By Sahr Eric George
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – Tensions flared within Sierra Leone’s parliamentary chambers as Members of Parliament (MPs) from the All People’s Congress Party (APC) staged a walkout during proceedings aimed at confirming Mr Edmond Alpha as Commissioner South of the Electoral Commission Sierra Leone (ECSL). President Julius Maada Bio’s reappointment of Alpha sparked controversy, with opposition MPs expressing discontent over the alleged lack of consultation as mandated by the constitution.
At the fiftieth plenary session of the sixth parliament on Thursday, May 23, 2024, opposition MPs voiced their objections, underscoring a perceived breach of constitutional protocol. Deputy Opposition Leader, Honourable Daniel Koroma, highlighted Section 32(2) of the 1991 constitution, which stipulates consultation with all registered political parties prior to ECSL commissioner appointments.
“What harm would it have caused you, if you had consulted us,” Hon. Koroma asked.
He emphasized that the act of the government in failing to consult them undermines the very existence of the tripartite committee they signed recently, and demonstrates the absence of democracy and good governance in the country.
“I regret to announce the death of the rule of law and democracy in this country,” he lamented. “Because we were not consulted about Mr Alpha’s nomination, we won’t participate in approving him,” Hon. Koroma he declared.
Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara (AKK) echoed his colleague’s sentiments, refuting claims of consultation made by the government. “Mr Dumbuya stated in the last paragraph of the same document that we were not consulted,” Hon. AKK maintained.
In response, Government Business Leader Hon. Matthew Sahr Nyuma refuted the opposition’s claims saying “I have listened to them and this argument is not new.”
He presented evidence of consultation responses from nine political parties, including the APC. “Nine political parties replied to the consultation we made including the APC who replied on April 24, 2024,” he disclosed.
He criticized the opposition’s alleged disconnect with their party’s leadership, questioning their basis for objection. “There is no nexus between the APC MPs and their party’s secretariat,” he alleged.
Hon. Nyuma dismissed the opposition’s grievances saying they should not be referring to the 2023 General Elections as problematic because they became MPs after winning the elections in their districts which were conducted by the ECSL.
“If they think the election was rigged, they should resign and forget about parliament,” he maintained.
He urged swift approval of Mr. Alpha, lauding his contributions to the ECSL, and fellow lawmakers to focus on Alpha’s performance rather than political disputes.
Despite opposition boycotts, SLPP members present voted in favour of Alpha’s approval as Commissioner South of the ECSL. Speaker Hon. Sengepoh Solomon Thomas adjourned the session until Tuesday, May 28, 2024, marking a contentious chapter in Sierra Leone’s parliamentary proceedings. SEG/24/5/2024