By Mohamed Jalloh
With the multitier elections has come to an end, both the president, parliamentarians and local councils will be constituted with both the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the opposition All People Congress (APC) party in the governance of Sierra Leone, even though reports are that the APC is set to boycott working with the SLPP-led administration.
Going by results recently announced by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), in the just concluded June 24th, elections, the incumbent the SLPP will control majority seats in the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone.
This is due to the fact SLPP was able to meet the 11.9% threshold for parliamentary seats than the APC party, under the Proportional Representation and District Block electoral system.
Now, the big question roaming within and around SLPP quarters are pondering over who exactly will be the next Speaker of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone?
Since the Office of the Speaker of the House of Parliament, is presidential appointment position, the question as to who will emerge as the new Speaker of the House remains the biggest tussle among the ruling SLPP MPs.
Considering concerns raised by the APC, relating to irregularities by the ECSL to impose Julius Maada Bio as president, many are of the strong beliefs that President Bio will appoint an APC MP as the Speakers of the House as a demonstration of his administration’s commitments towards forming an inclusive government and national unity.
Political pundits are of the opinions that if given consideration has the potential to raise the country’s bar high in democracy and national cohesion.
Many are eying the Leader of the Opposition of the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone, Hon Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah as the fittest and experienced such a position that will set the tone for an inclusive government.
Experts are banking on both legal and legislative experiences, coupled with fifteen years as Member of the Sierra Leone Parliament and the longest serving Member of Parliament in the ECOWAS Parliament which makes him fits for the Speaker of the House of Parliament.
With the Speaker, Dr. Chrenor Abass Bundu, Deputy Speaker, Hon Solomon Sengepoh Thomas, Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Nyuma all seem qualify for the Speakership position, the decision for the said appointment remains a daunting task for President Bio.
With the crusade for youth, educated and energetic citizens to serve in responsible and sensitive positions of state governance, making the rounds the former Deputy Speaker with his experience as a lawyer, legislator and Deputy Speaker might be in a better position Speaker of the House of Parliament.
