October 13, 2017 By Jariatu S. Bangura
Amb. Tom Vens (far right) in a meeting with the Speaker & Deputy Speaker
The new head of the European Union Delegation in Sierra Leone has stated that the country has good democratic credential despite facing hurdles in the past years.
While paying a courtesy call on the Speaker of Parliament, Ambassador Tom Vens described the House as an important arm of government, thus the reason he decided to pay a visit to abreast himself with their operation.
“Even though you have gone through many hurdles over the years, yet you have a good democratic record. We are as donor partners would support you in your programmes,” he assured.
Speaking on the March 7, 2018 multitier elections, Ambassador Vens said the expectation from donor partners is for the National Electoral Commission to do a credible work.
He noted that the EU and Sierra Leone have good relationship and assured of their support to the country to ensure a successful conduct of the polls.
“I am new to Africa but not new to the continent. I am always willing and ready to learn. I am happy to be in the Sierra Leone House of Parliament,” he said.
Earlier, Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Sheku B.B. Dumbuya, expressed his delight on the visit of Ambassador Vens and informed him that the ruling party has been working closely with the opposition Sierra Leone People’s Party ((SLPP).
“We are getting on well in parliament as we are about to have our national elections. Everything needed to be done by NEC in order to have free, fair and credible elections,” he said.
Also, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Chernoh R.M. Bah, noted that while the country is eagerly waiting the March 2018 elections, a lot have been done for the process to be credible and transparent.
According to him, NEC has been working very hard in making sure that all those that registered receive their voter’s identification cards when distribution starts. “We as a parliament are helping NEC to conduct credible elections,” he said.