CHRDI Lambasts SLPP

The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has issued a strong caution of the country’s constitution al reforms describing it as a risk undermining health competition and could have the tendencies to act as a ‘Trapdoor’ rather than enhancing democracy.

Making his statement, CHRDI called for an urgent amendments to the draft constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act of 2025, pointing on provisions which could sideline independent presidential candidates and erode multiparty democracy. The organization highlights requirements for independent presidential candidates’ including proof of financial capacity and community support.

It also pointed out a separate proposal to deregister political parties that fail to win two consecutive national elections-a measure CHRDI describes as undemocratic and a threat to multiparty democracy. It further calls for an extension of the period for filling, hearing and determining presidential, election petitions to at least 20 working days, arguing that the current proposed timeframe is ‘unrealistic’ and undermines access to justice potentially fuelling post-election disputes.

While welcoming positive element s in the reform package such as proposed 30% gender quota and precise election timetable.

It also maintains that unresolved structural issues such as centralization of power and institutional distrust continue to threaten stability.

CHRDI warns that failure to implement the needful would risk eroding public trust, heightening the insecurity and damaging the nation democratic pillars.