Sierra Leone's Opposition Party Halts Parliamentary Participation Due to Clerk's Political Engagement

The opposition party in Sierra Leone's Parliament has decisively suspended its involvement in all parliamentary sessions and committee activities. This action arises from concerns about the impartiality of the Clerk of Parliament, who is actively seeking an executive role within his political party.

The opposition contends that the Clerk's political engagement compromises the nonpartisan nature of his position.

Previously, the opposition had communicated with the Honourable Speaker, urging either the resignation or dismissal of the Clerk, citing his overt political involvement as incompatible with his administrative responsibilities. They stressed that Parliament, as a national institution, must remain devoid of political bias and that the Clerk's actions erode public confidence in its independence.

The Speaker has committed to issuing a formal response within one week.

In the interim, the opposition continues its boycott, characterising their stance as a principled effort to uphold democratic ethical standards rather than disrupt governance.

They affirm their dedication to the rule of law and institutional integrity, indicating that their future actions will depend on the Speaker's response.