Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698830373590.pdf (Sierra Leone)
BILL Supplement to the Sierra Leone Gazette Yol- CLXII( No.8 dated l6th February, 2023 THE PARLIAMENT ACT, 2023 ARR{NGEMENT OF SECTIONS PART I - PRELIM]NARY Sections.

l. lnterpretation.

F/ TIT I]_ EST,/\DLIJHIVIEN I l T IHE PAKLIAME-IITARY COMMISSION 2 Establishment of Parliamentary Commission 3.

Tenure ofmembers.

4.

FunctionofConunissioo: 5.

Meetings of Comrnission- 6.

Allowances ofMembers ofComrnission- 7.


Committees of Comission- I PART III-IEADERSHIP AND COVERNANCE OF PARI.IAMENT & Speaker of Paliamenr 9.

Deputy Speaker ofParliam€nt 10. leader of Government Business.

li.

Deputy Leader ofcovemment Business.

12.

I*ader ofopposfion- 13.

Deputy Leadgr of Opposition.

14.

Other Party Leaders.

15.

Chief Whip.

16.

Deputy Chief Whip.

17.

Opposition Whip I t& Deputy Opposition Whip 19.

Chairman ofParamountChiefMembers ofParliament 20.

President, Female Caucus.


PARTIV-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SERVICE 21.

Parliamentary Servico.

22 Functions of Parliamentary Service.

8.

Management Board.

24.

Clerk ofParliamenl 25.

Depr4y Clert ofParliament.

26- Dir€ctorc€neml.

7.

Commission io appiont Consultant 28.

Departnents of Parliamentary Sewice.

PARTV +INANCI,AL PROVISIONS 29.

Annual budget of Parliament.

30.

FundsofParliarnent- 31.

Accounts and records.

32 Annual report PARIVI-SAI-ARIES AND OTHER BENEFITS 33.
ConditionsofService.

PART VII_ MISCELI,.ANOUS 34.

Retirement ofMembers of tte Parliamentary Service.

35.

Creation and Abolition ofOfflcers.

36.

Secondment 37.

Study Leave.

3E.

Regulations.

39.

Transitional Provision ,t0.

Repeal.

No.

2023 Sierra Leone A BILL ENTITLEI) THtr PARLIAMENT ACT, 2023 Sho( title.
Being an Act to provide lor lhe establishmetrt ofParlirmentary Comm ission, to provide for the leadership and governarce structure of Parliaruent, to p mlide for the establbhment ofthe Prrliametrtary Service, to provide forsalaries and other benelits of Members of Parliam€trt and other staffand to provide for other reLt€d matters.

Execrm try the President and Members o1p.1146ffi1 in rhis present Parliament ass€mbled.

t l Date of com- mBncement.

2 No.

Th.


Pa iadent Ac, 202_r Intcrprctation l. Ilr this Act, unless the context otherwise requires- PARTI-PRELTMINARY "Chief Whip" means a memtler ofthe governing part).
in Parlianent qpointed from among members of his parbr whose role is to eDsure that members of his party are disciplined in Parliament; "Clert ofParliament" means the Clerk ofParliament appointed under section 82 ofthe Constinrtion of Sierra trone, 1991; "Commission" means the Parliamentar,' Commission established by section 2; "Deputy Chief Whip" means a Member of Parliament whose role is to deputise the Chief $hip; "Deputy I€ader ofcovenmrent Business" means the Leader in Parliament whose roie is to deputise the leader of Govemment Busi.Bess; "Deputy Leader ofopposition" mea.Ls the l-eader in Parliament whose role is to deputise the Leader of Opposition; "Financial year" means a period ofone year ending on the 3lst day ofDecember; "Goveming Party" meatrs the part]' in Parliarnent whose Govenrmefi is in power; "Leader olcovernment Business" meaDs the l,eader in Parliament whose party is in Govemment; No.
The Parliament Act 2023 J "lxader ofoppositi6' heans dre IJader in Palian€nt *'hos€ role is to lead the business ofthe opposition in Parliament; 'Opposition Party" meas the party in Parliament other than the Goveming Party with the most seats in Parliament after presidential and parliamentary elections: "Opposition Whip" means a member of Parliament appointed by the Opposition whose role is to ensure that members of his party are disciplined in Parliameng "Other Parties" mean other parties represented in Parliament oth€r opposition panies: than the governing or the nParamoutrt Chief Members of Parliament" means paramount chiefs elected to represent the foute€n poudcal dl$dcls tr Parliarnent ln accordance witll sectiotr 74(l)a ofthe Constitution of Siera IJone AetNo.6 ofl99l.
"Parliamentary Service" means the Parliamentary Service established mder subsection (l) ofsection 'r1- "President Female Caucu:" mea.rs the Leader ofall females in Parliament that meet to pursue common legislative objectives; "Speaker" means tbe Speaker ofParliarnent elected under section 79 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone^ctNo.6 of 1991.

4 No The Parliament Act 7i23 PARItr.
ESTABLISHMENT OF PAXLIAMENIARY Coftn/trSSION E3tlbltuhmont 2 (1) There is hereby established a Comrnission to be pdiaecDtary known as lhe ParliamentaD, Commission rvhich shall consist of the commissior' Speaker, as Chairman and the follorving other merirbers- (a) The Deputy Spealier; @) The Leaders of all Political Paities represented in Parliarnent: (c) The Goveming Party Cbief\\'hip; (d) Ttre Opposition Partv Wl[p; (e) The President ofthe Female Caucus: (f) a Representative ofMernbers ofParliament who have been elected as Independent Candidates; G) 6 other elected Members of Parliament, nominated by Members of Parliament, ref,eotile.6.edly ae poccilrle the num iic"l shength ofthe Political Parties in Parliament and shall iaclude gender and disability balance; No.
TIE Porliatne -4cl 2023 ) (h) Chairman ofthe Paramormt Chiefs in Parliamenq and (i) The Clerk of Parliament who shall be Secretary and principal adviser to the Commission.

(2) In an) case a new commission shall be constituted in not later than two \r€ek from the election ofa new Speaker.
(3) (a) The Clerk of Parliament as Secretaty to the Conrnission and Principal advisuto the Chairman <hall be r€sponsible for: (i) preparing plaming ad &cilitating the metings of the Commission and is committees; (ii) causing to be kept records of the proceedings and minutes of the meetings of the Commission and such otrcr records as the Commissioo ma)' direcq (iii; communicating the decisions of the Commission for etecution by the Management Board; and (iv) performing such otlrer duties as may be assigned by the Corrmission.
6 No T'lE Pa iament Ac, 2023 Tenurc of Erembcrs.

3 .

(1) The Chairman and other nembers shall hold office for the duration ofthe life ofthe Parliament in which they are el€cted: Provided that the Chairman and other members shall continue ir office until a new Speaker is elected and in the case of the Commissioners until a ne\,v Commission is constituted.
C2) A person shall cease to be a member of the Comnission on any ofthe following grounds- \ I t (a) inability to perfom the flrnctions ofhis office by reason of in{irmit-v ofmind or body; (b) for proven misconduct; (c) ifhe becomes bankupt or insolvent; (d) if he is convicted and sentenced for an offence involving fi'aud or dishonest_v; (e) if he fails to attend three consecutive meetings of the Commission without reasonable excusei (0 if he resigns his office by rrritten notice to the Chairman of the Commission.
(g) shall cease to hold oIfice on vacating his seat in accordance with section 77 of the Cotrstitutictr of Sierra Leone, Act No.

6 of t99l.

Nrr The Parliament Acl 2023 7 (3) The Chairman ofthe commission shall cease to hold o{Iicc when he vacates his office in accordance with subsection 4 of section 79 ofthe Constitution of Sierra Leone Act No.

6 of 1991.
6 of 1991.

(4) Where a commissioner vacates his seat, dies or become incapacitated, a new member shall be appointed to hold oftice for the remaining term ofhis prcdecessor.

.t (l) The Commission shall have supervisory directory Functiotr !f to^-o"'o' and disciplinar)' authorit)' over Members of Parliament and the Parliane ary Service.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsectiol ( 1), the Commission shall - (a) dired the Whips, the Ethics and Privlleges Committee and the Parliamentary Service to give effect to the provisiotrs of subsection (l ); (b) appoint persons, other than the Clerk of to hold or acJ in ofrce as m€inbers Parlian€nt, of the Parliameniary Service and exercise disciplinary control over such persons, including suspending or renoving such Persons; (c) determine the conditions ofservice including the grading, promotion and training of the members of he Parlimentary Service; (d) approve the policy of the Pa:liamentary Service alld in panlcular Ere a{Ilnl sEadye, human resource and operational procedures ofthe Service; 8 No.
The Parliament Act 2423 \ I (e) cause to be prepared, in each financial year, estimates of rcvenues and expenditures for Parliamelt and the Parliamentary Service for the next financial year including expenditrues on foreign and local travels and purrhases necessary for the various deparfirents ofthe Parliamentary Service; (f) ensure the provision of such services and facilities as are necessary for the proper functioning of Parliament and the Parliameatary Service: and (g) do such other things as may be necessary for the smoo& operation ofthe Parliamen'.ary Service.
Me€tio$ of ComItrissioD.

5.

(1) The Comnission shall meet at least once e\rery quarter for the dispatch ofits business at such time and place as the Chairman rnay detemdm.

Q) In the absence of both the Chairrnan and Deputy Chairman, the Memben present shall elect one oftheir number to act as Chaiman (3) A majority of the members of the Commission ma1', by notice inwritingsigned by &enr.

request tbe Chairman to sunmon a special meeting ofthe Commission for such purposes as shall be stated in the notice.
(4) The Chairman or in his absence the Deputy Chairnan shall summon a special meeting within 5 days olreceip ofthe notice referred to in subsection (3).

(, 'fhe Quorum at any meedng ofthe Commissio!

shall v1.

ti.,(r The Pariiane Aet 20zi 9 (6) Any question *'hich arises to be determined by the Commission at any of its meetings shall be decided by a rnajority of the votes ofthe nremben present and voting and in case ofequality of votes, the Chairmaa or person presiding shall have a casting vote.
(7) The Commission may cGopt a person to a8end and panicipate in its deliberations on any malter but such person shall not vote on any issue for decision by the Commission- (8) Subject to this Act, the Comuxission shall regulate the procedures at its me€tings.

6.
6.

The Chairman and other members ofthe Commission shall Altor.v.oc€s of be paid sitting and travelting allowances as may be determined by X:H,:| ' uommBs.oo- the Commission and shall be reimbursed by the Parliamentary Servi for reasonable experses incurred in connection with the dischage oftheir functions.

7.

(l) The Commission may, for the discharge of its coominces of fi,mctions.
appoint one or more cormittees to perform such fimctions commissioD- as the Commission may determine including - (a) Audit and Risk Management Committee which shall comprise 5 members and non-members with special expertise in risk management, accouting, and audit and responsible to - ( review departnental and institutional risk m.rragement plans; (if review audit plans of the Internal Auditor; (iif sign offon the internal audit report before submission to the Commission; (iv) ersure thar the recommendation ofthe €xtemal audit report of Parliament are tully implemented; l0 No The Parliament Act 2023 (v) monitor r€sponses to Audit Manage reot Letters; (vi) review strategic risks facing the Commission; and (vii) Update the Comsrission ofthe rrort of the Comnittee; (b) Finance and Plaaning Sub-Committee which shall comprise the Chairman, Finance Committee as Chairman and such other Commissioners and staffas the Commission oay determine and responsible to - (i) advise on the re-aliocation of funds to meet critical priorities or emergencies that enhance the operation of Par{iament; (i| review the financial, procurement, disposal, and asset-related policies of Parliameot; (if review the annual financial reports of Parliament; (vi) recommend to the Commission, the E?e of accounting best practices a$d standards appropriate to benchmark financialreporting ofParliament; and (v) review Parliament of Sierra Leone financial authority delegation fram- ework N<r Thz Parliarbent Acl 2023 I1 (c) Coryorate Ptanning Sub-Committee which shall comprise Commissioners and the Director Generai of Parliament and independent and competent individuals with special expertise in strategic planning and responsible to - fi) develop corporate plans including, Strategic Plan, Operational Plans, Deparhiental Plans, Risk Management Plans, Monitoring and Evaluation and Performance Plans.
and review inpus in the development process of these plans to ensure they remain fit for purpose and able to address the issues facing the institr.rtion; (r) advise on resource alignment to ensure corpomte plans are implemented and monitored; (iD attend parliamentary reviews and provide inputs to add value to the proc€ss; and (iv) receive inputs and quarterly status updates from the Cle* ofPadiametrt on the implementation and monitoring of the corporat€ plans ofParliament.
(d) Polic.v Planning Surcommitte€ which <hrll comprise 2 Commissioners and such otber members of staff as the Commission may determine and responsible to - !- 12 No.
The Parliamew Act 2A23 O review the manpower planning of Parliament ald eosure appropriate staf is available support the work of Parliamenq 0, receiye feedback on policy implement- ation and provide advisory support for rcrriewing and or developing new polic- ies to ensure effective staff perfonn- ance; G, provide support to administrative committee on complaints and disciplin- ary issues: and (ry) receive quarterly up<iate from the Clerk ofParliament on the management and status ofthe Parliament payrol I ensuring tansparency and faimess in the man- agement ofthe payroll.
(2) A Committee under subsection (l), shall submit a report of its proceedings to the Commission at such time as the Commission may determine.

PART Itr_LEADERSHIPAND GO\,ERNA"\CE OF PARLI{MET'{T Leadership of Parliament.
& Q) There shallbe established &e Leadership ofParliament comprising the following: Speaker, Deputy Speaket, Clerk of Parliamext, Leaders ofPolitical Parties represented in Padiament and tlet deputies; Chief Whip and his deputy, Opposition Whip and his deputl', Presidelt of Female Caucus atrd Head of Paramount Chief Members of Parliament leCI\4P9 Nq.

The Pe iament Ac, 202-l t3 @) The Speaker of Parliament as head and leader of l!!

*o of prrra-.

* Parliamcot' Parlianent shall be responsibl" ro.


u" tou"*-".
"r including - (a) the execution ofpowers conferred upon the Speaker by the Constitution alrd Stading Orden: (b) the promotion ofthe welfarc ofMembers and StaffofParliament; (c) the provision of stategic dir€ction for the Commission; (d.1 managing relations with other Pariiaments; (e) dealing with chamber matters relating to procedures; (l) chairing the following committees - (, the House Commifiee; (ii) dre Commitiee on Absenteeism; (iii) the Sanaing Order Commitiee; (iv) the Public Petition commiitee; (v) the Select Committee; and (vi) such other matters as may be refened to the Speaker ofParliameDt by the Constitutioq Standing Orders or the Cl€rk 14 No The Patliament Acl 2023 Dcputy Spertcr of Psrliament.
9.

The Deputy Spea&er of Parliament shall perform such functions as may be delegared by the Speaker ofParliameut and shall perfonn the fimctions ofthe Office ofspeaker *'here the Speaker is out of the jurisdiction.

lxadar of Gover ment Business.

for- 10.


The Leader ofcovemment Busfuess shall be responsible (a) all government business in the House: (b) piloting or inroducing Govemment Bills and motions in the House; (d) leading consultation and dialogue on parliamentaqi matters with otrher Leaders in the House; (e) Chairing the following committees - (D the Business Comminee; (ii) the Appointnents Committee; and Qir) the Supervisory Commitree.

Dcputy Lade r of Governtrlant Businass- L.Mer of OppositioD ll.
The Deputy lrader ofcovemment Busiless shall perforrn such fimctions as delegal€d to him by the Leader of Government Business and shall perform fhe functions ofthe Office ofleader of Goyernmetrt Business where the Leader of Govemnrent Business is absent from Parliament.

12 The Leader ofOpposition shall be responsible for - (a) leading the Opposition business in Parliamenti (b) appointing a senior memberofthe Opposition to serve as Chairman ofthe Public Accouns Committee.

No The Parliamefit Act 2023 l5 13.


The Deputy Leader of Opposition shall perform such nquty r,csdcr firrctiom as may be delegated to him by the Leader of Opposition of opposition.

atrd shall perform the functions ofthe OfEce ofOpposition lrader ufien he is absent from Parliament- 14.
A leader of a party otier than the ruling party or the othcr Partv opposition party shall be responsible for - LernocB- (a) leading and articulating his party's position in Parliamenq (b) managing &e rclationship of his party with other party leaders; (c) providing support to Parliament for the successful passage ofBills and Motions into law; and (d) participating in debates and generally performing tle role of the Oppositioa 15.
A Chief W-hip shall be responsible for - Chicf Whip (a) ensuring that members of his party atteDd and vote in Parliament; (b) getting the Goverarnent business through in Parliament; (c) securing the governing part/s votes on its legislative policy progrardme; (d) linking the Government and the Opposition Party bPadiament; and (e) maintaining discipline in Parliament and ensuring that a quorum is obtained.

l6 No Depury Chief Whip.

16.


The Deputy Chief Whip shall perfcnn such functioDs as may be delegated to him by the Chief W-hip aed shall perform the firnctions ofthe Office of Chief Whip where the Chief Whip is absent fiom Parliamenl opposition Whip 17.
The Opposition Whip shall be responsible for - (a) ensuring that members of his party, attend and vote in Parliament; @) assisting the chief whip in maintaining discipline in Padiament and ensuring that a quorrm is obtaine{ (c) providing advice and support for his party members; and (d) ersuring that his party decisioos are carried out.

Deputy Opposition Whip 18.


Deputy Opposition Whip: The Depuly Opposition Whip shall perform such fimctions as may be delegated to him by the Opposition Whip and shall perform the frnctions of the 0fiiee of Opposition Whip ifhe is absent from Parliament.

chairman of Pslalrount chicf McEbcrs Of Psrliam€nt 19.
Cbairman Paramouat ChiefMembers ofParliament shall be responsible for- (a) representing Paramount Chief Memben in the Leadership of Parliament; (b) serving as adviser to the Leadership of Parliament and (c) serving as a member of the Parliamentary Service Comnission No.

for - Thz Parliarnent AcI 2023 17 20.

The President ofthe Female Caucus shall be resoonsible Presidcrt' ' Femalc ctDcr,s.
(a) bringing female parliamentarians together in dealing with issues semitive to women; (b) rallying or lobbying to ensure gender sersitive legislation are passed into law; (c) making the Female Caucus an effective grolp to monitor the implementalion of policies conceming issues of inter€st to women; and (d) networking and collaborating witi voter activities to support issues such as optimizing strategies in achieving gender equality, quota and fair gender representation within and outside Parliament.
PART TV_ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SES/ICE 21.

(l) There shall be aD autonomous Parliamentary Service, Parriamcotary which shall consist ofthe Clerk ofParliament and zuch other persqas Service.

appointed under paragra.ph O) ofsubsection (2) ofsection 4.

(2) The Clerk of Parliarnent and other members of the Parliamentary Service shall be public officers but shall be independent ofthe Public Service.

22.
22.

The Parliamenary Service shall be resporsible to provide FuDctions of Parliament wrth technical and administrative support and aivlsory !-liancnt-r services so as to enable Parliament to efectively and efficiently exeaute its constitutional snd other flrnctions, 18 Nq l'he Parliame A.t Llaragement Board.

23.
23.

There shall be a Mamgement Board of the Parliamentary Sewice, consisting ofthe Cledq Deputy Clerk, Director General and ottrer Directors ofthe Parliamentary Service, to assist the Clerk of Parliament in the discharge ofhis duties.

Cl€rk of Parliament.

24.


(l) The Clerk of Parliament shali te the Head of the Parliarne ary Service and shall be resporsible to the Ccmmission for (a) tbe day-to-day administration and manag€ment ofthe affairc of Parliament and the Parliamentary Service; (b) &e control ofthe snlfofthe Parliamentary Service: (c) the man€ement of the fiuds, property and business of Parliamentary: and (d) the performance ofsuch other fulctions as Parliament or drc Commission may determine.
@) A person shall not be qualified for appointrnent as Cled( of Parliament uoless he - (a) is a citizen of Sierra Leone; (b) possesses theminimtmrofBachelofs Degree in the arts, social scienc€, management or public administration from a recognised Univenity; (c) has a minimum of 5 years' experiencr in padiamentary or public administration; (d) has not been convicted and sentenced for m otrence itilch involycs oorruptioE, Foud or dishonesty; or Nio.
The Padiament Act 2023 l9 (e) is not adjudged to be a luratic, declared to be of rmsound mind or otherwise incapable of performing his duties.

(3) The Clerk may delegate any ofhis responsibilities to the Deputy Clerlq Director General or any other Director of the Parliamentary Sen ice.

5.

There shall be a Deputy'Clerk ofPadiament who shall assist Dcputv clcrk of Padismctrt- the Clerk ofParliament in the performance ofhis fimctions.

25.
25.

There :hall be a Director General appointed by the Director Commirsion who, shall.

io addition to the Oeputy CGrk ofPartiamen!

Gln€rat- assist the Clerk of Parliament in the performauce ofhis ftrnctions.

27.

$) 'fhe Commission may appoint such consultants or commission advisers as it may think necessary for the efficient performance of to ippoint the functiom of '*re Partiamentary Senice. "

c4osultaot clc' 28.
c4osultaot clc' 28.

(l) The Comrnission may establisb zuch Depa'ments and Dcptrtnelts Offices in the Parliamentar), Service as it considers^nece-ssary ot ifui...n - expedient for the efficient and effective perfonmnce ofthe fimctio ri scwicc.
of the Parliamentary Service including- (a) Department of Committees; (b) Deparment ofofficial Reports; (c) Depaffoent of Fimm€; (d) Department ofParliame*ary and Public Relations; (e) Department of Human Resource and Administration; (0 Departrnentoftrgisl*ive Sewices: (g) Ofrce of the Law Clerk th) Departnient ofProcurement and Transport; n No The Parliafie t Act 2023 (, Depaxhrcnt ofParhership Research ard kogrammesi 6) Departrnent ofsargent atArms; ft) Center for Sfategr and Parliamentary Studies; (D DepartmeDt oflibrary and DocumenEtion; (m) Departnent of Informalion Comnunication and Technolosl; (n) DeparEnentofParliamentar}' Budget; (o) Departnent oflntemal Conrol & Compliance (2) A Departnent or Ofrce under subsection ( I ), shall be headed by a member oftbe Parliamentary Service designated as such by the Commission on the advice ofthe Clerk of Parlianrent.
PART Y - FINANCIAL PROYISIONS Annual Budg.t of Parliament.
D- (l) The Commission shall prepare the aorual budget of Parliamenl encomp6sing drc budgets of Members of Parliament, the Commission and the Parliamentary Servic€ ard cause that budget to be passed in Parliament (2) The amount to be set as the ceiling for the budget of Padiament under subsection ( l ) shall be based on the national budget ceiling set by the Ministsy ofFinance or as deemed appropriate by the Commission and the Mininry of Finance shall be notified for inclusion into the national budget.
(3) The Commission shall submit the estimate prepared undersubsection (1) and in accordance with subsection (4) ofsection 74 ofthe Constitution of Siena Leone, Act No.

6 ot' l99t to the President who may comment or make recommendations on the estimate and thereafter t*ansmit it to the Commission.

No.

The Parlioment Ac, 2023 2l (4) The Commission shall consider comments or recommendations made by the President under subsection (3) and cause the estimates to be laid beiore Parliament.
(5) The Minister of Finance shall, in respect of each frnancial year, release to Parliament such monies as indicated in the Commission's approved budget for the efficient and effective functioning of Parliament.

30.
30.

(1) ]'he administrative and other expenses ofParliament Funds of Psrliao€nt shalt be financed by firnds consisting of- (a) funds appropriated by Parliament for the purposes of the Commission and the Parliamentary Service and paid out of the Consolidated Fund; and O) do!.ations or graEts from any person or organisation.

31.

(1) The Parliament shall keep Propq books ofaccormts Aacounts urd and otherrecords in relation to its fimctions and finances in a fonn 'ecords' approved by the Auditor4eneral.
(2) The books ofaccornB ofParliament shall, each year be audited by the Auditor-General or an auditor appointed by him, and a report ofthe audit shall be submited to the Commission.

32.

(l) The Clert< ofPadiament shall, within J alsaths afr€r Anourl Rcport- the end ofeach financial year, submit to the Commission an annual repor!

ofme actlvlnes, Properry aDd ,itr@!-EE ofFarlicecdt for tf,at year.
@) The report under subsection (1) shall include a copy of the audited accounts ofthe Commission and Parliamenery Service together with the audit rcport on such ac{ounts.

2.

No.

The Parliaaent Act 2023 Conrlilions of Service.

(3) A copy of the annual report approyed by tbe Cmmission shall be laidbefore Parliameot aot iaterthan 4 montbs after the end ofthe Enancial year to which it relates.

PART VLSALARIES AND OTHER BEN.EFTIS 33.


(l) Tbe Speaker ofParliamert shall, at the start ofevery Parliament and in any case not later than 3 months of the commencement ofthe First Session of a new Parliament, by statrlory instumen!

prcscribe conditions of service oirhe Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Manbers ofParliamr!

Cled< ofPaliamant and Parlianenury S€rvice.


(2) A statutory instrument under subsection (1) shall, before passage by Parliament, be submitted to the President tbr his comments within 14 working dals and any comment by the President shall be deemed to be a motion for debate by the Leader of Goyernment Business.
(3) Notwithstandiag subsection (1) and subject to the State Salaries, Pensions, Gratuities and Otter benefrts Act, 2001 at rhe comEcac.trrcn of this Act, thc fulir'wiug s,UnditiotlJ of :svicc shall apply - (a) Outgoing Speakers shall be entitled to the following atthe time ofleaving ofiice: (i) Retain one ofthe offrcial vehicles in his possession; (ii) Tbee security persorurel provided by the State: aad (ii!

Home fumitrne to the tune of Fifty Thousmd I*ones (NLe50,000).

No.
No.

The Parliament ,4ct 2023 B {b) Any person who, before ceasing to be a Memberof Parliament, has served as such I{ember for tw-o terms or as the Speaker or Deputy Speaker for a qualirying period of five yeaE, is entitled to a monthly pension ca lculated ar 80 percent oftheir gross termbal salan'es.

(.)
(.)

Any p€rson rvho, before ceasing to be a Member of Par[anent, has served as such I,{ember tbr two terms and has fint}rer served as clert of parliament for a quatrying period offive yean, is entitled to a monthlypension calculated at 80olo of his gross term t€rminal salaries .
Provided rhat forner Members ofParliament who s€rved for one term shall be paid a one-offsum ofLeoms equivalent of fifty thousand United States dollars in lieu of monthly pension; (d) rhere shall be an increment of ?5o/o b t\e pensions of fonner Members of Parliament every 5 )€ars; (e) &e Speaker, Mernbers ofPeliam€d ad Ckr* of Parliament shall be entitled to 2 months recess each year and one-month gross salary as recess allowance; i0 the sifting fees for Speaker, Members of Parliamenl Clerk ofParlimot and Cbamber Clerts shall be computed on a daily siring basis.
(g) The Clerk of ParliarDent shall b€ entitled to Domestic Serva.nts Allowance calculated at 20% ofhis basic monthly salary.

(I) there shall be an intemal Parliament Medical hsurance Scheme to cater for thc health needs ofthe Speaker, Members ofParliarneng 24 No.
The Parliarnen, sct 2023 Cle* ofParliament and Farliarcntar)'staf u{ro requte urgent medical attention overseas to be fimded from - @ the annual budget of Parliament accounting for not more than 509'o; (f 2% of the monthly salaries or penslons of &e Speaker, Clerk of Parliament, Members ofParliament dld Parliamentary Staff; and CD donations from persons or organisat- ions.
(4) A Committee shall be constituted by -"he Commission for the purpose ofmanaging the Parliament Medical Insurance Scheme under paragraph (h) of subsection (3), comprising - (a) the Clerk of Parliament, who shall be the Chairnmn; (b) the Chairman Health Committee: (c) One Member of Parliament each from the Goveming Pafiy and Opposition Parties; and (d) the Director-General of the Padiamentary Service.

(5) The Clerk to the Health Con:mittee sball serve as the S€cretary ofthe Committee.
(O The Commiftee constituted under subsection (4), shatl from time to time publish rules to govem the aceess to and operations ofthe Parliament Medical lnsurance Scheme.

PART VII.

MISCELLANOUS 34.

O) A member ofthe Parliamentary Service- (a) may retire voluntarily tom the service on or after attaining rhe age offifl1-five: and Rctirem6nt of mcmbcrs of the P8rliamentary Scrvicc.

No.

The Parlianen Act 2023 ?5 (b) shall rette or vacate his ofnce compulsorily at the age ofsixty.
(2) The Parliamentary Service and the Commission shall tbe prompt payment of retimrent benefit to staff members €nsure immediately aft er rctirtment 35.

(l) The Cornnission may cr€ate!

abolish or reclassify cr€ttion ald - Abolitiotr of omc6.

offices in tiii Parliamentarv service.


(2) Where an office is abolished or reclassifled the commission may where appropriate redeploy the holder ofthe office or discontinue the s€rvice oftle holder ofthe office and shall pay &e offic€r such entitleme as appropriate in relation to the ofrce.

X.

Staff olParliamentary Service rnay be supported to hoc€ €d on se{anCment withil or outside Sierra l,eone for Career developmmt sccondmcnt- 37.
The Parliamentary Service shall subject to the approval of study lravc.

the Cornmission graat Study leave to Parliamemtary Service stafrfor post-graduate studies only, within or outside Siena Leone.

38.

The Commission may, by statutory Instrument make rules R.gulrriorE.

and regulations to give eftbct to &is Act.

39.


Penons who have sened as Speaker, Deputy Speak€r and Trsnsitioml Members of Parliament for one term prior to the commencement of Provision this Act shall b€ paid offwithin six (6) months ofthe commencemeat ofthe AcL the sum ofOne Hundred Thousand New Leones each in lieu of monthly pension.

40.

The following are hereby repealed or revoked - Repcal.
(a) the Parliamenary ServiceAct2007; {b) Secrion 8 oft}e State Salaries, Pensions, Gratuities and Other Benefits Acts 2001.

(c) SBtutory InsEumetrtNo.

I 0 of20l2 relating to the Salary and Conditions of Servic€ of the Speal(er of Parliament.

(d) Statutory InstnrmentNo.

4 of2006.

26 No.

Tlrc Parliatneht Act 2 n2-1 IIIEMORAND[TII Of OBTECTS A\iD fiE.
{SOr-S The purpose ofthis Act is to prescribe the salaries and conditions of service for Leadenhip, Memben of ParliameDt, Staff of the Parliamentary Sen ice and the Commission in line witb current econoEic trends ard best practices within the Meo Riverunion to enhance the eflective and diligent sewice dclivery by lvlemben ofParliament and Staffforthe good ofthis Couanl'.
The Bill is divided into seven pets (7) Part I makes provision for interpretation and definition of words use tbroughout the Act Pan II deals with th€ establishmeot of the Padiamentary Commission Part III dolc *irh Load<ship a(.I gowr oaflsc of r,ullamenl Part IV deals with the establishment ofthe Parliamentan, Sen'ice Part V deals with finalcial provisions Part YI deals with salaries and other benefits Part Vtr Ottlinemiscellaneous provisions uublingthe Speakerto make Regulations to give effect to this Act and provides room for ameodment as irnd when necessary Made this..............dayof 2023 HON.
MUSA FOFANAH Member of P$liament Pgmro alo Pu,unnm By rrE GovnNMB'r Pi-btrf\o Dee*nmr, Scar.r Leoxe.

G,tzETrE No.8 oF l6rH Fraru,cRv.

2023,