Post a comment 
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has confirmed that Sierra Leone’s long-awaited constitutional review has entered the drafting stage, with completion targeted ahead of the 2028 national elections.
Sesay made the announcement on Saturday during the closing session of the National Civic Festival at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown, while responding to questions from participants.
He acknowledged the complexity of amending the country’s 1991 Constitution, stressing that constitutional reform requires time, technical expertise, and broad-based consultation.
“In this case, these processes do not take over 20 years. A country must gain enough experience to know how to complete such reforms effectively and for the better,” Sesay said.
Reflecting on past attempts, the Attorney General referenced the Tucker Constitutional Review Committee, noting that changes in government disrupted its work and prevented the process from being concluded.
“The transition in government meant that the calendar was never completed. It is not that the process was too expensive, but that broader consultation was required to reach agreement,” he added.
Sesay emphasized the importance of concluding the current review without waiting for another change in government. He also addressed concerns about the possibility of another constitutional review immediately after the 2028 elections, assuring citizens that the ongoing process is intended to deliver long-term stability.
Among the proposed reforms, the Attorney General announced plans to fix national election dates every five years on a Saturday, aimed at improving predictability and consistency in the electoral calendar.
“The proposal is to hold elections on a Saturday so that it works for everybody,” he said.
According to Sesay, the review process involves essential workers, constitutional experts, civil society organisations, and political parties, underscoring the government’s commitment to inclusivity and broad participation.
The announcement signals a renewed determination by the government to finalise a revised Constitution ahead of the 2028 elections, balancing expert input, citizen engagement, and political consensus.
