By Alusine Sesay
Freetown, August 10, 2026: Sierra Leone’s Parliament has passed the long-debated Constitutional Amendment Bill, ushering in sweeping reforms to the country’s electoral and governance framework.
The legislation, which had undergone extensive consultations and committee scrutiny, was approved during Monday’s sitting after a series of votes. The ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) secured passage despite a dramatic walkout by opposition Members of Parliament from the All People’s Congress (APC).
The walkout followed a ruling by Speaker of Parliament Hon. Solomon Thomas, who declared that decisions at the current stage of the Bill’s consideration required only a simple majority. Citing Section 91(1) of the 1991 Constitution, he argued that the two-thirds majority threshold under Section 108(b) applies only to the final passage of constitutional amendments, not to clause-by-clause votes.
Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo rejected the ruling, insisting that constitutional changes demand strict adherence to the two-thirds requirement. “We cannot sit here and see 96 MPs decide on the Constitution of Sierra Leone. We are walking out and leaving you to decide,” he declared before APC MPs exited the Chamber in protest.
SLPP MPs countered that the Speaker’s interpretation was consistent with parliamentary procedure. Hon. Gevao maintained that the two-thirds requirement would be enforced at the Bill’s final passage, not during preliminary votes.
Key Reforms
The amendments introduce several landmark provisions:
- Proportional representation — broadening parliamentary representation to reflect electoral support more accurately.
- 50+1 presidential threshold — requiring presidential candidates to secure a majority of valid votes, strengthening the democratic mandate.
- Dual citizenship eligibility — allowing Sierra Leoneans with international experience to contest parliamentary seats, potentially enriching governance with new skills and perspectives.
Democratic Significance
The passage of the Bill marks a turning point in Sierra Leone’s democratic journey. Analysts say the reforms could deepen political inclusivity, enhance electoral legitimacy, and modernize governance structures.