AYV News, August 13, 2026
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has expressed concern over the controversy and uncertainty surrounding Parliament’s consideration of the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2025, urging political actors and citizens to remain calm and respect constitutional processes.
In an official statement signed by SLAJ National Secretary General Edward Farah Marrah, the association noted that media houses across the country provided extensive platforms for politicians, political commentators, legal experts and other stakeholders to debate, scrutinise and discuss the proposed constitutional amendments.
SLAJ said the engagement held at Tokeh had further raised hopes that the process would promote broad-based dialogue and produce an outcome capable of commanding public confidence and serving the best interests of Sierra Leone.
According to the association, the parliamentary proceedings culminated in the withdrawal of the All People’s Congress (APC) from the Chamber, after which the Bill was put to a vote and received the number of votes announced by Parliament.
The outcome has since generated significant public debate, particularly over the interpretation and application of provisions of the 1991 Constitution concerning the required two-thirds majority for constitutional amendments.
SLAJ welcomed the Speaker of Parliament’s decision to refer the relevant constitutional question to the Supreme Court for interpretation, describing the move as consistent with the principles of constitutional governance and the rule of law.
The association urged all political actors, institutions and citizens to respect and abide by the Court’s eventual determination.
“As an organisation committed to democracy, the rule of law and constitutional governance, SLAJ welcomes this recourse to the Court and urges all political actors, institutions and citizens to respect and abide by the Court’s eventual determination,” the statement said.
SLAJ maintained that constitutional amendments of such national importance should, as far as possible, command broad public understanding, confidence and participation.
The association acknowledged that political differences are an essential part of democratic life but stressed that disagreements must be managed through dialogue, lawful constitutional processes and respect for democratic institutions.
SLAJ has called on all political parties and stakeholders to exercise restraint and refrain from actions or rhetoric that could heighten political tensions or undermine public confidence in the country’s constitutional institutions.
The association further urged political actors to place the national interest above partisan considerations and preserve the peace, tolerance and national cohesion that Sierra Leoneans have worked to build.
SLAJ also commended media houses and journalists across the country for their extensive and sustained coverage of the parliamentary process.
The association said journalists played an important role in keeping citizens informed through coverage of the debates, proceedings and eventual vote.
It described the coverage as further evidence of the indispensable role of a free, independent and professional media in promoting transparency, accountability and informed public participation in democratic governance.
SLAJ urged the media to continue providing citizens with accurate, fair and contextual information as the constitutional question proceeds through the appropriate legal and democratic processes.
SLAJ President, Alhaji Manika Kamara, said constitutional reform should not be reduced to a political contest between winners and losers.
“Constitutional reform must ultimately be about more than winning or losing a political contest. It must strengthen the institutions, rights and democratic principles that every Sierra Leonean, regardless of political affiliation, will depend upon today and for generations to come.”
He added that Sierra Leone’s constitutional democracy belongs to all its citizens and that every reform process must ultimately serve the people and the nation.
SLAJ’s statement comes as public attention remains focused on the parliamentary outcome and the constitutional questions surrounding the passage of the Amendment Bill, with the association urging all stakeholders to prioritise peace, dialogue, constitutionalism and national cohesion.
