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The Speaker of Sierra Leone’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, has warned Members of Parliament against persistent absenteeism, announcing plans to submit lawmakers’ attendance records to their respective political parties at the end of the current parliamentary term.
Speaker Thomas said the move is intended to address concerns over MPs’ failure to regularly attend parliamentary sittings and promote greater discipline and accountability among lawmakers.
Speaking during a parliamentary sitting while conducting the roll call, the Speaker cautioned MPs against underestimating the importance of their presence in the Chamber.
“At the end of the life of this Parliament, I will do a letter to your political parties based on what I have here. Probably that will guide them in awarding symbols,” Thomas said.
The statement suggests that MPs’ attendance records could become one of the factors considered by political parties when selecting candidates for future elections.
Speaker Thomas said the warning was not merely a statement but part of efforts to encourage lawmakers to take their responsibilities seriously and improve participation in parliamentary proceedings.
He also reminded MPs that their attendance records could attract public scrutiny, including discussions on social media, urging them to uphold the trust placed in them by their constituents.
Under the Standing Orders of Parliament, MPs who are unable to attend sittings for valid reasons are required to notify the Speaker in writing. The rules further state that a member absent without good cause for an aggregate period of 30 days during a session may lose their seat.
While attendance remains a key responsibility of lawmakers, MPs also perform other duties, including committee work, constituency engagements, and official assignments outside the Chamber.
Speaker Thomas’ warning introduces an additional accountability measure by ensuring political parties are informed about the participation records of their representatives, potentially influencing future candidate selection.
The issue of parliamentary absenteeism has continued to attract public attention, with citizens calling for stronger accountability from elected representatives.
