By: Mohamed J. Bangura
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay has dismissed claims that the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, contains a proposal to extend the presidential term of office from five to seven years.
Speaking during an interview with Liberty Online TV on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, Sesay described the claims as false and misleading, emphasizing that no provision in the proposed constitutional amendments seeks to alter the current presidential term limit.
The Attorney General explained that although the amendment bill contains more than 20 proposed changes, public attention has largely focused on electoral-related issues, particularly the Proportional Representation (PR) system and the proposed restoration of the 50 percent plus one threshold required for a presidential candidate to win an election.
“At this stage, we are focusing on issues that are directly related to elections. We do not want to rush the constitutional review process. Our objective is to produce a constitution that will benefit every Sierra Leonean,” Sesay stated.
He reaffirmed that the constitutional review process is designed to be inclusive and participatory, allowing citizens and stakeholders to contribute to shaping a document that reflects the aspirations and interests of the nation.
According to Sesay, constitutional reform is a complex national undertaking that requires patience, dialogue and careful consideration.
“Constitution-making is a journey. It is not easy, and it is not always going to be smooth. This Constitution belongs to the people of Sierra Leone, and it should reflect their hopes and aspirations,” he said.
The Attorney General encouraged Members of Parliament to carefully examine the proposed amendments and support changes that promote national development, democratic stability and good governance, rather than relying on misinformation.
Providing historical background, Sesay noted that discussions on reviewing the 1991 Constitution intensified following the end of Sierra Leone’s civil war. He explained that the need for constitutional reform was highlighted in the Lomé Peace Agreement, while the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) later recommended a comprehensive review to ensure that the Constitution reflected the views and aspirations of Sierra Leoneans.
He recalled that previous administrations contributed to the reform process, including the establishment of the Peter Tucker Constitutional Review Committee by former President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah and the Justice Edmond Cowan Constitutional Review Committee by former President Ernest Bai Koroma.
Sesay said the administration of President Julius Maada Bio remains committed to completing the constitutional reform process started by previous governments, with the aim of creating a modern, inclusive and people-centred Constitution.
“I know many people have suggested that the bill contains a proposal to extend the presidential term to seven years, but I can state categorically that there is no such provision in our constitutional amendment bill,” he emphasized.
The clarification comes amid ongoing public discussions surrounding the proposed amendments. The government maintains that the reform process is intended to strengthen democratic institutions, promote national unity and deliver a constitution that reflects the long-term interests and aspirations of the people of Sierra Leone.