Information Minister Dismisses Third-Term Claims Amid Constitutional Review

The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor Bah, has assured the public that there is no plan or agenda for a third-term presidency as the country’s Constitutional Review Process moves forward, describing the situation as unprecedented in Sierra Leone’s political history.

Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s weekly government press conference, Minister Bah said the absence of public debate around a third term reflects President Julius Maada Bio’s firm commitment to democratic principles.

“This is the first time we are going through a constitutional review without hearing noise about a third term,” Bah told journalists. “That is because the President has been firm in his respect for the two-term limit in the Constitution.”

He added that President Bio has consistently rejected any idea of extending presidential tenure.

“The President has made it abundantly clear that there will be no third-term agenda in this country,” Bah emphasized.

Providing further context, the Minister noted that past constitutional reform efforts were often accompanied by public suspicion that proposed changes could be used to prolong political leadership, sometimes triggering national tension.

“This process is not about any political party or individual,” he stressed. “It is about strengthening our democracy and making the Constitution work better for the people of Sierra Leone.”

Bah also explained that the bill recently presented to Parliament by the Attorney General focuses mainly on electoral matters, while other proposed reforms that require a referendum will be presented to the public at a later stage.

He assured that the government remains committed to transparency, public participation, and accountability throughout the constitutional review process.