By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
Sulaiman Baja Tejan-Sie Esq., the former National Secretary General of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), has raised alarms over the expedited nature of the ongoing constitutional review process in Sierra Leone. During a recent media engagement, Tejan-Sie argued that the current timeline does not allow adequate public education or consensus regarding potential constitutional changes.
“The approach is too rushed at this stage,” Tejan-Sie stated. “We should allow more time for citizens to grasp the implications of these reforms properly.” He proposed aiming for a more deliberate timeline, suggesting that by 2028 coinciding with the next general elections Sierra Leoneans will be better equipped to vote not only for their leaders but also on a new Constitution.
Tejan-Sie emphasized that constitutional reform should prioritize the national interest rather than political expediency. “The Constitution is foundational; it must encapsulate the collective rights and aspirations of all Sierra Leoneans, rather than serving the interests of a particular political faction,” he asserted.
His comments reflect widespread concerns among civic advocates and legal experts who believe that genuine constitutional reform must be rooted in public understanding and national consensus. Critics of the government’s push for swift amendments warn that hasty changes could erode public trust, leading to reforms perceived as lacking legitimacy and failing to tackle underlying governance issues.
“This is about the national interest, not political gain,” Tejan-Sie concluded, urging a more thorough public dialogue ahead of any constitutional referendum.
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