Freetown – Sierra Leone’s Parliament has passed the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, following a dramatic and highly contested sitting marked by sharp disagreement over the voting threshold required for constitutional changes.
The All People’s Congress (APC) Parliamentary Caucus, led by Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo, walked out of the Chamber in protest after Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas ruled on the applicable majority. APC MPs insisted that Section 108 of the 1991 Constitution requires any constitutional amendment to secure the support of not less than two-thirds of all Members of Parliament (at least 100 votes out of 149). The ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) side maintained that the threshold did not apply in the manner claimed for the proceedings under consideration.
Despite the walkout and the ensuing controversy, Parliament proceeded with the consideration and passage of the Bill.
The legislation introduces several major reforms. It lowers the presidential election victory threshold from 55 per cent to 50 per cent plus one vote, while requiring a successful candidate to also secure at least 20 per cent of the votes in two-thirds of the country’s districts. It makes proportional representation the permanent system for electing ordinary Members of Parliament and embeds a constitutional minimum 30 per cent quota for women in political nominations at national and local levels.
President Julius Maada Bio had earlier addressed Parliament, urging lawmakers to approve the Bill. He described it as the completion of a constitutional reform process that began with the 1999 Lomé Peace Agreement and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and continued through the Justice Edmond Cowan Constitutional Review Committee and subsequent consultations.
While opposing key provisions such as the reduced presidential threshold and permanent proportional representation, the APC has indicated support for other elements, including the women’s quota and measures expanding political inclusion for dual citizens.
Parliament has now been adjourned to 29 October 2026.
The Bill still requires presidential assent and, for certain entrenched provisions, may face further constitutional steps including possible referendum requirements under Section 108.
