development, the Government of the Gambia has incorporated good- governance strategies in all national development initiatives and plans. The Gambia National Governance Programme, which was recently launched, was developed through an extensive process of consultation and consensus-building. In our bid to create an atmosphere of dignity and respect for our citizenry we are fully committed to democratic constitutionality. We consider this the only feasible political framework for good governance, which is an essential prerequisite for sustainable development. We also believe that democracy cannot exist in a situation of abject poverty. Our national governance programme includes provisions for constitutional review and reform of the electoral system and process; reform of parliamentary structures and processes; civic education; reform of the legal and judicial process; public-sector management and administrative reform; and decentralization and local government reform. Given the complexity and scope of the governance