By Sallieu S. Kanu
Bill has passed First Reading; public position papers invited as Parliament prepares for next stages.
Sierra Leone — February 11, 2026: The Chairman of Parliament’s Legislative Committee, Hon. Abdul Sulaiman Marrah‑Conteh, has outlined the procedures guiding the Constitutional Amendments Bill 2025, stressing that the 1991 Constitution provides clear steps for amending the nation’s supreme law.
Hon. Marrah‑Conteh explained that constitutional bills undergo multiple stages before passage. The process begins with national consultations to engage citizens, followed by two gazette notices before the bill is introduced in Parliament. A pre‑legislative hearing may also be held due to the bill’s significance.
Once in Parliament, the bill proceeds through the First Reading, where it is formally introduced, and the Second Reading, which opens debate. Technical bills are referred to the Legislative Committee for scrutiny and reporting. The Committee’s findings are then debated during the Third Reading, after which the bill may be passed into law if it secures the required majority.
The Constitutional Amendments Bill 2025 has already completed its introduction and First Reading. The Speaker of Parliament has directed the Legislative Committee to receive position papers from the public to guide deliberations, and several submissions have already been received.
Hon. Marrah‑Conteh emphasized that both entrenched and non‑entrenched clauses require a two‑thirds majority vote in Parliament. However, entrenched clauses demand an additional step: approval through a national referendum, which must also secure a two‑thirds majority.
The clarification underscores Parliament’s commitment to transparency and public participation in constitutional reform. By inviting citizen input and adhering to constitutional safeguards, lawmakers aim to ensure that any amendments are both legally sound and democratically legitimate.