Labour Congress Challenges Parliament’s Constitutional Bill, Turns to President Bio

The Sierra Leone Labour Congress has urged President Julius Maada Bio not to assent to the Constitutional Amendment Bill recently passed by Parliament, citing concerns over several provisions and what it described as widespread public opposition.

In a letter to President Bio, the Labour Congress said the Bill had generated “widespread public resentment” and called on him to return it to Parliament for reconsideration.

The Congress said its concerns were heightened by Parliament’s alleged failure to consider position papers submitted by religious organisations, civil society groups, other interest groups and the Labour Congress itself, arguing that disregarding such submissions undermines public participation in constitutional reform and weakens confidence in democratic governance.

The organisation also expressed concern that some provisions could affect citizens’ ability to freely elect their parliamentary representatives. It argued that the Bill could shift the responsibility for determining parliamentary representation from voters to political parties, which it described as contrary to democratic principles and the sacrifices Sierra Leoneans have made to protect their right to self-determination and hold elected representatives accountable.

“We humbly request the Bill back to Parliament for reconsideration in light of the overwhelming reservation by the people,” the Congress said.

The Labour Congress said it had attached its position paper to the letter, detailing its recommendations and concerns, and expressed confidence that President Bio would consider its concerns before making a decision on the Bill.

The appeal comes amid ongoing public debate over the proposed constitutional reforms and concerns raised by various groups about aspects of the Bill.