The Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu has on Tuesday 01/03/2022 declared Constituency 056 in Tonkolili District vacant, following a ruling by the High Court validating the paramount chieftaincy election won by Hon. Musa Baimba Jalloh of Constituency 056 in Tonkolili District, amid a failed petition seeking a nullification of the said election.

It could be recalled that, former Member of Parliament representing Constituency 056 under the banner of governing SLPP, Hon. P.C. Alhaji Musa Baimba K. Jalloh III has been elected as Paramount and duly recognized by President Bio during the coronation of Paramount Chiefs on Wednesday 23/2/2022, in Kambia District.

Making the announcement, the Speaker referenced to Section 76 (1) (f) and paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of Section 74, Act No. 6 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone respectively as provisions that disqualified the former Member of Parliament from his previous position.

“The recognition of the election of the Paramount Chief takes place after the Government has on the recommendation of the Minister accepted the joint report of the Provincial Secretary and the Electoral Commission on the conduct of the election and such recognition shall be by the presentation of the Staff of Office by the President or any person imputed by him in that behalf”, he stated.

The Speaker also informed that he had received a correspondence from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, confirming that the former Member of Parliament had been elected as Paramount Chief and had been duly recognized by the President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Julius Maada Bio.

“In accordance with these provisions therefore, it is now my duty to declare Constituency 056 vacant”, the Speaker stated and informed that he was going to direct the Clerk of Parliament to communicate the message to the Chairperson of the National Electoral Commission.