By George M.O. Williams
Sierra Leone – January 16, 2026: The Government of Sierra Leone has gazetted the Constitutional Amendments Bill, 2025, which proposes a fixed date for national elections, a move aimed at strengthening democratic governance and enhancing public confidence in the electoral process.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., disclosed the proposal during engagements with the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Ad Hoc Committee on the Implementation of the Agreement for National Unity. The discussions centered on the recently gazetted Constitutional Amendments Bill, which introduces significant reforms to the country’s electoral framework.
Among the key provisions of the Bill are:
- Petitioners will have only three days to challenge the Electoral Commission’s declaration of no outright winner.
- The Chief Justice will be required to formally notify the Electoral Commissioner if no petition is filed.
- The Supreme Court must hear and decide election petitions within 14 days.
- The Court will have the authority to invalidate flawed elections and order fresh polls within 60 days.
In addition to these reforms, the Government is proposing that presidential, parliamentary, and local council elections be held on the second Saturday in November every five years. Currently, the President has the discretion to set election dates after consultations with the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL).
“The proposed reform would remove this discretion and instead establish a fixed election date, aimed at promoting certainty, predictability, and better planning for all stakeholders,” Sesay explained.
The fixed election date proposal draws from recommendations made during the Justice Cowan Constitutional Review Process and is also reflected in the Tripartite Committee’s report.
Talks with the opposition APC are expected to continue next week as part of ongoing efforts to advance electoral reform and foster national unity.