FREETOWN — The opposition All People’s Congress (APC) has renewed its criticism of the proposed 2025 Constitutional Amendment, warning that the move could undermine democratic fairness and national cohesion.
Addressing a press conference at the party’s headquarters, APC National Secretary General, Lansana Dumbuya Esq., accused the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) of pursuing constitutional reforms that, in his view, favour the incumbent government at the expense of broad-based consensus.
Dumbuya questioned the government’s continued push for policy frameworks that he said lack nationwide agreement, citing the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system as a key example.
He argued that the system was adopted without sufficient consultation and in a manner inconsistent with the spirit of the country’s Constitution.
According to him, repeated changes to the supreme law risk weakening democratic principles, the rule of law, and public trust.
The APC official also expressed dissatisfaction with institutions mandated to promote peace and political fairness.
He claimed the National Peace Commission has not adequately advised against actions that could heighten political tension, while the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) has remained largely inactive in holding political actors to account.
Dumbuya cautioned that sustained political pressure on the opposition through what he described as unfair legal and administrative measures could threaten stability, stressing that restraint should not be misinterpreted as complacency. He noted, however, that protecting democracy is a shared national responsibility that extends beyond political leaders.
Calling for unity, he urged citizens and party supporters to actively defend constitutional order, democratic values, and peace, emphasizing that the issues at stake go beyond party politics.
The APC reiterated its commitment to peaceful engagement, dialogue, and constitutional governance, while maintaining that it will continue to oppose reforms it believes are driven by narrow political interests rather than the national good.
