Justice Minister Alpha Sesay Proposes Ban on Convicted Offenders Contesting for Parliament
Sahid Bangura Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has proposed a constitutional amendment that would disqualify individuals convicted of certain serious offences from contesting parliamentary elections, even after serving their prison terms.
Presenting the proposal before Parliament, Sesay said the amendment seeks to strengthen the integrity and credibility of Sierra Leone’s legislative body by preventing persons convicted of specified crimes from seeking election as Members of Parliament.
“Mr Speaker, under disqualification, we have also proposed a list of offences for which, if an individual has been convicted and has served a jail term, those offences become disqualifying factors for that individual to run for Parliament,” he stated.
The proposed disqualifying offences include treason, murder or manslaughter, rape or sexual penetration, fraud, corruption, offences involving dishonesty, and election-related offences. The amendment would also apply to any other related offence that carries a prison sentence exceeding twelve months.
Sesay further explained that the proposal preserves the constitutional right of affected individuals to appeal their convictions. He emphasised that the amendment is not intended to undermine due process, but rather to ensure that persons seeking public office meet high standards of integrity and public trust.
According to the Justice Minister, the proposed changes form part of broader constitutional reforms aimed at enhancing accountability and strengthening democratic governance in Sierra Leone. The proposal is expected to be considered by Parliament as discussions on the constitutional amendment process continue.