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Parliament continued deliberations on the Constitutional Amendment Bill on Thursday, with Members of Parliament from the governing Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) remaining deeply divided on several key provisions.
The debate, now extended until Friday, reflects ongoing disagreements on major constitutional reforms intended to shape the country’s governance and electoral framework.
Here are the three principal issues under discussion.
1. Presidential Election Threshold
The Proposal: Retain the existing requirement that a presidential candidate must secure more than 50 per cent of valid votes cast to be declared elected.
The Debate: APC lawmakers oppose the provision, arguing it requires further scrutiny and broader consensus. SLPP members defend it as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s democratic framework.
2. Appointment of Search and Nominations Committee
The Proposal: Establish a new procedure for appointing members of the Search and Nominations Committee.
The Debate: APC members argue the proposed procedure requires further scrutiny and consensus-building. SLPP members express support for the reform.
3. Adoption of Proportional Representation (PR) Electoral System
The Proposal: Replace the current first-past-the-post system with a Proportional Representation electoral system.
The Debate: APC lawmakers oppose the adoption of PR, calling for further consultation. SLPP members defend it as a reform to strengthen the country’s constitutional framework.
What Happens Next
The differing positions have prevented Parliament from reaching a consensus on the disputed clauses, prompting lawmakers to continue deliberations when the House resumes on Friday.
The outcome of the ongoing debate is expected to play a significant role in determining the final content of the Constitution Amendment Bill before it proceeds through the remaining stages of the legislative process.
