By Davida Spaine Solomon
Freetown, 11th February 2026 – Parliament has moved to dispel confusion surrounding the Constitutional Amendments Bill 2025, outlining the precise steps and voting thresholds required before any change to Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution can become law.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press briefing, Hon. Abdul Sulaiman Marray‑Conteh, Chairman of Parliament’s Legislative Committee, emphasized that constitutional reform is a multi‑stage process designed to ensure transparency and public participation.
He explained that amendments begin with nationwide consultations, followed by the bill being gazetted twice before its formal introduction in Parliament. Pre‑legislative hearings may also be held to deepen citizen engagement.
Once tabled, the bill undergoes the First and Second Readings, then detailed scrutiny by the Legislative Committee. Findings are presented at the Third Reading, where the bill is debated before a final vote.
Hon. Marray‑Conteh confirmed that the Constitutional Amendments Bill 2025 has already completed its introduction and First Reading, with the Speaker directing the Legislative Committee to receive position papers from the public to guide deliberations.
Crucially, he stressed that the bill must secure a two‑thirds majority at both the Second and Third Readings to pass. For entrenched clauses, the hurdle is even higher: after parliamentary approval, they must also be ratified by citizens in a national referendum, again requiring a two‑thirds majority.
“The Constitution is clear, both entrenched and non‑entrenched clauses demand a two‑thirds majority in Parliament. But entrenched clauses go further, requiring the direct voice of the people through a referendum,” he said.
By clarifying the process, Parliament aims to promote transparency and build public trust as debate intensifies over the Constitutional Amendments Bill 2025.
