By Sulaiman Jalloh
Good governance requires legal frameworks that are enforced impartially; hence, the protection of human rights, particularly those of minorities is essential.
In the 21st century, there is growing interest in issues relating to democracy and good governance. Many believe that democracy and good governance are not a luxury but a fundamental requirement for achieving sustainable development, and Parliament has a critical role to play in promoting democracy and good governance.
In a democratic country like Sierra Leone, the House of Parliament is responsible for making laws that promote good governance and democracy. Parliamentarians also have the power to supervise how those laws are implemented impartially by law enforcement bodies.
The Sierra Leone Parliament has, over the years, enacted laws that promote good governance and democracy, like the repealing of Part 5 of the 1965 Seditious Libel Law that criminalized libel; the enactment of the Gender Equality Women’s Empowerment (GEWE Act) that provides for thirty percent women’s inclusion in governance; the 2024 Child Right Marriage Act, among many other laws.
The current sixth Parliament of Sierra Leone has 42 female lawmakers out of 149 lawmakers, a number that represents almost thirty percent of Members of Parliament. With this number of female representation, political pundits believe that Sierra Leone is in the right direction in its democratic journey.
In response to public pressure for their greater involvement in information sharing and accountability, the people’s representatives must ensure they engage in their key functions of legislation, representation, and oversight. Parliamentarians can actively engage in the development and implementation of laws, policies, and practices that promote democracy and good governance.
In realizing sustained accountability, Parliament can perform its oversight functions to Ministries Department and Agencies (MDAs). Accountability and transparency are fundamental pillars that promote good governance and democracy.
Recently, the Parliament of Sierra Leone, through the Public Account Committee (PAC), while probing into audit queries, recovered huge amount of money from MDAs. The recovered money is expected to improve the living standard of citizens. This is also part of the accountability process of which parliament is crucial.