Sierra Leone is facing growing debate over a proposed Amendment Act, 2025, which critics say could weaken the country’s hard-won multiparty democracy.
The amendment is part of a long-running constitutional review process stretching back almost 20 years. After the 1999 Lomé Peace Accord ended Sierra Leone’s decade-long civil war, successive governments pledged reforms to strengthen human rights, political inclusion, and the independence of democratic institutions. Despite multiple commissions and public consultations, progress has been slow, and the latest draft of the Amendment Act has sparked sharp criticism.
Opposition voices and analysts argue the bill could significantly centralize power. Femi Claudius-Cole, leader of the Unity Party, said the amendments “risk weakening electoral integrity, shrinking political space, and concentrating excessive power in regulatory bodies.” She warned that provisions allowing candidates from annulled elections to contest fresh polls and deregistration of parties that fail to win elections could entrench the two largest parties, leaving smaller political movements marginalized.
Adding to concerns, investigative journalist Chernor Alpha Bah, formerly of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has described the amendments as anti-democratic, warning on social media that they could allow the SLPP and APC to consolidate political dominance at the expense of minority voices. Bah called for Parliament, civil society, and citizens to scrutinize the bill carefully before it is enacted.
The All People’s Congress (APC), the country’s main opposition party, has yet to issue a formal position, though senior members have privately expressed concern that the reforms could further concentrate executive power.
Although the full text of the Amendment Act has not been published, reports suggest the review may include rules to deregister parties that fail to win two consecutive elections and discussions on adopting proportional representation for certain offices. Government officials maintain that the reforms are designed to modernize democratic institutions, reduce post-election disputes, and address gaps in existing laws.
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, recently engaged women in Bombali District, assuring them that the review process will be transparent and reflective of citizen input. Bah said a dedicated website will provide access to all proposed amendments and that the final constitution will be approved through a national referendum. Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, reiterated that the constitution belongs to the people and that President Julius Maada Bio is committed to completing the process in a way that reflects public will. Nationwide engagement programs are being rolled out to include women, youth, and marginalized groups in consultations.
Despite these assurances, key details of the Amendment Act remain undisclosed, and Parliament has not provided a timeline for formal debate. Civil society groups caution that the lack of transparency risks public mistrust and the perception that the amendments serve political interests rather than the broader citizenry.
Sierra Leoneans are now watching closely, balancing hopes for modernization of governance with fears that reforms could deepen inequality and weaken democratic accountability.
