By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, has referred a key constitutional matter to the Supreme Court to determine the legal threshold required for passing the Constitution of Sierra Leone Amendment Bill.
Delivering a ruling on the floor of the House, the Speaker said parliamentary decisions are generally guided by Section 91(1) of the 1991 Constitution, which provides for passage by a simple majority of members present and voting.
He noted that Section 108, which requires a two-thirds majority, applies specifically to entrenched clauses listed under that provision, or in instances where an entirely new constitution is being enacted.
Citing Section 94(2) of the Constitution, the Speaker said he was seeking an authoritative interpretation from the Supreme Court on the applicable voting requirement. The Court has been given three months to provide its opinion to Parliament.
Following the ruling and the referral, Parliament was adjourned to October 29, 2026.
The referral comes amid ongoing debate over how amendments to the Constitution should be processed, with lawmakers divided on whether a simple majority or a two-thirds majority is constitutionally sufficient.
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