President Julius Maada Bio has referred the Constitutional (Amendment) Bill to the Supreme Court for a judicial opinion, stressing the need for constitutional clarity and national consensus on the matter.
A government statement highlighted the President’s belief that any legislation impacting the country’s constitutional and democratic foundations should enjoy broad support. This unprecedented move underscores Bio’s commitment to handling significant national issues with care and transparency.
The Bill has prompted heated debates in Sierra Leone, with civil society groups, legal experts, and political figures voicing concerns about its impact on democracy. Tensions escalated in parliament, leading to the main opposition APC party MPs walking out after the Speaker declared the Bill passed, despite the government not securing the needed two-thirds majority from elected MPs.
Critics accuse President Bio of attempting to use the amendment to prolong his presidency and undermine the opposition’s prospects in the upcoming 2028 elections.
