Sierra Leone Politicians Throw Punches in Parliament, Leaving Netizens in Stitches

• Sierra Leone’s Parliament descended into chaos on Wednesday, 23 November, when a debate turned violent
• A video of the political drama was shared on social media, leaving many shocked and others in stitches
• Authorities were forced to intervene and break up the fight, and some members were removed from the chamber

FREETOWN - Chaos descended over Sierra Leone’s Parliament on Wednesday, 23 November, while legislators debated over a proposed law seeking to change the electoral system.

Politicians from opposing parties threw punches and chairs during the debate. Security officials had to separate the parliamentarian members from Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the All People’s Congress (APC).

A video of the drama was shared on social media, leaving many shocked and others in stitches.

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The clip was retweeted by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Leader Julius Malema, known for throwing hands and creating drama in Parliament.

Here’s what some peeps had to say about the drama:

@kyrantitterton said:

“Is there no way we can incorporate hand-to-hand combat in our electoral process?”

@_Diplomaat commented:

“We need a wrestling match for African MPs, though Ugandans will still win.”

@MatthewsMahlubi posted:

“So the colonial symbol became a weapon of mass destruction?”

According to The Daily Beast, the scuffle broke out while members planned to introduce a proportional representation system for national and local elections. The move was supported by the governing party, SLPP, and strongly opposed by APC.

Local authorities were forced to intervene and break up the fight. Some members were removed from the chamber.

EFF members kicked out of Parliament for disrupting President Cyril Ramaphosa’s budget vote response

Briefly News also reported that members of the Economic Freedom Fighters were removed from Parliament when they attempted to prevent President Cyril Ramaphosa from addressing the National Assembly on Friday 10 June.

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Ramaphosa was due to deliver his response to the budget vote debate, however, it was delayed by the commotion caused by the political party.

National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula suspended proceedings shortly after requesting EFF members of Parliament to be removed, eNCA reported.

Source: Briefly News