Freetown – Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, has praised Opposition Members of Parliament for what he called a powerful demonstration of unity, courage and commitment to defending Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution.
The remarks came after All People’s Congress (APC) MPs staged a walkout from the Chamber on Monday, 10 August 2026, during proceedings on the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The walkout followed the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, announcing his position on the voting procedure for aspects of the constitutional amendment process. The Speaker subsequently indicated that the matter would be referred to the Supreme Court for interpretation to clarify the constitutional and procedural questions that had arisen.
In a message of appreciation to his colleagues, Kargbo stressed that the action was not a boycott of Parliament but a principled stand against what the Opposition believes was a procedurally unconstitutional attempt to amend the Constitution.
“We did not boycott Parliament. Our position was a principled one,” Kargbo said. “We stood against what we believe was a procedurally unconstitutional attempt to amend the Constitution, and we did so to ensure that the constitutional requirements governing amendments are respected.”
He emphasised that Parliamentarians have a duty to uphold the Constitution, particularly the requirement of a two-thirds majority of all Members of Parliament for constitutional amendments under Section 108.
“Today, you stood together. You demonstrated unity. You demonstrated courage,” Kargbo told the MPs. “No force can divide us when we stand together for the people and for the Constitution.”
The Opposition Leader described the collective action as an effort to defend, rather than undermine, the integrity of Parliament and the Constitution that gives the institution its authority.
He noted that as Parliament goes into recess, MPs are expected to return when the House reopens in October to continue representing the people of Sierra Leone.
“We stand together. We remain united. And we will continue to stand for the people, for democracy, and for the Constitution of Sierra Leone,” he added.
The Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, has been the subject of intense debate in recent weeks. Key proposed changes include lowering the presidential victory threshold from 55 per cent of the national vote to a simple majority (50 per cent plus one) combined with at least 20 per cent of votes in two-thirds of the country’s districts, the introduction of proportional representation for parliamentary elections, a 30 per cent quota for women in political nominations, reforms to the Electoral Commission, and other governance provisions. The Bill draws from recommendations of the Justice Edmond Cowan Constitutional Review Committee and the Tripartite Committee process that followed the 2023 elections.
While the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has backed the reforms as necessary modernisation ahead of the 2028 elections, the APC has supported some provisions—such as greater inclusion for women and dual nationals, but raised strong objections to others, particularly those affecting electoral thresholds and procedures. Opposition MPs have repeatedly insisted that any amendment must strictly follow constitutional requirements, including the two-thirds majority threshold.
President Julius Maada Bio had, in a national address on Sunday, urged lawmakers to pass the Bill in the national interest. The referral of procedural questions to the Supreme Court now places the matter before the country’s highest court for determination.
Parliament is expected to resume sittings in October.
