Sierra Leone

Support to Parliamentary Development

Project Background

In the wake of the country’s successful 2007 elections, citizens have high expectations that the new government will be more accountable and transparent than previous governments. They are looking to the country’s leaders to deliver services that improve their lives, such as potable water, electricity and infrastructure development, as well as increased employment and educational opportunities.

In 2008, UNDP’s efforts were aimed at direct, non-monetary, technical assistance, which can be defined as “intellectual capital”. This is in contrast to the parliament receiving financial assistance.

As the “voice of the people”, the MPs have a special duty and obligation to keep the voters informed as well as to make themselves available to hear the voters’ grievances and concerns. Of course, unless the MPs have the knowledge of the substantive issues before them, and the necessary tools to obtain and understand those issues, the parliament is in jeopardy of returning to its old “rubber-stamp” function of the executive branch of government of prior years. Thus the need to strengthen the administrative and support staff of the parliament consistent with the Parliamentary Service Act of 2007 and other relevant laws and regulations.
 

Project Objectives

One guiding principle of UNDP’s interventions has been to promote enhanced coordination between Parliament and donors as well as other stakeholders interested in supporting legislative strengthening in Sierra Leone, thereby contributing to a common vision and objective, including clearer demarcation of roles and responsibilities and more open and effective communication channels; developing a framework to enhance the capacity of Parliament as well as to mobilize, deploy, and manage resources to meet their constitutional mandate.
 

Project Outcome

1. Parliamentary Service Commission and Salaries

2. Parliamentary Service Commission Regulatory Implementation and Support

3. Political Conflict Resolution

4. Financial Accountability and Anti-Corruption

5. Public Outreach