In a decisive push toward deepening democratic governance and legal reform, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to an inclusive and citizen-driven constitutional review process, while simultaneously spearheading efforts to advance electoral reforms in partnership with key international stakeholders.
At a recent high-level meeting in Freetown, held at the Guma Building, Attorney General Alpha Sesay, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Justice, Saptieu Elizabeth Saccoh, met with representatives from International IDEA and NgoloKatta, Head of the Tripartite Implementation Secretariat. The engagement focused on establishing a clear and inclusive roadmap for implementing priority recommendations from the Tripartite Committee on electoral reform.
Among the key proposals discussed were the introduction of fixed election dates, expansion of civic education and the strengthening of electoral transparency and accountability. These measures are intended to enhance public trust in democratic institutions and reinforce Sierra Leone’s commitment to credible, transparent elections.
Alpha Sesay underscored the importance of public involvement in shaping electoral laws, stressing that reform must be rooted in citizen participation. “We are committed to a process that reflects the voice and will of the people,” he affirmed. “Reforming electoral legislation is not merely about legal text; it is about restoring faith in the democratic process.”
As part of broader national outreach, the Attorney General also took the reform message to the people of Sierra Leone, participating in a Civic Education Town Hall hosted by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education. Speaking directly to citizens, Alpha Sesay emphasized that the 1991 Constitution, currently under review, is not a Government document, but a living contract between the state and its people.
He called on Sierra Leoneans to take ownership of the process, pointing to the collective civic heritage of recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Justice Edmond Cowan-led Constitutional Review Commission and the Tripartite Committee. “This reform must be concluded by this administration, but it must be led and endorsed by the people,” he emphasized.
The Attorney General also reiterated the Government’s resolve to complete the long-standing constitutional review process within the current term, making it a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s democratic consolidation.
The meeting with International IDEA, a globally recognized leader in democratic development, marks a significant step in aligning Sierra Leone’s reform efforts with international best practices. According to Alpha Sesay, the partnership ensures that the reforms are not only technically sound but also grounded in the aspirations of the Sierra Leonean people.
Taken together, the high-level policy engagements and grassroots civic outreach underscore a renewed national focus on participatory governance, justice reform and institutional accountability. Alpha Sesay’s dual-track approach, bridging policy formulation with public consultation, signals a new era where every Sierra Leonean has a voice in shaping the country’s legal and constitutional framework.
