By: Mohamed J. Bangura
The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has pledged to respect and abide by the eventual ruling of the Supreme Court on the ongoing constitutional amendment dispute, regardless of the outcome.
SLPP stalwart Jimmy Batilo Songa gave the assurance on Thursday, October 8, 2026, during an interview at the Supreme Court in Freetown, where proceedings continued in cases challenging aspects of Parliament’s handling of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Songa said the SLPP believes the parliamentary process leading to the proposed constitutional amendments was properly followed. However, he acknowledged that the Supreme Court is the appropriate institution to determine the legal questions before it.
“We believe in the rule of law,” Songa said, stressing that the party would be guided by the Court’s eventual decision.
He said the SLPP’s position reflects its respect for Sierra Leone’s constitutional institutions and democratic principles.
The cases before the Supreme Court have attracted public and political attention, as they concern the interpretation and application of constitutional provisions governing the passage of amendments.
One of the key issues before the Court is the interpretation of Section 108 of the 1991 Constitution, particularly the parliamentary requirements for passing constitutional amendments.
Songa said political parties and Members of Parliament participated in the parliamentary proceedings before aspects of the process were challenged in court. He also referred to the withdrawal of some opposition lawmakers during the proceedings as part of the events that preceded the legal challenges.
However, he declined to comment on the substantive legal questions before the Court, saying it was for the judiciary to determine whether the constitutional requirements had been satisfied.
The Supreme Court has already addressed several preliminary issues arising from the cases, including an objection concerning an application to consolidate three related matters.
The Court has also allowed the Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice to participate in the matter as an amicus curiae, enabling the institution to provide relevant legal perspectives to the Court.
Songa said the SLPP would wait for the Supreme Court’s final determination and respect whatever decision is handed down.
He maintained that accepting a judicial decision, even when it does not favour a particular political position, is an important part of strengthening democracy and the rule of law.
The ongoing proceedings have renewed attention on constitutional compliance, separation of powers and the role of the judiciary in resolving disputes involving Parliament and constitutional processes.
Songa said political debate should not override the authority of the courts to interpret the Constitution.
The eventual ruling is expected to provide judicial guidance on the legal questions before the Court and may have implications for the disputed constitutional amendment process.