APC MPs Walk Out of Parliament During Constitutional Amendment Bill Debate

Members of the All People’s Congress (APC) opposition have walked out of parliament, stating they will not participate in the constitutional amendment process without a two-thirds majority.

Opposition Leader, Hon. Abdul Kargbo led 49 lawmakers representing the main opposition party to stage the walkout after MPs voted 96–41 to reject a constitutional proposal to establish a Search and Nomination Committee for the appointment of Electoral Commissioners.

The lawmakers voted to retain the existing provision under Section 32(2) of the 1991 Constitution, which gives the President the power to appoint members of the Electoral Commission after consultation with leaders of registered political parties.

However, Hon. Kargbo challenged the validity of the vote, arguing that the 96 votes in favour do not meet the two-thirds majority requirement for constitutional amendments. He cited Section 108(b) of the 1991 Constitution, which provides that a Bill seeking to alter the Constitution shall not be passed unless, on its second and third readings, it is supported by not less than two-thirds of all Members of Parliament.

But SLPP MP Hon. Gevao countered that Section 108(b) does not apply to the vote currently before the House. He argued that MPs were voting on a specific clause of the Bill, rather than the Bill in its entirety, and cited Section 91(1), which states that, except as otherwise provided by the Constitution, questions before Parliament are determined by a majority of Members present and voting.

Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas ruled on the argument arguing that the two-thirds rule does not apply when making decisions in Parliament except for certain provisions made in the constitution. He supported Hon. Gevao’s argument that the vote was on a specific clause of the Bill, rather than the Bill in its entirety.

The speaker further said he will refer the matter to the Supreme Court for interpretation.