Sierra Leone President faces pressure over Constitutional Amendment Bill

President Julius Maada Bio faces significant political and legal pressure regarding the recently passed Constitutional Amendment Bill in Sierra Leone. Critics, including opposition leaders and legal experts, allege that the Bill was passed in violation of constitutional requirements. Specifically, opposition leader Abdul Kargbo and lawyer Sulaiman Banja Tejan-Sie argue that the Speaker of Parliament incorrectly applied Section 91 instead of Section 108, which requires a two-thirds majority for constitutional amendments.

The Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone has also intervened, urging that any constitutional changes must strictly adhere to legal requirements and maintain transparency, emphasizing that the Constitution belongs to the people rather than any political party. President Bio must now decide whether to sign the Bill, return it to Parliament, or seek further legal guidance.