Freetown, August 10, 2026 — Civil society group Direct Think Tank has sharply criticized the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) for staging a walkout during Monday’s parliamentary vote on Sierra Leone’s Constitutional Amendment Bill, describing the move as a “betrayal of its parliamentary mandate.”
The Bill, which introduces sweeping changes to the country’s governance and electoral framework, was overwhelmingly passed despite the absence of APC MPs, who left the chamber in protest over the voting procedure.
Think Tank’s Position
In a strongly worded statement, Direct Think Tank said the APC’s decision amounted to an abdication of responsibility at a defining constitutional moment. “Members of Parliament are elected to represent the interests, concerns, and aspirations of their constituents within the legislative chamber,” the group noted, adding that walking away deprived citizens of representation when their voices were most needed.
The organization acknowledged the APC’s right to oppose the amendments but insisted that opposition must be exercised through parliamentary debate, scrutiny, and voting. “Parliament is not a place to walk away from,” the statement declared.
Key Concerns
Direct Think Tank argued that constitutional reform should not be reduced to partisan theatrics. It stressed that both Government and Opposition bear responsibility for ensuring transparency, rigorous scrutiny, and public engagement in the amendment process.
The group posed several questions to the APC, including:
- Why did MPs leave?
- Which provisions did they oppose?
- What strategies were exhausted?
- How does a walkout serve constituents?
Call to Citizens
The think tank urged Sierra Leoneans, civil society, academics, and the media to independently examine the constitutional amendments and not allow partisan politics to overshadow legitimate debate. “The Constitution belongs to the people of Sierra Leone—not to the SLPP, not to the APC, and not to any individual political leader,” the statement emphasized.
Broader Implications
While condemning the APC’s walkout, Direct Think Tank also cautioned that an overwhelming parliamentary majority does not automatically translate into constitutional consensus. It called for meaningful public scrutiny to ensure legitimacy beyond numbers on the parliamentary floor.
The organization pledged to continue monitoring the reform process and provide independent analysis “in the national interest.”