-Information Minister Allays Fears
By John Kelly Marah
The Government of Sierra Leone has firmly rejected any suggestion of a third-term presidential agenda for the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), reaffirming its commitment to constitutional democracy and the ongoing constitutional reform process.
Speaking at a press conference organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education on Jan. 27, 2026, at the Miatta Civic Center, Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah said the country is, for the first time, not consumed by speculation about a third presidential term.
He attributed this to President Julius Maada Bio’s “clear and unwavering respect” for the constitutional two-term limit, stressing that the president has made it unequivocally clear that no third-term agenda will be pursued under his leadership.
Minister Bah emphasized that the ongoing Constitutional Review Process is being conducted in the national interest and not to serve any political party or individual. He explained that the Bill currently before Parliament, tabled by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, focuses primarily on election-related reforms. Other constitutional proposals that require a national referendum, he said, will be introduced at a later stage.
Providing historical context, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay traced the push for constitutional reform to the 1999 Lomé Peace Accord, which recommended a review of the 1991 Constitution to prevent democratic regression. He also cited the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report as a key document that reinforced the call for comprehensive constitutional reform.
“These documents form the foundation of Sierra Leone’s longstanding quest for a constitution that reflects the will and aspirations of the people,” Sesay said.
He noted that successive governments have taken steps to implement these recommendations. The late President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah established the Peter Tucker Constitutional Review Committee, while former President Ernest Bai Koroma later set up the Justice Cowan Constitutional Review Committee to advance the process. Under President Bio’s leadership, Sesay said, the government is now implementing the Justice Cowan Committee’s recommendations, with limited and necessary modifications.
Highlighting the breadth of public participation, the Attorney General disclosed that the Justice Cowan Committee conducted more than 10,000 consultations nationwide, received over 150 position papers, held more than 80 expert engagements, and carried out over 180 stakeholder meetings. More than 70,000 consultation forms were distributed, over 20,000 hours of radio and television discussions were recorded, and the committee’s website recorded 40,960 visits.
The committee submitted its report in 2017, followed by the release of the first Government White Paper in June of that year.
Sesay explained that subsequent modifications to the White Paper were introduced to make certain socio-economic rights—such as women’s rights, healthcare and education—justiciable in the proposed new Constitution. Recommendations from the Tripartite Committee were also incorporated to strengthen inclusivity and public representation.
On specific constitutional provisions, the Attorney General clarified that the President and Vice President cannot be removed from office solely on the basis of losing party membership. Any removal, he said, must strictly follow the procedures outlined in Section 51 of the 1991 Constitution.
He also announced the proposed adoption of the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system, describing it as more cost-effective. According to him, the government saved approximately Le20 million between 2023 and 2025 by avoiding bye-elections, with the funds redirected to education, health and agriculture.
In addition, both the Tripartite Committee and the Constitutional Review Committee proposed reducing the presidential election threshold from 55 percent to 50 percent plus one vote. The proposal also requires presidential candidates to secure at least 20 percent of the votes in two-thirds of the country’s voting districts to ensure broad national appeal.
The proposed Constitution further allows independent candidates to contest the presidency, provided they are not members of any political party and can demonstrate substantial national and community support.
