FREETOWN, July 30, 2026 – The National Consortium on Public Accountability (NCPA), a coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), has called on the Speaker of Parliament to suspend deliberations on the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2025, citing the need for wider public consultation, civic education, and stakeholder engagement before the legislation advances further.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the consortium said its review of the bill revealed several provisions that have generated significant public concern and require broader national discussion.
According to the group, constitutional reforms should be driven by transparency, inclusiveness, and informed public participation to ensure that citizens fully understand the implications of the proposed changes.
The NCPA noted that while the bill seeks to reform Sierra Leone’s electoral and governance framework, some of its provisions could have far-reaching consequences for democratic accountability, political stability, and national cohesion. The consortium stressed that Parliament, civil society organizations, and the media have a responsibility to ensure that any constitutional amendment stands the test of time and reflects the aspirations of the people.
Among the key concerns raised by the consortium is the proposal to reduce the presidential election threshold from 55 percent to a simple majority of 50 percent plus one vote. The group argued that the current threshold encourages presidential candidates to seek support across regional and political divides, while the proposed change could deepen political polarization and weaken national unity.
The consortium also expressed opposition to the introduction of independent presidential candidates, warning that the move could fragment the political landscape and create opportunities for wealthy individuals to exert disproportionate influence in national politics. Additionally, it criticized provisions relating to election petition timelines, describing the proposed deadlines as too restrictive and potentially detrimental to access to justice.
Another major point of contention is the continued use of the Proportional Representation (PR) system. The NCPA argued that the system weakens constituency representation by shifting power away from voters and placing greater control in the hands of political party leadership. The consortium also raised concerns about a proposal that would allow the deregistration of political parties that fail to achieve electoral success in two consecutive elections, describing it as a threat to democratic pluralism.
The group further objected to the proposed change of the general election date to November, arguing that it could disrupt the festive season and complicate electoral preparations. It called for the retention of the traditional election period around March or April, which it considers more practical and less disruptive.
Concluding its statement, the NCPA urged Members of Parliament to carefully scrutinize the bill and ensure that any constitutional reforms strengthen rather than weaken Sierra Leone’s democratic gains. The consortium announced plans to launch a nationwide sensitization campaign and hold regional press conferences to educate the public on both the merits and demerits of the proposed amendments.
