By Joseph Momoh, Staff Reporter
As Sierra Leone approaches its general election, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay has outlined the timeline for a proposed new constitution and the accompanying referendum.
In response to inquiries about the possibility of holding the referendum alongside the upcoming elections, Sesay indicated that the Constitutional Review Committee is assessing what is feasible for the country while expediting the drafting process.
He noted that the review process has been divided into two parts. The first phase addresses electoral reforms, incorporating proposals from the white paper and recommendations from the Tripartite Committee. These documents have been drafted and will soon be gazetted for public notice. They are expected to be the first items for parliamentary consideration when sessions reconvene in 2026.
As the committee continues its work, it aims to evaluate additional proposals that involve both entrench and non-entrench provisions in the constitution. Sesay emphasized that once these changes are implemented, the document will no longer be recognized as the 1991 constitution but will represent a completely new constitution.
Instead of presenting merely the entrench provisions in the referendum, the committee plans to pose a single yes-or-no question regarding the new constitution to the electorate.
In closing, Sesay confirmed that the country will have a new constitution before President Bio’s tenure concludes, ensuring that active discussions with relevant stakeholders will shape the appropriate timeline for this pivotal transition.
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