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Momodou
Denmark
11735 Posts |
 Posted - 21 Apr 2006 : 12:32:01
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FIRST FEMALE SPEAKER: Belinda Bidwell
The sitting of Tuesday 18th April 2006 witnessed the election of the speaker and Deputy Speaker. Presiding over the election of a Speaker and Deputy Speaker, the Chief Justice, Abdoul Karin Savage, told Deputies that his role is to preside over the election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
At this stage nominated member, Belinda Bidwell was nominated for the office of Speaker by Churchill Baldeh, the nomination was seconded by Duta Kamaso. There was no further nomination and Hon. Bidwell was therefore declared elected Speaker of the National Assembly. As regards to the office of Deputy Speaker there were two nominees – Hon. Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay and Hon George Aziz. At this stage the member for Basse Constituency, Hon. Momodou Selu Bah, called on the Chief Justice to adjourn the proceedings to allow them to reach a consensus. This was opposed by Hon Touray, member for Illiasa on the ground that the National Assembly was adjourned for a week and that they had a lot to deal with.
The Chief Justice pointed that no business can be dealt with pending the election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Hon. Halifa Sallah referred the Chief Justice to the standing orders which indicated that where there are two nominees, election should be held and that such election should be conducted by the IEC. “That’s true” said the Chief Justice. The majority leader however proposed that the APRC NAMs be given 10 minutes to consult each other. After the 10 minute consultation they unanimously agreed to an election.
The election was chaired by the Chairman of the IEC Mr. Ndondi Njie and assisted by the Chief Elections Officer, Mr. Ceesay. The results went as follows: The total number of possible voters was 44; Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay polled 19 votes, whilst Hon. George Aziz had 23 votes. There were two invalid votes. The Chief Justice sworn-in the newly elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker while the Speaker Sworn-in the newly nominated member, Majanko Samusa.
According to the constitution only nominated members may be elected as Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 30/2006, 20-23 April, 2006
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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