President Bio Urges Parliament to Pass Constitutional Amendment Bill
By: James Kamara-Manneh
President Julius Maada Bio has called on Parliament to pass the Constitution of Sierra Leone Amendment Bill, arguing that the proposed reforms are necessary to strengthen democratic governance, increase political inclusion and address longstanding concerns over the country’s electoral system.
In a national address, President Bio described the proposed legislation as the culmination of decades of constitutional review and consultation spanning successive administrations.
Bio said the constitutional reform process dates back to the period following Sierra Leone’s civil war, pointing to the 1999 Lomé Peace Agreement and subsequent recommendations by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for a review of the 1991 Constitution.
According to the President, the review process was initiated under former President Ahmed Tejan Kabba through the Dr Peter Tucker Constitutional Review Committee and was subsequently expanded under former President Ernest Bai Koroma through the establishment of the Justice Edmond Cowan Constitutional Review Committee.
Bio said the Cowan Committee conducted more than 10,000 consultations between 2013 and 2017, engaged 133 stakeholder groups, received 150 position papers and distributed more than 70,000 consultation forms across the country’s districts.
He maintained that his administration continued the work inherited from previous governments rather than starting the constitutional review process afresh.
The President said the current Bill contains provisions aimed at broadening political participation, including the introduction of proportional representation and a constitutional requirement for a minimum 30 percent quota for women in political nominations.
He also said the proposed reforms would strengthen the independence and accountability of electoral institutions and improve confidence in the electoral process.
“Constitutional reform belongs to the people,” Bio said, while commending citizens and stakeholders who have followed parliamentary proceedings and participated in the wider debate.
The President also appealed to Members of Parliament to consider the long-term implications of their decision, urging them to place the national interest above political and partisan considerations.
Bio’s strongest appeal was directed at the upcoming vote on the Bill.
He argued that electoral reforms should be settled before the next general elections rather than being introduced close to polling day, saying delays could create uncertainty over the rules under which future elections would be conducted.
The President invoked principles associated with the African Union, ECOWAS and the United Nations, arguing that changes to electoral rules should not be left until shortly before elections.
Bio also addressed criticism that the existing Constitution remains adequate and that disagreements have largely resulted from judicial interpretation.
He argued that if constitutional provisions require greater clarity, Parliament has a responsibility to provide it through legislative and constitutional reform.
“A Constitution is not designed for one political party,” Bio said, stressing that the country’s supreme legal framework should serve all citizens regardless of political affiliation.
The President’s appeal comes as Parliament considers the proposed constitutional amendments, making the legislative process a significant test of political consensus over the future direction of Sierra Leone’s democratic and electoral institutions.
Bio urged MPs to consider the interests of women, young people and other groups he said have historically been underrepresented in political decision-making.
He ended his address with a direct appeal for the Bill to be passed.
“Do not vote for me. Do not vote for this Government. Do not vote for any political party. Vote for Sierra Leone,” the President told Parliament.
He subsequently called for a “Yes” vote in support of inclusion, women’s representation, youth participation, credible elections and stronger democratic institutions.
The proposed constitutional changes are expected to remain a major subject of national debate as Parliament moves toward its decision on the Bill.
For President Bio, the vote represents the latest stage in a constitutional reform process he says has survived successive governments and political administrations for more than two decades.
The outcome of the parliamentary process could therefore have significant implications for Sierra Leone’s electoral framework, political representation and democratic governance ahead of the country’s next general elections.
