Parliament of Sierra Leone on Tuesday, 14 February 2023 approved with unanimity the new Northwest Electoral Commissioner, Albert Samba Kanu.

The newly approved Electoral Commissioner for the Northwestern Region was first interviewed on Tuesday, 07th February 2023, in Committee Room One, Parliament Building in Freetown.

Presenting the Presidential Nominee in the House of Parliament, the Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie stated that the nominee was interviewed based on specified criteria and procedures, not excluding the strict consistency of his educational background, track records, tax obligation, and vision for a nationally productive tenure amongst others.

President of the Parliamentary Female Caucus in Parliament, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay while seconding the motion commended President Bio for appointing someone on national cohesion on the electoral platform adding that she does not doubt the Nominee, based on what transpired during his interview.

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She advises the Nominee to seriously consider Gender Equality and Women’s Employment, relative to women’s participation in elections.

The Deputy Whip of Parliament, Hon. Alusine Kanneh acknowledged the appointment of the Nominee and admonished him to fairly work well on the predicate of peace. The MP advised the Nominee to do the needful.

While giving his submission, Hon. P.C. Bai Kurr Kanagbaro Sanka III said the appointment is a testimony of fulfilling the requirements of the upcoming election. He used the opportunity to advise the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) and all, to conduct peaceful elections for the development of Sierra Leone. He thanked the President for appointing the Nominee and admonished him to use his conscience.

Acting Leader of C4C, Hon. Musa Fofana confirmed his appreciation for appointing a Nominee with teaching experience, in tandem with working in Social Security. The MP described the nomination as a symbol of national cohesion. He expressed assurance over his performance.

Hon. Dr. Mark-Mahoud Kaloko joined other MPs to adopt the approval of the Nominee. The MP urged the House to approve him to go and rehabilitate the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone. He used the opportunity to recall the lackadaisical attitude of ECSL and vehemently admonished them. “Mr. Speaker, we wanted consistency at the ECSL”, he stated and pointed out that, Sierra Leone is a fragile State. He advised ECSL to work independently in the conduct of the upcoming elections.

Hon. Dr. Sorie Upha Koroma said that, the Nominee’s approval is done at a critical moment and explained the nature of his job, in light of electoral activities. “It is a divine responsibility” he stated and praised ECSL for the fair conduct of recent by-elections. The MP admonished the Nominee to do the needful.

Hon. Joseph Williams-Lamin said that, the Nominee has a state responsibility and emphasized that he would be serving mankind. He said that, the Nominee studied abroad and compounding with his wealth of experience, it is hopeful that he would perform.

The Leader f NGC, Hon, Dr. Kandeh Yummkella, said that, the Nominee has a task to perform and underscored the necessity of having a strong l,eader to build strong institutions. The MP said that, the Electoral Commission is one of those institutions, where good leaders can be placed t do the needful.

Hon. Keikura Vandy described the day as a fine one. The MP recalled some relevant information about the region. He diated on the wealth of experience of the Nominee. The MP debunked the previous speaker for suggesting rehabilitation of ECSL. He used the opportunity to assure the fears of the opposition for free and fair elections in June 2023.

Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Chernor R. M. Bah recalled their position during the interview and said that they voted for the Nomination. He advised the Nominee to be a referee and not a player. He used the opportunity to express hope that, they are going to win the upcoming elections.
The opposition Leader reiterated that, the consultation was not followed, in lieu of the nomination, but they as opposition supported the approval of the nominee.

The Acting Leader of Government Business Hon. Bashiru Silikie recalled that, during the previous Geeral Elections, they were constrained instead of an Electoral Commissioner for the Northwestern Region. He denounced the position of the previous speaker on criticism of ECSL. He spoke well of ECSL. The Leader said on the premise of consultation, the main opposition does not ave leadership and with whom they would consult. He used the opportunity to say that, they are going to win the forthcoming election as the people of Sierra Leone are pleased with the performance of the Government. He admonished the Nominee to w k in the interest of the State.

In his felicitation, the Rt. Hon. Speaker Hon. Dr. Chernor Abass Bundu, told the House that, he knew the Nominee and expressed that the latter has positive characteristics. He expressed hope of his performance and wishes him well in his pursuit.