Post a comment 
Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh has defended Sierra Leone’s ongoing constitutional reform process, describing the amended Constitution as an “inclusive, progressive, state-of-the-art, global and democratic product.”
Speaking on the ongoing debate surrounding the constitutional reforms, Dr Sengeh clarified that he is an engineer and data scientist, not a lawyer, and serves as a Cabinet Minister in the Executive, rather than as a Member of Parliament in the Legislature.
“What I truly am is a Sierra Leonean, a proud Sierra Leonean who truly believes in progress. Progress must come with change, and after 30 years of process, we have made a progressive change to our 1991 Constitution,” he stated.
Dr Sengeh said that while he has observed various views and debates surrounding the constitutional reforms, much of the discussion has not questioned the substance of the reforms or whether the outcome adequately reflected the views of citizens, organisations and Parliament.
He said this was why he was proud of the product being shaped through the reform process, highlighting five key features of the amended Constitution.
According to Dr Sengeh, the constitutional changes are the result of 30 years of consultations and engagements involving various arms of government and civil society organisations.
He further noted that the electoral reforms followed engagements with the main opposition parties through the recent Tripartite Committee process, which he led as Chief Negotiator.
“Many wanted these laws to pass. Everyone shared their views extensively. And deep down, beyond closed doors, the majority are happy,” he stated.
Dr Sengeh said the constitutional changes approved by Parliament are designed to promote greater representation of women, persons living with disabilities and other diverse groups in Parliament.
He explained that Proportional Representation would provide opportunities for women to secure parliamentary seats and give minority groups greater assurance of representation, while also reducing what he described as the chaos associated with by-elections.
He added that the recommendations also require the President to consider factors such as region and gender when appointing members of government.
The Chief Minister also defended changes to the presidential election threshold.
He argued that Sierra Leone was the only country in Africa requiring a presidential candidate to secure 55 percent of the vote in the first round to be elected, describing the provision as a “bad law.”
According to him, the constitutional review process and the Tripartite Committee Report both recommended removing the requirement.
“It cost us money, chaos and much worse. We were not trendsetters; we were just the last to update our election laws,” he said.
Dr Sengeh further highlighted the provisions allowing Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora with multiple citizenship, as well as persons born abroad to Sierra Leonean parents, to be eligible to serve as Ministers and Members of Parliament.
He said the changes recognise the increasingly interconnected nature of the world and open opportunities for more Sierra Leoneans abroad to contribute to national development.
“We all live in a global village, and this Constitution has opened the doors to more Sierra Leoneans to serve. One country, one people,” he stated.
The Chief Minister also described the constitutional reform process as evidence of Sierra Leone’s democratic environment, pointing to the independence of the Legislature, Judiciary and Executive.
He said the ongoing public debate and participation in the reform process demonstrate the level of freedom available to citizens to express their views.
“It is not a privilege but a right we all have. Nothing states that we must all always agree, but our views must be heard. So yes, democracy is well alive in Sierra Leone,” he stated.
Dr Sengeh acknowledged that the process leading to the reforms over the past 30 years may not have been smooth, but maintained that it has been democratic.
He concluded by expressing confidence that, once signed by President Julius Maada Bio, whom he described as the “Father of Democracy,” the Constitution would represent an inclusive, progressive, state-of-the-art, global and democratic product.
He also disclosed that further changes are expected, assuring citizens that more reforms are forthcoming.
“Finally, there are more changes coming, and I guarantee that together #WeWillDeliver,” Dr Sengeh stated.
