By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, Sierra Leone – July 30, 2026: A coalition of civil society organizations has called on Parliament to suspend deliberations on the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2025, insisting that the proposed reforms require broader public consultation and civic education before proceeding.
In a position paper released on Thursday, the consortium warned that several provisions in the bill could undermine democratic accountability and national cohesion if rushed through without adequate citizen engagement.
The group raised concerns over proposed changes to presidential election thresholds, the introduction of independent presidential candidates, the adoption of a proportional representation system, and provisions for the deregistration of political parties.
“These are fundamental reforms that affect the very structure of Sierra Leone’s democracy,” the paper noted, urging Parliament to allow time for public debate and civic education so that citizens are fully informed and involved in the process.
Summary of the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2025
The Constitutional Amendment Bill seeks to introduce wide‑ranging reforms to Sierra Leone’s political and electoral framework. Key proposals include:
- Presidential Election Thresholds: Adjusting the percentage of votes required for a candidate to be declared president, potentially altering the runoff system.
- Independent Presidential Candidates: Allowing individuals to contest presidential elections without party affiliation.
- Proportional Representation (PR): Shifting parliamentary elections from the current constituency‑based system to PR, which allocates seats based on party vote share.
- Deregistration of Political Parties: Granting the Electoral Commission powers to deregister parties that fail to meet certain requirements, such as participation thresholds or compliance with regulations.
Supporters argue the reforms will modernize Sierra Leone’s democracy, while critics caution that they could weaken accountability, fragment political representation, and reduce citizen trust if not carefully reviewed.