Sierra Leone Supreme Court to hear constitutional amendment challenges

The Supreme Court of Sierra Leone has scheduled October 7, 2026, to hear legal challenges regarding the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The court intends to resolve these matters expeditiously following President Julius Maada Bio’s decision to withhold his assent and refer the bill for judicial interpretation.

The controversy stems from the parliamentary passage of the bill on August 10, 2026. The opposition All People’s Congress (APC) walked out during the vote, and legal experts have questioned whether the bill met the required two-thirds majority of full parliamentary membership mandated by Section 108 of the 1991 Constitution. The proposed amendments include reducing the presidential first-round victory threshold from 55% to 50% plus one vote and making proportional representation the permanent system for electing Members of Parliament.

Several entities have sought judicial clarity, including the All People’s Congress, Member of Parliament Osman Abdal Timbo, and the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR). Additionally, the Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN) has welcomed the President’s referral, describing it as a prudent step to ensure the constitutional requirements for amending the nation's supreme law are satisfied.