Sierra Leone constitutional amendment debate

In late July 2026, Sierra Leone’s Parliament began debating a constitutional amendment bill that would overhaul the 1991 constitution. Lawmakers from both the ruling SLPP and opposition APC voiced concerns about provisions allowing independent presidential candidates and changes to the electoral system, arguing that such reforms could undermine the existing political framework.

By July 30, the bill had progressed from its second reading to the committee stage. The government, represented by Attorney‑General Alpha Sesay, framed the changes as a shift from a “constitution of survival” to a “constitution of prosperity,” citing earlier reform reports. Opposition members warned that alterations—such as moving from proportional representation to first‑past‑the‑post voting and the absence of a formal presidential transition period—might reshape Sierra Leone’s democratic landscape and might require a referendum.

The parliamentary discussion continued to be marked by heated debate over the bill’s implications for political inclusion, democratic stability, and procedural legitimacy.