By: Mohamed M. Sesay
The final session of the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone on Tuesday the 14th of February 2023, unanimously approved Mr Albert Kanu as Electoral Commissioner for North-Western Region.
Presenting the Presidential Nominee, the Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Sidikie intimated that the nominee was interviewed on Tuesday 07/02/2023, in Committee Room One, Parliament Building in Freetown. According to the Acting Leader, the nominee was interviewed based on specified criteria and procedures not excluding the strict consistency of his educational background, track records, tax obligation, and vision for a nationally productive tenure amongst others.
The President of the Female Caucus in Parliament, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay commended President Bio for appointing someone based on national cohesion on the electoral platform. “His appointment is a testament to promoting national cohesion” she stated. The MP assured that she did not doubt the nominee based on what transpired during his interview. She used the opportunity to advise the nominee to seriously consider Gender Equality and Women’s Employment, relative to women’s participation in elections.
Deputy Whip, of Parliament, Hon. Alusine Kanneh acknowledged the appointment of the nominee as a very laudable one. He, therefore, admonished the nominee to work fairly well and on the predicate of peace.
Hon. Dr Mark-Mahoud Kaloko joined other MPs to adopt the approval of the nominee. The MP urged the House to approve him to go and rehabilitate the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone. He used the opportunity to recall the leathery of ECSL and vehemently admonished them. “Mr Speaker we wanted consistency at the ECSL” he stated and pointed out that, Sierra Leone is a fragile State. He advised ECSL to work independently in the conduct of the upcoming elections.
The Leader of NGC, Hon, Dr Kandeh Yumkella said the nominee has a tax to perform and underscored the necessity of having a strong leader to build strong institutions. The MP said the electoral commission is one of those institutions, where good leaders can be placed to do the needful.
Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Chernor R. M. Bah recalled their position during the interview and said that they supported the nomination. He advised the nominee to be a referee and not to interfere. He used the opportunity to express hope that, they are going to win the upcoming elections. The opposition Leader reiterated that the consultation as stipulated in the law of Sierra Leone was not followed, but they as the opposition approved the nominee.
