By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, August 11, 2026: Opposition Members of Parliament from the All People’s Congress (APC) staged a walkout on Monday after Speaker of Parliament Hon. Solomon Thomas ruled that clause‑by‑clause votes on the Constitutional Amendment Bill would be determined by a simple majority.
Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo, in a Facebook post shortly after the incident, declared: “We refused to participate in an unconstitutional process. Thanks to all APC MPs for the unity displayed.” He argued that with 149 MPs in the Sixth Parliament, no constitutional amendment can pass with fewer than 100 votes.
The Speaker had cited Section 91(1) of the 1991 Constitution, maintaining that the two‑thirds majority requirement under Section 108(b) applies only to the final passage of the Bill, not to preliminary votes. APC MPs rejected this interpretation, insisting that constitutional amendments demand strict adherence to the two‑thirds threshold at every stage.
Kargbo told the Chamber: “We cannot sit here and see 96 MPs decide on the Constitution of Sierra Leone. We are walking out and leaving you to decide.” Following his statement, APC MPs rose and exited the Chamber in protest.
Ruling party MPs, including Hon. Gevao of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), countered that the two‑thirds requirement applies only to the second and third readings of the Bill.
The walkout highlights deep divisions over constitutional reform and voting thresholds, with the dispute expected to remain a major point of contention as Parliament continues deliberations on the Amendment Bill.