Aruna Turay, August 6, 2026
Member of Parliament for Pujehun district, Hon. Mariama Munia Zombo, has called for persons convicted of sexual offences to be barred from contesting for parliamentary seats, even if they have received a presidential pardon.
Hon. Zombo made the call during the debate on the Constitutional Amendment Bill, in which she referenced proposed changes to Section 76(3) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991.
She argued that sexual offenders should not be eligible to become Members of Parliament because of the risk of repeat offences, especially when such individuals occupy positions of leadership and have access to vulnerable persons.
According to the Pujehun lawmaker, sexual offences require extended periods of community supervision, and convicted persons should therefore not be considered for positions that carry public trust and responsibility.
“Mr. Chairman, please note that sexual offences require longer-term community supervision, and so convicted persons should be disqualified for MP positions,” Hon. Zombo stated.
She maintained that the integrity of Parliament must be protected by ensuring that individuals seeking to serve as lawmakers meet strict ethical and character requirements.
