MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AND POLITICAL AFFAIRS

Introduction

The Ministry was established in 1996 consequent upon the ushering in of a democratically elected government under the 1991 constitution. The creation of the ministry was borne out of the need to establish a relationship between the Executive and Legislative arms of government.

This was due to the prevailing political situation after the 1996 general elections, which was held under the Proportional Representation System. Six political parties were represented in Parliament with the ruling SLPP having the majority. At that crucial moment, a coalition of the various political parties became an absolute necessity especially in the spirit of reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction of our battered economy.

Mandate

The ministry’s mandate as contained in Government Notice No. 91 of Sierra Leone Gazette No.17 of 15th March 1997 in clued the following:

• To serve as liaison between the Executive and Parliament;

• To monitor progress on the Legislations of Presidential issues in Parliament in consultation with the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and leader of the House;

• To advance the development of a democratic culture in Sierra Leone;

• To maintain contacts with the public, traditional rulers, political parties, civic and pressure groups in society;

• To identify issues of national concern as and when necessary encouraging public debate on such issues;

• To monitor opinion on political and other related matter vis-a-vis performance of government;

• To propagate the political programme of government.

Mission

The ministry’s mission is to enhance and strengthen democracy, good governance, develop a functional political culture that will promote dialogue, multiparty cooperation, consensus building among various political parties or opinion and to encourage citizens participation in governance in the spirit of reconciliation and reconstruction for sustainable peace, stability and national development. 

Objectives

The main thrust of the Ministry is the sustenance of democracy in the country and to ensure that democracy percolates right down to the grassroots people.

© DACO/SLIS July 2007