Labour Congress Appeals to President Bio Not to Assent to Constitutional Amendment Bill

The Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC) has formally appealed to President Julius Maada Bio not to assent to the Constitutional Amendment Bill recently passed by Parliament, citing widespread public concern over several provisions contained in the legislation.

In a letter dated 13 August 2026 and addressed to President Bio at State House in Freetown, the Labour Congress said the Bill had generated significant resentment among members of the public and urged the President to return it to Parliament for further consideration.

The Congress expressed particular concern over what it described as the failure of Parliament to adequately consider position papers submitted by religious organisations, civil society organisations (CSOs), the Labour Congress and other interest groups during the constitutional amendment process.

According to the Labour Congress, the disregard of these submissions undermines the participatory nature of constitutional reform and could weaken public confidence in democratic governance.

The organisation further raised concerns over provisions it believes could affect the right of citizens to freely elect their representatives in Parliament.

The Labour Congress argued that the Bill effectively transfers an important aspect of the people’s electoral sovereignty to political parties, rather than allowing citizens to exercise their choice directly.

It described this as an affront to democratic principles and to the sacrifices made by Sierra Leoneans in securing their rights to self-determination and accountability from elected representatives.

“Accordingly, we humbly request Your Excellency to remit the Bill back to Parliament for reconsideration in light of the overwhelming reservation by the people,” the Labour Congress stated.

The Congress also informed President Bio that it had attached its detailed position paper on the Constitutional Amendment Bill, outlining its recommendations and concerns.

The Labour Congress said it remained hopeful that the President would consider its appeal and use his constitutional authority to safeguard what it described as the democratic rights and interests of Sierra Leoneans.

The appeal comes amid heightened public and political debate over the Constitutional Amendment Bill following its passage in Parliament.