Sierra Leone’s new parliament has controversially elected a speaker after MPs were involved in a brawl earlier today.

Sierra Leone’s general election was marred by disputes. Photo: AFP

Abass Bundu – a member of the governing Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and former secretary-general of the West African regional body, Ecowas – was elected to the post with the backing of the opposition C4C party and 13 paramount chiefs.

He obtained 71 votes, less than half of the 146 MPs who make up the chamber.

The largest party in parliament – the All People’s Congress (APC) – did not take part in the vote. Its MPs either walked out or were ejected by police after they attempted to disrupt proceedings.

The SLPP won the presidency, but the APC emerged as the biggest parliamentary party in tightly contested general elections.