By Nasratu Kargbo
The Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament Mohamed Sidi Tunis has on behalf of the institution expressed that they want to be given the power to conduct direct elections for one to become a member of ECOWAS parliament, instead of the current system where MPs are chosen from their national parliaments to represent their respective countries.
Tunis stated that despite the many achievements they’ve made, the inability to have Members of the ECOWAS Parliament elected by direct universal suffrage at the end of the Fifth Legislature was a big challenge, describing it as an unfinished businesses that they’ll pass on to the next legislature.
Whilst delivering his opening speech on the first day of the 2024 First Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Freetown on the 6th February 2024, Tunis said: “We are of the opinion that this election by direct universal suffrage will confer strong democratic legitimacy on the ECOWAS Parliament and further strengthen its representative function”.
He assured all present that they have had a consensus on the issue, hoping that the commitment will become a reality in the years to come. The Speaker explained that fifth parliament has agreed to initiate reflection on the modalities of the election, advocate, raise awareness and ensure they mobilize everything in a bid to succeed in this course.
Speaking on some of the achievements made, the Speaker said “We can state without hesitation that the ECOWAS Parliament has been truly at the service of the Community. It has fulfilled its role and has been at the heart of action to deepen regional integration”
He said the session is convened in accordance with Article 16 of the Rules of Procedure of their institution, which states that at the end of each Legislature, Parliament shall hold an Extraordinary Session to evaluate the Legislature. “Therefore, our session, which opens today, is of particular importance because it will lead to the last meeting of our term of office” he added.
The Speaker called on the incoming members of the sixth parliament to continue to pursue the dream of "a fully integrated Community of peoples in a peaceful and prosperous region with strong institutions that respect fundamental freedoms and work towards inclusive and sustainable development". He also expressed appreciation to all those he has worked with during his tenure.
The fifth parliament consists of one hundred and fifteen members that are elected from the fifteen member states to represent their people in the economic and political integration processes of the region. The fifth legislature was inaugurated in Niamey, Republic of Niger, on 9th March 2023.
The 2024 First Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in is set to end tomorrow 8th February 2024.
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