By Jariatu S. Bangura
Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay is one of Sierra Leone’s longest-serving Members of Parliament and a seasoned politician.
One of the longest-serving Members of Parliament (MP) for the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, has officially declared her intention to run for the position of Deputy Leader of the party.
She made this announcement to her colleagues in Parliament, emphasizing her dedication and long-standing service to both the party and the nation.
Hon. Sesay currently represents Cluster Four, which covers Kargboro and Gbonpen Chiefdoms in Moyamba District. She has been serving as an MP since 1996 and remains a key figure in Sierra Leone’s political landscape.
She also holds the prestigious position of President of the Female ECOWAS Parliament and serves as the leader of the delegation for ECOWAS MPs.
Throughout her tenure in Parliament, Hon. Sesay has held various leadership roles, including serving as the first Acting Speaker. She has remained a dedicated representative, navigating different political regimes both in opposition and under the current ruling government.
Expressing confidence in her capabilities, Hon. Sesay stated that she is fit, competent, and fully prepared to take on the responsibilities of Deputy Leader.
As a strong advocate for gender equality, she played a key role in championing the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act.
Additionally, during her tenure as President of the Parliamentary Female Caucus, she contributed significantly to the Public Elections Act, which has helped pave the way for greater female representation in Parliament and other political spaces.
Hon. Sesay reaffirmed her loyalty to the SLPP, highlighting that she has been with the party since 1996 and has never wavered in her support. She emphasized that her candidacy aligns with the party’s principle of gender balance in leadership, as outlined in its rules and policies.
Recalling the last SLPP convention, she noted that she finished as the runner-up among five contenders for the Deputy Leader position. She now feels even more prepared to serve and lead, particularly in advocating for women’s interests within the party.
