The composition of the Fifth Parliament makes majority power less certain and less probable thereby reducing the risks of executive influence, said the Country Director of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sierra Leone, Samuel Gbaydee Doe, at the opening of the Induction and Chamber briefing for the newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) on Tuesday 17 April 2018.
This set of MPs will form the fifth Parliament of the second Republic of Sierra Leone. The first Parliament was formed following the elections in 1996.
Each successive election brings in a new Parliament.
In 2002, the second Parliament was formed. In 2007, the third Parliament was formed. Sierra Leone is in its second republic, constituted following the first multi-party elections in 1996.
The UNDP Country Director said the aim of the process is to help the MPs to quickly familiarize themselves with the parliamentary procedures and processes. “Parliament is the central institution through which the will of the people is expressed, laws are passed and government is held to account,” he said. Parliament is uniquely positioned to promote peace, pluralism and gender equality through dialogue, debate and decision-making.
For the first time in the country’s history the ruling party is the second largest party in Parliament. The opposition party has more seats than the ruling party.
He maintained that with the current composition of the House, it is his estimation it holds the potential for a vibrant Parliament, as it demands the finest skills for dialogue and necessity to reach across the aisle to forge alliances for the good of the country and its people.
Doe said over 80% of the MPs are newly elected. That means, 80% of the members of the previous Parliament did not return. Their employers (the people) withdrew their votes and some opted not to return.
“UNDP supports Parliaments in more than 60 countries and they do so primarily in recognition of the important role of Parliamentary institution in democracy and development as an effective democratic oversight institution for accountable governance.
“Democracy and governance are about checks and balances where the interests of all people should take centre stage,” said the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Tom Vens.
The former Clerk of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Sorie, informed the newly elected MPs of their roles in Parliament; to make laws, provide representation and oversight. He said one of the major challenges they will face is failing to visit their constituents who will be putting all their burdens on the Members of Parliament.
“The people’s expectations from MPs are very high. This will force you to avoid your Constituencies,” he said. He encouraged them to make use of the opportunity to provide proper representation for their people and contribute to debates.
He reminded the MPs that the people have taken their duties very seriously on March 7 and 31 when they voted in very large numbers. He saw that as an expression of their hope in a better future.
“Some of your first decisions, such as electing a Speaker and Deputy Speaker, in will be critical to guide your journey in the coming years,” he warned.
The newly appointed Clerk, Hon. Paran Umar Tarawally, urged the newly elected MPs to make use of their time in Parliament and provide the required representation to their constituents.
AMK/17/4/18
By Alhaji Manika Kamara
Wednesday April 18, 2018.
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