The Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC) has formally appealed to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio not to assent to the recently passed Constitutional Amendment Bill, arguing that the legislation has generated widespread public concern and raises serious questions about democratic participation and constitutional governance.
In a letter addressed to the President and signed by Secretary-General Max K. Conteh, the Labour Congress stated that the Constitutional Amendment Bill has sparked significant public resentment and controversy surrounding several of its provisions.
According to the SLLC, various position papers submitted to Parliament by religious bodies, civil society organisations, labour groups, and other stakeholders were allegedly not given adequate consideration during parliamentary deliberations. The Congress argued that overlooking those submissions undermines the participatory spirit that should guide constitutional reform and weakens public confidence in democratic governance.
Evidently, Labour Congress further expressed concern over what it described as provisions that could remove the direct power of citizens to freely elect Members of Parliament, placing greater influence in the hands of political parties. The organisation contends that such changes could weaken democratic accountability and diminish citizens’ ability to directly hold elected representatives responsible for their actions.
In its appeal, the SLLC maintained that the sovereignty of the people remains a fundamental principle of democratic governance and should not be compromised through constitutional amendments that alter the relationship between citizens and their elected representatives.
Consequently, the Congress has called on President Bio to remit the Bill back to Parliament for reconsideration, citing what it described as overwhelming reservations expressed by sections of the public.
However, Labour Congress also noted that it attached its detailed position paper on the Constitutional Amendment Bill, outlining recommendations and concerns regarding the proposed reforms. The organisation said it remains confident in the President’s commitment to safeguarding democratic rights and constitutional governance in Sierra Leone.
As it happens, the Labour Congress adds another voice to the ongoing national debate surrounding the Constitutional Amendment Bill, which has already generated intense political discussions following its passage in Parliament and the subsequent controversies over the voting process and interpretation of constitutional provisions.
Notably, the Labour Congress had previously raised concerns about aspects of the constitutional reform process and recommended broader consultations before major amendments were adopted.
To sum up, this latest appeal places additional attention on the next constitutional step, as public interest continues to grow over whether the President will assent to the Bill or consider calls from various stakeholders for further review and dialogue.