By Nasratu Kargbo
Part of the Public Elections Act 2022 that proposes for an individual to hold on to their public offices and resign six months before contesting for elective political office, has been condemned by members of parliament. They’ve called for an extension of the time.
Debating the bill, the MPs frowned at the time- frame proposed in the bill and suggested that it be increased to eighteen months before elections.
Dickson Rogers MP for constituency 100 said the current time- frame in the constitution which states that one should resign twelve months before, was also too short. The MP said he and his colleagues want the time extended to between eighteen and twenty- four months.
Rogers stated that they as MPs will not accept certain aspects of the bill and claimed some people have already resigned from their jobs while others have not resigned hoping that parliament will pass the bill.
Independent candidate from constituency 007, Quinton Sallia Konneh also expressed his desire for an extended period. Majority of the MPs were in support of that.
In another development, MPs who have debated so far have heaped praises on the district block system of representation in parliament, citing its advantages as compared to the present constituency system of representation.
MP Sama Sandy explained that during by- elections there’s always tension and violence, noting that the PR system makes for smooth transition due to every region and district being represented.
“I think it is the most suitable system for a nation like Sierra Leone”, said Sandy.
Another MP Hindolo Gevao said that the system does not encourage by- election, and will be economically beneficial, noting by- election costs so much money. He said funds can be used for other development projects.
He said peace is a benefit from the district block system, eliminating threats of violence associated with particularly by-elections.
The MP said the PR system gives opportunity to different parties to win seats in different parts of the country.
Members of the main opposition did not debate, but served as spectators during the process. Leader of the Main Opposition Chernor Maju Bah stated that they did not partake in the debate because they hadn’t gone through the bill. He said they also want to get public involvement and participation over what he described as a “very important document”.
He promised their participation in subsequent debates related to the bill.
Bah had during debate on the presidential speech condemned the PR system, stating that colleagues who had supported and spoken about the system highlighted only its positives. Debate on the bill continues today.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (22/06/22)
