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    1. Traveller information
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    1. Constitution
    2. International relations
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The Gambia - Constitution

The 1997 constitution provides for a unitary republican democracy, with the president, vice-president and secretaries of state responsible to parliament. The unicameral parliament, the National Assembly, has a five-year term. Five members are nominated by the president, 48 directly elected under universal suffrage. The president is also elected by direct universal suffrage for a five-year term, and there is no limit on the number of terms he may serve. Executive power resides in the president, vice-president and cabinet, both of whom are appointed by the president. The voting age is 18; there is an ombudsman. The constitution provides for an independent judiciary and allows for declaration of a state of emergency, and for special courts to try cases of corruption. A two-thirds majority in parliament is required to change the constitution.