Sierra Leone Parliament passes constitutional amendment bill

Sierra Leone's Parliament has passed the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025, marking a significant milestone in a constitutional review process that has spanned over two decades. Charles Mambu, Executive Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), described the passage as a victory for the nation but noted that the reform process remains incomplete. He emphasized that the country must now navigate subsequent stages, including presidential assent, potential judicial interpretation, and effective implementation.

Mambu highlighted that the current reforms are the result of long-term efforts by successive governments and various constitutional review bodies rather than a single administration. The process has involved extensive consultations and comparative studies conducted both domestically and internationally.

In response to the Bill, Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara expressed support for several key provisions, including the constitutional guarantee of at least thirty percent representation for women in political nominations and the broadening of political participation for Sierra Leoneans with dual citizenship. He also voiced support for retaining the First-Past-the-Post electoral system and the fifty-five percent threshold required for the election of a President to ensure broad national trust.