Former National Secretary General of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Suliaman Baja Tejan-Sie Esq., has cautioned against what he describes as a hasty approach to the ongoing constitutional review process, urging authorities to prioritise national interest over political considerations.
Speaking on the proposed constitutional reforms, Tejan-Sie said the process requires more time to allow for proper public education and national consensus-building. According to him, constitutional reforms should not be driven by short-term political interests but by the long-term needs of the country.
“The process is too hasty for a constitutional review at this time, and I think we should give it more time to properly educate the people,” he stated. “By 2028, the people will be in a better position not only to vote for their new leaders, but also to vote for a new Constitution.”
Tejan-Sie emphasised that a national constitution must reflect the collective will of the people and not the agenda of any political group. He warned that approaching constitutional reform through a political lens could undermine public confidence in the process and weaken democratic governance.
“When it comes to the Constitution, the national interest must take precedence. We should not look at the Constitution with a political lens,” he added.
The former SLPP executive noted that widespread civic education and inclusive consultations are critical to ensuring that citizens fully understand the implications of proposed changes. He argued that a delayed but well-informed process would produce a stronger, more legitimate constitutional framework.
His comments come amid growing public debate over proposed amendments to Sierra Leone’s constitutional order, with legal experts, politicians, and civil society groups expressing differing views on the scope, timing, and intent of the reforms.
The constitutional review process remains a key national issue, with the government maintaining that reforms are necessary to modernise governance, while critics continue to call for caution, inclusivity, and broad-based consensus.
