By Musa Paul Feika
As Sierra Leone moves closer to the 2028 general elections, one question continues to dominate political discussions: Will the country hold a general election in 2028?
The question has gained attention following the tabling of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and Parliament’s expected consideration of the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee, which was established after the disputed 2023 general elections.
At present, there is no law or official announcement suggesting that the 2028 general elections will be postponed or cancelled. The 1991 Constitution provides that presidential, parliamentary and local council elections should be held every five years, unless exceptional constitutional circumstances apply, such as a state of public emergency.
The constitutional amendment process currently before Parliament seeks to reform several aspects of governance and the electoral system. Government officials have maintained that the proposed changes are intended to strengthen democracy, improve governance and implement commitments made under the Agreement for National Unity. They have repeatedly denied allegations that the reforms are designed to extend the tenure of the current government.
The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025, proposes changes affecting the electoral system, the composition of Parliament, the handling of election petitions and other constitutional provisions. Many of these proposals are linked to the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee.
The committee made 80 recommendations aimed at improving the country’s electoral process. These include strengthening the Electoral Commission, increasing transparency in election management, publishing electoral information on time and improving the way election disputes are handled.
As Parliament prepares to debate both the Constitutional Amendment Bill and the Tripartite Recommendations, the outcome of those deliberations is expected to determine the legal framework under which the 2028 elections would be conducted.
However, the reform process has attracted mixed reactions. Opposition parties, civil society organisations and legal experts have expressed different opinions on some of the proposed amendments, particularly those relating to the electoral system. While some believe the reforms are necessary to prevent a repeat of the disputes that followed the 2023 elections, others argue that such major changes should only be made after broad national consultation and consensus.
Development partners, including ECOWAS, the Commonwealth and the United Nations, have also encouraged Sierra Leone to implement the agreed reforms before the next general elections. They believe the reforms are important for strengthening democratic institutions, promoting transparency and increasing public confidence in the electoral process.
Based on the current constitutional position, Sierra Leone is expected to hold its general elections in 2028. There is no legal basis at present to conclude otherwise.
The bigger question is not whether elections will take place, but under what rules would they be conducted. Will Parliament pass the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025? Will the Tripartite Recommendations be fully implemented? Will political parties reach a common ground on the proposed reforms?
The answers to these questions will shape not only the conduct of the 2028 elections but also the future of Sierra Leone’s democracy.
As Parliament begins debating these important national issues, the eyes of the nation will be on lawmakers. Their decisions will influence public confidence in the electoral process and determine how prepared Sierra Leone will be for another democratic transition in 2028.