Sierra Leone’s Parliament is expected to enter one of its most significant legislative moments in recent years as Members of Parliament prepare to debate and vote on the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act, 2025 on Tuesday, 28th July 2026. The Bill will be piloted through its Second and Third Readings by Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay.
The proposed legislation seeks to introduce wide-ranging constitutional reforms touching on elections, governance, political parties, security institutions, and the country’s democratic architecture. The Bill forms part of the broader constitutional review process aimed at updating provisions of the 1991 Constitution.
Among the key proposals is the introduction of a fixed date for parliamentary elections, requiring general elections for Members of Parliament to be held on the second Saturday in November every fifth year.
The Bill also seeks to reinforce the political neutrality of Sierra Leone’s security sector by explicitly prohibiting both the Police and Armed Forces from acting in a partisan manner, promoting the interests of political parties, or prejudicing legitimate political causes.
Another notable proposal relates to the Electoral Commission. The amendment introduces stricter qualification requirements for the Chief Electoral Commissioner and Electoral Commissioners, while also proposing that appointments should emerge from an open and transparent recommendation process through a Search and Nomination Committee.
The Bill further outlines detailed procedures governing the declaration of presidential election results, run-off elections, and fresh elections in situations where the Supreme Court invalidates a presidential poll.
One of the most debated provisions is the proposal empowering the Political Parties Regulation Commission to deregister political parties that fail to win a national or local election in two successive general elections, subject to due process and the right of appeal.
The upcoming parliamentary debate is expected to attract significant public interest, with supporters arguing that the reforms will strengthen governance, accountability, and democratic institutions, while critics are likely to scrutinize provisions they believe could affect political competition and representation.
The outcome of Tuesday’s vote could shape Sierra Leone’s constitutional and political landscape for years to come, making it one of the most consequential parliamentary decisions of the current legislative term.