The Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, convened a crucial meeting with the opposition leadership in a bid to address the ongoing boycott of parliamentary sittings and restore full legislative participation.
The high-level engagement, held at Parliament, focused on encouraging the opposition to resume their roles in legislative proceedings, amid growing concerns over the impact of their absence on governance and national decision-making.
Speaking during the meeting, the Leader of the Opposition, Abdul Kargbo, explained that the opposition’s withdrawal from parliamentary activities was prompted by dissatisfaction surrounding the appointment of Edmond Alpha as the new Chief Electoral Commissioner. He emphasized that the opposition remains firm in its position that the appointee should not be involved in the conduct or supervision of the 2028 general elections.
In response, Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas appealed to the opposition leadership to set aside partisan differences and return to Parliament in the interest of national development. He stressed that decisions made by the executive arm of Government should not warrant a boycott of the legislature, noting that Parliament operates as an independent arm of governance with its own constitutional responsibilities.
The Speaker further urged opposition Members of Parliament to explore alternative and constructive means of expressing dissent, rather than disengaging entirely from parliamentary duties. He reminded them of their electoral mandate, emphasizing that they were chosen by the people of Sierra Leone to represent their interests and contribute meaningfully to governance.
Highlighting the urgency of legislative work, Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas pointed to several constitutional amendment bills currently pending before Parliament. He described the moment as historic and called on the opposition to actively participate in shaping critical national reforms.
He also expressed appreciation to the opposition leaders for honoring his invitation and engaging in dialogue, assuring them that he would communicate the outcome of the discussions to Julius Maada Bio. According to him, a holistic and inclusive approach is necessary to resolve the current impasse and strengthen democratic governance.
The meeting is widely seen as a significant step toward easing political tensions and reinforcing parliamentary democracy in Sierra Leone. It underscores the Speaker’s commitment to fostering bipartisan cooperation and ensuring that Parliament remains functional and representative.
Observers believe the outcome of the engagement could pave the way for the opposition’s eventual return to parliamentary sittings, promoting a more inclusive legislative process and enabling collective action on pressing national issues.
The engagement was facilitated by the Parliamentary and Public Relations Department of the Parliament of Sierra Leone.
