Sierra Leone’s Parliament on Monday convened a public stakeholder consultation on the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill 2025, drawing lawmakers, civil society representatives, and other key stakeholders into discussions on reforms to the country’s 1991 Constitution.
The consultation sought to elicit views and comments on the Bill, which introduces wide-ranging amendments to Sierra Leone’s supreme law.
Opposition Calls for Strict Adherence to Procedure
Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a necessary step given the Constitution’s significance. He cautioned Members of Parliament against micromanaging the process, stressing that constitutional amendments must strictly follow laid-down procedures.
Hon. Kargbo warned that any attempt to circumvent constitutional requirements—whether deliberate or otherwise—could amount to treason. While reaffirming the All People’s Congress (APC) party’s willingness to engage constructively, he said the opposition would be uncompromising in defending constitutional processes.
“We will be very strict and unapologetic in ensuring that processes and procedures are followed,” he said. “We will fully support the process if it is done in compliance with the Constitution.”
Leader of Government Business, Hon. Sahr Matthew Nyuma, highlighted the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government’s record of progressive legislation, citing the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act of 2019, the repeal of criminal libel laws in 2020, and the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act.
“Our similarities are far greater than our differences,” Hon. Nyuma noted, urging lawmakers to approach the constitutional review process with unity of purpose.
Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, assured stakeholders of the government’s openness to inclusive consultations. He emphasised President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to concluding the constitutional review process, which has spanned more than two decades.
Sesay explained that most provisions in the Bill are drawn from the reports of the Constitutional Review Committee chaired by the late Justice Cowan and the Tripartite Committee, though government has made modifications to some recommendations.
“If anyone tells you that the provisions in this bill are the sole creation of government, they have lied to you,” he said, adding that constitutions are designed to endure beyond generations and must reflect the collective will and aspirations of the people of Sierra Leone.
The Constitutional Amendment Bill 2025 in Sierra Leone proposes major changes to the 1991 Constitution, aiming to reform electoral processes, strengthen institutions, and introduce inclusivity measures. However, critics warn that several provisions risk entrenching ruling party dominance and undermining democratic safeguards.
Key Provisions of the Bill
1. Electoral Commission Reforms
- Renames the National Electoral Commission (NEC).
- Introduces stricter qualifications for commissioners (postgraduate for Chief Commissioner, bachelor’s for members).
- Establishes a diverse Search and Nomination Committee including civil society, media, youth, and women’s groups.
- Criticism: Lacks explicit non-partisanship requirements, raising fears of executive capture.
2. Independent Presidential Candidates
- Allows independents to contest if not affiliated with a party and if they show financial capacity and community support.
- Risk: Criteria left vague, potentially enabling economic discrimination and exclusion of grassroots candidates.
3. Proportional Representation (PR)
- Deletes Section 38A, removing presidential discretion to impose PR temporarily.
- Formalises PR in Section 74.
- Concern: Imposed without national dialogue, risking accusations of partisan manipulation.
4. Presidential Election Threshold
- Replaces 55% national vote requirement with simple majority plus 20% in two-thirds of districts.
- Risk: Could produce presidents with weak mandates and distort voter equality.
5. Removal of President and Vice-President
- Parliament may remove them by two-thirds majority if expelled from their party.
- Criticism: Opens door to partisan abuse, undermining direct electoral mandate.
6. Judiciary Role in Election Disputes
- Supreme Court must decide petitions within 14 days.
- Filing window reduced to 3 days.
- Concern: Unrealistically short, limiting opposition’s ability to challenge results.
7. Fixed Election Dates
- Sets parliamentary elections for the second Saturday of November every five years.
- Risk: Clashes with holiday season, risking rushed tallying and reduced participation.
8. Entrenched Provisions and Referendum
- Amends Sections 85 and 87, which are entrenched and require referendum approval.
- Criticism: Any attempt to bypass referendum safeguards would erode democratic foundations.
9. Gender Inclusivity
- Introduces a 30% quota for women nominees, aligning with broader gender equality reforms.
ILRAJ and other civil society groups acknowledge positive elements—such as gender inclusivity and procedural certainty—but warn that deviations from the Tripartite Committee (2024) and Cowan CRC (2016) recommendations risk undermining democracy. Without amendments, the Bill could entrench ruling party dominance, echoing the authoritarian precedents of 1978.
Source: Fritong Post Media with additional report from Alusine Sesay