Sierra Leone’s outgoing speakers of Parliament will now be able to retain one of their official vehicles, while one-term MPs will receive a one-off US$50,000 dollars as their pension, following the passing of the controversial Parliamentary Act 2023 by members of Parliament on Monday 24 April 2023.

The Act, which has sparked widespread outrage among Sierra Leoneans, was passed just hours before the dissolution of the 5th Parliament, leaving little time for public scrutiny and debate.

According to popular media personality, Vickie Remoe, the new Act is set to cost the government a staggering $6.6 million in pensions alone, and will require the purchase of 132 new vehicles for incoming MPs.

Many Sierra Leoneans have taken to social media to express their outrage at the passing of the Act, which they say is yet another example of the government’s disregard for the welfare of ordinary citizens.

Prominent journalist Amadu Lamarana Bah, who broke the news, has called on civil society organizations to challenge the Act in court, arguing that it is unconstitutional and a gross misuse of public funds.

The passing of the Act has also raised concerns about the state of democracy in Sierra Leone, with many observers questioning the accountability and transparency of the country’s political leaders.

As the country prepares for general elections later this year, the passing of the Act is likely to become a key issue for voters, with opposition parties and civil society organizations already calling for a repeal of the law.