Freetown, 5th August 2026- As a way of strengthening inclusive governance, Sierra Leone’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has proposed an amendment to Section 61 of the 1991 Constitution, introducing new provisions that would require the President to consider regional balance, gender equity, and minority inclusion when making key appointments.
Speaking in the well of Parliament on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, Sesay tabled the proposal during debate on the Constitutional Amendment Bill. The suggested new sub‑section reads:
“In making appointments under Section 61, the President may give consideration, as far as practicable, to: a. the regional and district balance of the Republic; b. gender equity; and c. inclusion of minority groups.”
The amendment, if passed, would mark a significant shift in Sierra Leone’s governance framework, embedding principles of fairness and representation into the Constitution. The proposal reflects growing calls for political inclusivity, particularly in a country where regional and gender disparities have long shaped public debate.
Members of Parliament welcomed the proposal as part of broader constitutional reforms aimed at modernizing Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions. The debate highlighted the importance of ensuring that appointments reflect the diversity of the nation, while also balancing merit and competence.
The amendment comes amid ongoing discussions on electoral and governance reforms, including proposals for proportional representation and measures to strengthen accountability.
