7.1 Eligibility
Membership to the Party shall be open to all citizens of The Gambia who fulfills the following conditions regardless of their location, ethnicity, gender, creed, social, economic, cultural and religious backgrounds:
i. Attainment of the age of 18.
ii. Acceptance of the principles, policies and programmes of the Party and preparedness to abide by the Party Constitution.
iii. Non – membership to another political party or organisations whose policies and programmes are inconsistent with those of the Party.
iv. All other persons who have manifested a clear identification with the Gambian people and their aspirations and are residents of the Gambia may apply for membership.
7.2 Registration
i. Any person who fulfils the requirements as stipulated in Section 7.1 is cordially invited to register for membership to the Party. Registration forms shall be available at a prescribed fee.
ii. Upon completion of the registration form and payment of the prescribed fee, a member is
issued with a Party Membership Card.
iii. Registration forms and Party membership cards shall be available in all GDC offices and
selected business centres across the country.
iv. Registration forms and Party membership cards shall also be distributed to the GDC Committee of Gambians in the Diaspora as well as its Chapters around the world.
v. Members shall pay an annual subscription fee as determined by the National Executive Committee. Subscriptions from individuals shall be received at the National, Regional, Constituency and Ward levels based on the direction of the National Executive Committee.
7.3 Duties and Obligations of Members
Party members and affiliated groups shall individually/collectively be bound by the following duties and obligations:
i. Strive to understand, execute and promote the values, aims and objectives of the Party.
ii. Participate fully in the activities and functions of the party e.g. election campaigns, rallies, fund raising activities, meetings, etc.
iii. Ensure that they are registered as voters in the constituencies where they live.
iv. Defend the image of the Party against all propaganda detrimental to the interest of the GDC.
v. Fight against racism, tribal chauvinism, sexism, religious and political intolerance and all other forms of discrimination.
vi. Observe discipline, behave honestly and conduct themselves in a manner that shall not bring the party to disrepute.
vii. Refrain from publishing and/or distributing any media without authorisation which purports to be the view of the Party.
viii. Party members who hold elective office in any sphere of governance at national, regional or local levels are required to be members of the appropriate committees and to function within the rules and decisions of the Party under the general provisions of this Constitution.
ix. Pay such subscriptions (in the case of individuals) or affiliation fees (in the case of other Members) as shall be determined from time to time by the National Executive Committee.
7.4 Rights and Privileges
Party members and affiliated groups shall enjoy the following rights and privileges:
i. Have their names entered on the Party’s National Membership List which shall be kept, administered and up-dated from time to time by the National Secretariat. Inclusion in the National Membership List shall be conclusive as to the membership of the Party.
ii. Take part in elections and be elected or appointed to any committee, structure, commission or delegation of the Party;
iii. Take full and active part in the discussions, formulations and implementation of the policies and programmes of the Party;
iv. Offer constructive criticism of any member, official, policy programme or activity of the GDC within its structures;
v. Submit proposals or statements through any organ of the Party provided such proposals or statements are submitted through the appropriate chain of leadership.
7.5 Cessation of Membership
i. Membership to the Party shall be terminated by death, resignation, expulsion, defection to another party or accepting a political appointment from an opposition political party in government.
ii. Upon cessation of membership, a member shall be legally obliged to return all properties of the Party in his or her possession.