Former National Secretary General of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Suliaman Baja Tejan-Sie Esq., has cautioned against rushing the ongoing constitutional review process, stressing the need for adequate time to educate citizens and build broad national consensus before any final decision is taken.
Speaking during an interview on AYV Television’s Wake Up Sierra Leone, Tejan-Sie described the current pace of the process as “too hasty,” arguing that constitutional reform should not be driven by political urgency but by the long-term national interest of the country.
According to him, allowing more time would enable the public to better understand the implications of a new Constitution and participate meaningfully in the process. He suggested that by 2028, Sierra Leoneans would be in a stronger position not only to elect new political leaders but also to make an informed decision on adopting a new Constitution.
“When it comes to the Constitution, the national interest should take precedence,” Tejan-Sie emphasized. “We should not look at the Constitution through a political lens.”
He noted that a constitution serves as the supreme legal framework governing the state and, as such, requires careful deliberation, inclusiveness, and widespread public education. Rushing the process, he warned, could undermine public trust and weaken the legitimacy of any proposed constitutional changes.
Tejan-Sie’s comments add to the growing national conversation on constitutional reform, as stakeholders continue to debate the timing, scope, and approach to reviewing Sierra Leone’s current constitutional order.
