Former Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Sengepoh Solomon Thomas, was yesterday Thursday 2nd May, 2024 elected the Rt. Honourable Speakerof the august body.

The erstwhile Deputy Speaker scored the highest votes (128 votes) after the voting process went into a fourth round in Freetown.

The election started with two candidates contesting for the role. The ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) nominated Hon. Sengepoh Solomon Thomas while the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party nominated Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma as its candidate for the election of the Speaker.

According to the Constitution of Sierra Leone, a two-third majority, constituting 98 votes was required for the winner of the Speakership. However, after three rounds, none of the candidates secured the requirements.

Hon. Sengepoh Solomon Thomas secured 93 votes in the first-round while 52 persons voted for Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma. In the second round, 96 votes went for Hon. Sengepoh Solomon Thomas and 49 votes for Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma while the third round ended with 95 votes and 50 votes respectively.

APC nominee, Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma, withdrew after the third round giving room for Hon. Sengepoh Solomon Thomas as the sole candidate in the fourth round.

Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, Member of Parliament representing SLPP in the Western Area Urban, was also elected Deputy Speaker of Parliament yesterday.

Hon. Conteh polled 94 votes to defeat Hon. Haja Miatta Amara at the election held in the House of Parliament.