Parliament Adjourns Constitutional Amendment Bill Debate After Nearly 15-Hour Sitting

Parliament has adjourned debate on the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to Friday, 31 July 2026, after lawmakers concluded a marathon sitting that lasted nearly 15 hours.

The debate, which began at about 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 28 July, continued until approximately 1:56 a.m. on Wednesday, 29 July, with Members of Parliament from both the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) presenting their positions on the proposed constitutional reforms.

Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, who piloted the Bill through its Second and Third Readings, said the proposed amendments were drawn from the recommendations of the Justice Edmond Cowan Constitutional Review Committee and the Tripartite Committee.

He maintained that the proposed electoral reforms are already reflected in Sierra Leone’s legal framework and described the Bill as “not partisan, but generational,” arguing that the reforms are intended to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions and governance systems.

The Bill proposes wide-ranging constitutional reforms covering elections, governance, political parties, security institutions, and other aspects of Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution.

Following the adjournment, the Leader of the

Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, reiterated the opposition’s commitment to protecting the Constitution while making it clear that the APC is not opposed to constitutional reform in principle.

“Any genuine amendment should not be rushed on the eve of elections,” Kargbo said.

He noted that the opposition had participated in the constitutional review process and demonstrated its willingness to contribute to the proposed reforms.

“We are not entirely against this document. In fact, we have demonstrated willingness by participating in the compilation of this document,” he stated.

Kargbo also called on Parliament to uphold democratic principles throughout the constitutional reform process.

“Democracy is the will of the people. Sometimes, if you don’t have the numbers, give it up,” he said.

He further urged lawmakers to protect the country’s democratic values.

“Let’s not betray democracy because, if it were not for democracy, we would not have been in this Parliament,” he added.

Kargbo’s remarks came after the lengthy parliamentary session, during which both the Government and the Opposition advanced competing arguments over key provisions of the Bill, including proposed electoral reforms that have generated widespread public and political debate.

Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, adjourned the sitting to 10:00 a.m. on Friday, 31 July 2026, when Members of Parliament are expected to resume debate and continue consideration of the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill.

The continuation of the debate is expected to remain one of the country’s most closely watched political developments as lawmakers deliberate on reforms that could shape Sierra Leone’s constitutional and electoral framework for years to come.