By Joseph Momoh, Reporter, Daily Scope
Sierra Leone’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., has announced a comprehensive package of electoral and justice sector reforms aimed at enhancing democratic participation and improving legal processes for citizens residing abroad.
During the Civic Day Series held in the United States on Tuesday, AG Sesay revealed that these reforms will allow Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora to register and vote at embassies worldwide for the first time.
“Instead of making multiple trips home for registration, verification, and voting, you will soon be able to complete the entire process at the embassy,” he assured attendees.
However, AG Sesay emphasized that these reforms still require parliamentary approval and encouraged diaspora citizens to advocate for their lawmakers’ support.
In addition to the voting reforms, Sesay outlined updates to the Criminal Procedures Act (CPA), which will introduce specific timelines for case rulings and permit online submissions for motions and testimonies. These changes are designed to make justice more accessible for citizens living abroad.
Another significant initiative is the upcoming Mediation Bill, which aims to allow certain disputes to be resolved by trained mediators rather than through lengthy court processes. Sesay noted that surveys indicate up to 70% of Sierra Leoneans prefer mediation over litigation.
“These reforms reflect President Bio’s commitment to strengthening democracy and justice for Sierra Leoneans everywhere,” Sesay concluded.
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