By Ragan M Conteh

The Deputy leader of opposition All People’s Congress  (APC) party in Parliament, Hon Daniel Koroma, has stated that the opposition was forced by the Sierra Leone People’s party (SLPP) government to walk out from parliament during the approval of Edmond Alpha as Electoral Commissioner Southern Region.

Hon Daniel Koroma made the disclosure on Wednesday 29th May 2024 during the unveiling of the monthly press conference organized by the APC Parliamentary Group.

According to Hon Koroma, the constitution of Sierra Leone demands for appointment of commissioners to be on consultative basis but this provision was never followed.

By all indications President Julius Maada Bio, he said, had refused to consult their political party.

He said there is no letter to the effect to show that the APC was consulted on the appointment of Edmond Alpha as prescribed by the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone.

The MP said when Edmond Alpha was interviewed in Parliament as Opposition they raised such concerns about his appointment.

He noted that in the Well of Parliament, the opposition also made their submissions regarding the manner in which the government was abandoning the laws and was doing what they feels like.

“We are here to help the government succeed but not in bad principles. We want genuine rule followed with democratic principles,”Hon Daniel Koroma said.

He spoke on the success of the 6th parliament in adhering to the rule of law and parliamentary processes and procedures.

He stated that the recent election of the Speaker and Deputy was very democratic and the APC fully participated and as a result the election ended peacefully.

The Deputy Leader also talked about the challenges that parliament had failed to adhere to especially the Parliamentary Standing order 19 of which parliament never adheres to.

He maintained that each time the opposition MP brought the Standing order 19, the Leadership in parliament will give deafening eyes.

Hon Koroma furthered drew the attention of the public on the secret constitutional review which the APC is not part of.

He revealed that changing a constitution requires two thirds majority, adding that to change a ‘dot or comma’ in the Constitution will require two thirds majority in parliament.

He said the APC will only support a change of constitution that reflects the will of all Sierra Leoneans.

He urged APC to commend all APC MPs for their unflinching support especially on their contributions on debates for the development of the nation.