1 Comment 
Former Secretary General of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Sulaiman Bajan Tejan Sie, has expressed concern over what he termed the growing concentration of power in the executive arm of government, warning that such dominance could weaken democratic institutions in Sierra Leone.
Speaking on constitutional governance, Tejan Sie said the 1991 Constitution clearly defines the roles and limits of the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, and stressed the need for strict adherence to the principle of separation of powers.
He noted that the Judiciary serves as a vital check on both the Executive and Parliament to ensure that state institutions operate within the law. According to him, in many democratic countries, Chief Justices are appointed from the highest courts and typically possess extensive legal experience.
Tejan Sie, however, argued that in Sierra Leone, individuals can be elevated to the position of Chief Justice from lower courts or without what he considers adequate years of legal practice. He further claimed that the removal or replacement of such officials without sufficient public explanation undermines transparency and judicial independence.
“The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It establishes separation of powers to guarantee mutual respect and adherence to the rule of law,” he stated.
He cautioned that while democratic systems may appear functional, they become vulnerable when institutions are weakened or overly influenced by the Executive. He warned that unchecked executive authority could gradually erode institutional independence.
Tejan Sie therefore called for a recalibration of executive powers to ensure balance among the three arms of government. He also advocated for stronger institutional support for electoral management bodies, emphasizing the need for independence and impartiality in the conduct of elections.
“The Electoral Commissioner must be able to carry out duties fairly and impartially, regardless of who appointed them or any external instructions,” he said.
He concluded by urging national stakeholders to prioritize constitutional compliance and strengthen democratic institutions to safeguard Sierra Leone’s democracy.
The Govt (APC) White Paper of 2017 on the Justice Cowan’s Constitutional Review Report upheld the supreme executive powers of the President. So does the Govt (SLPP) White paper of 2021. Same for many other provisions regarding the powers of the President. So both the APC and the SLPP are oppose to curtailing the powers of the President. What then must the people do?