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The Parliament of Sierra Leone convened on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024, to elect a new Speaker and Deputy Speaker following the resignation of Dr. Abass Bundu, the former Speaker of Parliament.
The ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) saw one of its own, Honorable Segepoh Thomas Solomon, elected as the new Speaker of the Parliament of Sierra Leone. Hon. Solomon emerged victorious after a series of ballots, defeating Hon. Daniel Koroma from the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party, representing Koinadugu District. Despite none of them securing a two-thirds majority after three rounds of voting, Hon. Thomas secured a simple majority with 128 votes, while Hon. Daniel Koroma received 10 votes. Additionally, there was one void vote, and six Members of Parliament abstained from voting.
Before the final vote, Hon. Daniel Koroma gracefully withdrew his candidacy for the Speakership, citing the importance of maintaining parliamentary solidarity. He acknowledged his party’s demonstration of the appropriate procedures for electing a Speaker and made his decision in the interest of fostering unity within the Parliament.
In another crucial appointment, Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, Member of Parliament representing the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in the Western Area Urban constituency, was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the Sierra Leone Parliament. Conteh secured 94 votes, surpassing his opponent, Hon. Amara, who received 47 votes. Additionally, four Members of Parliament abstained from voting in this election.
The elections of Hon. Segepoh Thomas Solomon as Speaker and Ibrahim Tawa Conteh as Deputy Speaker mark a significant transition in the leadership of the Sierra Leone Parliament. As they assume their new roles, they are entrusted with upholding the principles of democracy, fostering cooperation among parliamentarians, and advancing the legislative agenda for the betterment of the nation.
