The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) is on the verge of drastically reducing the number of delegates attending its national conventions if the draft constitution is endorsed at the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and National Delegates Conference.

During a recent validation and review session at the SLPP’s Koidu office, Kono District, the proposed amendments were critically examined by senior party officials, including the Deputy Minister of Public Administration and Public Affairs, Hon. Philip Tetema Tondoneh, and the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Tamba Lamina. Also in attendance were former and current Members of Parliament, along with Zonal, Constituency, District, and Regional executive officers.

One of the significant changes in the draft constitution is the reduction in the number of delegates. The fifty (50) former Members of Parliament who previously participated as delegates will now be reduced to ten (10). Additionally, the number of delegates from each Chiefdom will be cut to four.

The draft also reinforces the enforcement of 30% female representation in all key party positions. Saffia Leslie Moiwa, SLPP Kono District Chairman, emphasized the importance of reflecting the people’s voice in the document. He highlighted a new rule requiring that for every two delegates in an executive, one must be female, demonstrating the party’s commitment to inclusivity and accountability.

Mohamed Kamara, the Young Generation Leader for Kono District, praised the review process as transparent and consultative. He called for continued opportunities for young people in leadership roles and urged for the creation of an independent body to oversee elections within the party.

The review process, aimed at ensuring broad input from party members, is set to continue in all sixteen political districts across the country before the draft document is presented to the NEC and the National Delegates Conference.