The Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC) has called for the immediate and instant suspension of the proposed Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act, 2025 Bill, warning that several of its provisions could trigger constitutional uncertainty and national instability if enacted without broader consultation.
In a comprehensive position paper signed by its Secretary General, Max K. Conteh, the Labour Congress expressed serious concerns over key proposed amendments to the Constitution of Sierra Leone, the Public Elections Act, and the Political Parties Act.
Founded in 1937, the SLLC is the umbrella body of 32 registered trade unions, representing over three million workers across Sierra Leone’s formal and informal sectors.
The Congress emphasized its longstanding non-partisan stance and its historical participation in constitutional review processes in the country since 1994.
However, the Labour Congress noted that it was not involved in the current review process initiated under the administration of President Julius Maada Bio, which has culminated in proposals to amend 18 sections of the 1991 Constitution and related electoral laws.
Among its strongest objections is the proposed shift from the constituency-based first-past-the-post system to proportional representation for the election of Members of Parliament.
The congress argued that proportional representation would weaken accountability, as Members of Parliament would become more beholden to party leadership than to specific constituencies.
“We firmly reject proportional representation and advocate for retaining the current constituency-based system,” the Congress stated, adding that the proposed changes would deny citizens the opportunity to scrutinize individual candidates on their merits.
The congress also raised alarm over proposals to hold general elections on the second Saturday of November. It warned that such timing could create a constitutional gap when the current presidential term expires in October 2028.
According to the SLLC, holding elections in November could potentially leave a vacancy in the Office of the President for at least 17 days, not accounting for possible run-offs or election petitions a scenario it described as capable of precipitating a constitutional crisis.
Beyond legal concerns, the congress described November elections as socially and economically disruptive, given end-of-year festivities, family travel, and diaspora visits. It proposed instead that presidential elections be held on the second Saturday of October, while parliamentary elections be conducted in January.
The SLLC further rejected the proposed inclusion of independent presidential candidates, arguing that such a move would raise regulatory challenges since the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) would have no authority over independent aspirants.
It also expressed concern over provisions that suggests de-registration of political parties, describing them as susceptible to political manipulation and that they are inconsistent with democratic principles.
In its overarching recommendations, the Labour Congress said the amendment process appears narrowly focused on political and electoral issues while neglecting broader constitutional matters such as human rights, the judiciary, state policy principles, and the police force.
The Congress warned that contradictions within the proposed amendments and inconsistencies with existing constitutional provisions could generate confusion and instability.
It therefore recommended that, the amendment process be put on hold a more holistic and inclusive national consultation be undertaken; and
Parliament resubmits the Bill to the government for broader review of the entire 1991 Constitution.
“The proposed amendments could precipitate a constitutional crisis with potentially devastating political consequences for the nation,” the statement cautioned.
As debate intensifies nationwide, the SLLC’s intervention adds a significant voice from the labour movement to the growing discourse surrounding constitutional reform in Sierra Leone.
See Letter below
20th February, 2026
The Director of Legislative Services
Parliament of Sierra Leone
Tower Hill
Freetown
Dear Sir,
RE: Sierra Leone Labour Congress’ Position on the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act, 2025 Bill
I bring you warm greetings from the membership and leadership of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC) and to respectfully thank you, Members of Parliament, the Clerk, the Speaker and staff for the tremendous work you all do in shaping the legislative, socio- economic and political development of the country.
In response to your public notice calling for position papers from the public on the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act, 2025 Bill presented to parliament by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the Sierra Leone Labour Congress hereby submits its position on the said bill.
We humbly request that our position be critically examined and recommendations therein are considered as it represents the views of over 3,000,000 workers in both the formal and informal economy of Sierra Leone.
Whilst looking forward to your cooperation, please accept the expressions of our kindest regards.
Yours faithfully,
For: Sierra Leone Labour Congress
………………………………………….….
Max K. Conteh
Secretary General
Cc: The Speaker of Parliament
The Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business The Opposition Leader
The Chairman, Legislative Committee
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice The Secretay General, SLPP
The Secretary General, APC
All Affiliates and International Partners
The Sierra Leone Labour Congress’ Position on the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act, 2025 Bill
The Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC)
The Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC) established in 1937 is the umbrella organization of trade unions in Sierra Leone with 32 affiliated registered Trade Unions. The SLLC operates and services workers in both the formal and informal sectors of the economy. At present, the SLLC membership is over 3,000,000 workers drawn from nearly every occupation in the formal and informal sectors of the economy.
The Sierra Leone Labour Congress has to date neither established any organic link nor adopted the principle of any political party. The primary goal of the SLLC still remains to be the pursuit of the socio-economic and political interests of workers. The SLLC coordinates their voice on political, socio-economic and other vital issues at both national and international levels. This non-partisan posture has over the years ensured greater unity within the movement and enhanced its credibility in the entire polity. This has proved to be an effective means for guaranteeing justice, social and political equity as well as achieving purposeful development particularly for the poorer and marginalized sections of society.
The SLLC is affiliated to the Organisation of Trade Unions for West Africa (OTUWA), the Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU), the Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Brussels), all of which are international organizations of workers working in solidarity to protect and promote the rights and general welfare of workers everywhere.
The Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC) acknowledges the longstanding national discourse surrounding the review of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone. The SLLC has historically been an active participant in this process, having represented the interests of Sierra Leonean workers in various constitutional review committees since 1994.
Our engagement began when the then National Provisional Ruling Council (NPRC) government initiated a review process, which the SLLC opposed on the grounds that the Constitution had not been sufficiently tested. Subsequent administrations, those of Presidents Ahmed Tejan Kabbah and Ernest Bai Koroma, also established constitutional review committees, in which the Labour Congress actively participated.
However, the SLLC notes that it was not involved in the current review process undertaken by the government of President Julius Maada Bio. This process has culminated in the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act, 2025 Bill, which proposes amendments to eighteen sections of the 1991 Constitution (Act No. 6 of 1991) and three consequential amendments to other related Acts.
Proposed Amendments Under Review:
The Bill proposes amendments to the following:
” The Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act, 2025: Sections 32, 34, 35, 38, 38A, 41,
42, 43, 49, 53, 54, 55, 74, 76, 85, 87, 155, 165.
” The Public Elections Act, 2022 (Act No. 17 of 2022): Sections 2 & 52.
” The Political Parties Act, 2022 (Act No. 25 of 2022): Section 21.
Detailed Observations and Proposals
The Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991 (Act No. 6 of 1991)
1. Amendment of Section 32: The SLLC accepts the new provisions of this section, with the exception of subsection (7)(b). We propose that any member appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve a full term of five years from the date of their appointment, irrespective of the predecessor’s unexpired term, and shall be eligible for re-appointment.
2. Amendment of Section 34(2)(d): The proposed wording creates ambiguity regarding the definition of the “private sector.” Furthermore, the provision for alternating representation between the Sierra Leone Labour Congress and the Chamber of Commerce is problematic. These two institutions have distinct mandates and constituencies and cannot be considered interchangeable. The Chamber of Commerce represents private business interests, which should not occupy a position intended for workers’ representation. The SLLC therefore proposes the removal of the Chamber of Commerce from this subsection.
3. Amendment of Section 34(2)(f) & (g): The terms “youth groups” and “women’s groups” are not sufficiently definitive. This lack of specificity leaves the provision open to manipulation and could result in the appointment of individuals who are not truly representative of or knowledgeable about the issues affecting these demographics. We recommend that the specific, credible, and established youth and women’s organizations to be represented be named in the provision.
4. Amendment of Section 35(2): The SLLC accepts this new provision.
5. Amendment of Section 38(1)(2)(5): The SLLC has serious concerns regarding the proposed shift to a proportional representation system for electing Members of Parliament. This system would deny citizens the opportunity to scrutinize individual candidates on their merits and would limit accountability, as MPs would be beholden to their party leadership rather than a specific constituency. We firmly reject proportional representation and advocate for retaining the current constituency-based, first-past-the-post system.
6. Amendment of Section 38A: We maintain that the existing Section 38 should remain unaltered.
7. Amendment of Section 41(b): The SLLC rejects the inclusion of the phrase “or is an independent candidate” in this subsection. We maintain that a presidential candidate must be nominated by a political party. Allowing independent candidates for the presidency raises a fundamental question: which body would regulate such a candidate, given that the Political Parties Regulatory Commission (PPRC) would have no authority over them?
8. Amendment of Section 42(1): The SLLC rejects this new provision and proposes that the original provision be maintained.
9. Amendment of Section 42(1) by adding paragraph (k): This proposed addition appears to contradict the spirit of the new Section 42(1)(i) in the same Bill. To ensure consistency and avoid unnecessary delays that could lead to uncertainty and, chaos, the SLLC proposes that any by-election for a President or Parliamentarian be held within 14 days, in line with the provision in Section 42(1)(i).
10. Amendment of Section 43: The SLLC raises two critical concerns with this amendment:
* Constitutional Crisis: The incumbent President’s term expires in October 2028. Holding the next presidential election on the second Saturday of November 2028 would seemingly create a vacancy in the office of the President for a period of at least 17 days, not including the time needed for a potential run-off or the resolution of any election petitions. Triggering an extension of tenure, a situation fraught with potential instability.
* Unsuitable Timing: Holding general elections in November is socially and economically disruptive. This period is marked by end-of-year festivities, family travel, and visits from the diaspora. Conducting national elections at this time would negatively impact the socio-economic well-being of the citizenry.
* Proposal: The SLLC opposes holding elections in November and proposes the second Saturday of October as a more suitable and less disruptive alternative.
11. Amendment of Section 49(1)(d): The SLLC views this new provision as a recipe for chaos. It could allow a political party to expel a sitting President, creating a scenario where the President rejects the expulsion, leading to national instability. We find the new provision irrelevant to the primary subject of a presidential vacancy and therefore reject this amendment.
12. Amendment of Section 53(5)(a): This new provision is concerning, as it could delay critical state appointments. For instance, if the Chief Justice were to resign or pass away, a swift appointment is constitutionally mandatory to constitute the Supreme Court for a presidential election petition. The SLLC recommends the retention of the other subsections while rejecting this new addition.
13. Amendment of Section 74(1)(b): This amendment, proposing proportional representation for MPs, repeats the concerns outlined in point 5. The SLLC rejects proportional representation and strongly supports retaining the constituency-based system to ensure accountability and effective representation.
14. Amendment of Section 76(a): While accepting the rest of the provision, the SLLC rejects the proposed change to paragraph (ii)(b)(ii). We insist that the current requirement for public officers to resign “at least 12 months before the date of the election” must remain. Reducing this period to six months would leave a candidate in a position where their official duties could be compromised by their political and campaign activities too close to the election.
15. Amendment of Section 85: The SLLC notes that this section is an entrenched clause, as defined by Section 108 of the 1991 Constitution, and therefore requires a referendum to be amended.
16. Amendment of Section 87(1): This amendment proposes holding general elections for Members of Parliament on the second Saturday of November. For the same socio-economic reasons stated in point 10, the SLLC opposes holding elections in November and proposes the second Saturday of January instead.
The Public Elections Act, 2022 (Act No. 17 of 2022)
17. Amendment of Section 2: of the Public Elections Act 2022 – the SLLC accepts the provision but subsection (a) (v) but must reviewed to read as: “is not a minister or deputy minister, a member of Parliament, a public officer and not below the age of 45 years or over the age of 65 years”
18. Amendment of Section 52, subsection 4(b): The SLLC rejects the proposal to hold a fresh presidential election within 60 days of a court’s determination following an election petition. This period is unnecessarily long. To ensure consistency and avoid prolonged uncertainty, we propose that such an election be held within 14 days, in line with the provision in Section 42(1)(i) of the Constitutional Amendment Bill.
The Political Parties Act, 2022 (Act No. 25 of 2022)
19. Amendment of Section 21 by adding subsection (3): This new provision, which allows for the deregistration of a political party, contravenes the intent of Section 21(a) & (b), which guarantees the right of parties to participate in shaping the political will of the people. It could also create room for the selective application of the law and political manipulation.
Overarching Recommendations
The Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act, 2025 Bill has generated extensive public debate. A significant portion of the citizenry believes that the proposed amendments are not only contradictory among themselves but also conflict with the existing constitution, creating confusion and the potential for instability.
The SLLC further observes that while successive governments have sought a comprehensive review of the entire 1991 Constitution, this has not been achieved. The current effort focuses narrowly on political and electoral matters, neglecting other vital areas of national importance such as human rights, fundamental state policies, the judiciary, and the police force.
Given the high likelihood that these proposed amendments could precipitate a constitutional crisis with potentially devastating political consequences for the nation, the Sierra Leone Labour Congress makes the following recommendations:
1. That the proposed amendment of the Constitution be put on hold.
2. That a more holistic and inclusive national consultation be undertaken to critically examine constitutional reform from a broader national perspective, rather than from a narrow political standpoint.
3. That parliament re-send the Constitution (Amendment) Act 2025 bill to government for further consultations and review of the entire 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone.
Signed by:
For: Sierra Leone Labour Congress
…………………………….
Max K. Conteh
Secretary General