Freetown, 12th August, 2026 – The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) has expressed deep concern over the manner in which Parliament passed the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, describing the process as constitutionally troubling and procedurally inconsistent.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, ILRAJ said the Bill’s passage on August 10 violated Section 108(2)(b) of the 1991 Constitution, which requires a two‑thirds majority of all Members of Parliament for any constitutional amendment. The group argued that the Speaker’s decision to declare the Bill passed by a simple majority, while simultaneously referring the voting threshold to the Supreme Court for interpretation, created “a constitutional fait accompli.”
“If the uncertainty was grave enough to warrant Supreme Court intervention, prudence and respect for the Constitution required that clarification be obtained before the Bill was declared passed,” ILRAJ said. “A safeguard consulted after the event is no safeguard at all.”
The institute also condemned reports that civil society representatives and citizens observing the proceedings were removed from Parliament on alleged security grounds. It called for a full and transparent explanation of the incident, insisting that “Parliament belongs to the people” and that constitutional amendments demand greater public scrutiny, not less.
ILRAJ urged all constitutional actors to refrain from taking irreversible steps while questions about compliance with Section 108 remain unresolved. It also called on the Supreme Court to demonstrate independence and “constitutional courage” when interpreting the matter.
Beyond procedural concerns, ILRAJ reiterated its reservations about key provisions in the Bill, including the permanent entrenchment of proportional representation and the reduction of the presidential election threshold from 55 percent to 50 percent plus one. However, it welcomed progressive measures such as the proposed 30 percent quota for women in political nominations.
“The Constitution belongs neither to Government nor Opposition, neither to Parliament nor Judiciary. It belongs to the people of Sierra Leone,” the statement concluded. “Those who exercise public power are bound to obey it.”
ILRAJ said it will continue monitoring developments and may support public interest litigation to defend constitutional safeguards and the sovereignty of the people.
