Presidential & Parliamentary elections 2007

Image depicting people voting

The role of Members of Parliament

The main job of Parliament is to hold the government to account. Your constituency will have one Member of Parliament who can question and challenge the government’s policies to defend your interests.

This is done in a number of ways. Parliament has open debates about certain issues. It also debates specific legislation the government is proposing for Sierra Leone’s development. Most legislation can only be passed if a majority in Parliament votes in favour of it. There are also Parliamentary Committees which continuously review general areas of the government’s work, for example, law, finances, foreign affairs and the appointment of public officials.

The Constitution protects the right of Members of Parliament to speak openly and freely in Parliament, as long as they do not insult or tell lies about other Members.

Parliament is regulated by a person called the Speaker, whose election is approved by its Members. It is the Speaker’s job to chair debates. They must remain impartial, and are not allowed to vote on new laws.

Find out more

Register to vote from 26 February to 18 March