The Forum of Sierra Leonean Youth Network (FoSLYN) has outlined its position on the proposed constitutional amendments, calling for reforms that it says will strengthen democracy, improve accountability, and promote inclusive governance.
In a position statement issued following consultations with its members and stakeholders, the youth network welcomed the ongoing constitutional review process and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to what it described as a critical moment in Sierra Leone’s democratic development.
Among its key recommendations is the removal of Paramount Chief Members of Parliament from the current unicameral Legislature. FoSLYN argues that membership of Parliament should be based solely on direct democratic elections to ensure that all legislators derive their mandate directly from the people through a transparent and participatory electoral process.
The organization also supports the introduction of a fixed constitutional date for national elections, noting that such a provision would improve electoral planning, increase public confidence, and contribute to greater political stability.
On presidential elections, FoSLYN strongly supports retaining the constitutional requirement that a winning presidential candidate must obtain 50 percent plus one of the valid votes cast. According to the organization, this threshold guarantees that the Head of State enjoys the support of an absolute majority of voters, thereby reinforcing democratic legitimacy and national unity.
However, FoSLYN is calling for the removal of the constitutional requirement that presidential candidates secure at least 20 percent of the votes in every district and city. The organization contends that this provision places an unnecessary restriction on the democratic choice of the electorate and should be abolished in the interest of fairness and inclusivity.
FoSLYN also voiced strong opposition to the inclusion of the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system in the revised Constitution. Citing Sierra Leone’s recent experience with PR, the organization argued that the system weakened democratic accountability and reduced the direct relationship between citizens and their elected representatives. It therefore urged that all constitutional provisions relating to PR be removed from the review process.
As part of its broader governance reform agenda, FoSLYN proposed the establishment of a bicameral Parliament comprising an Upper Chamber and a Lower Chamber. The organization believes this model would preserve the constitutional role of Paramount Chiefs while strengthening democratic representation, legislative oversight, and institutional checks and balances.
Under the proposal, the Upper Chamber would consist entirely of Members of Parliament elected directly by universal adult suffrage. Constituencies would be allocated using a uniform population ratio of approximately 3 percent of the national population per seat, with constituency boundaries and seat allocations reviewed after every national census to ensure equitable representation. Based on current population estimates, this arrangement would produce approximately 33 seats.
The proposed Lower Chamber would comprise one Paramount Chief Representative from each administrative district, elected by and from among the Paramount Chiefs of that district, together with Members elected directly by the people using a population ratio of approximately 2 percent of the national population per seat. This structure would produce about 50 elected representatives and 16 Paramount Chief Representatives, creating a 66-member Lower Chamber. Combined with the Upper Chamber, Sierra Leone’s National Legislature would consist of 99 members.
FoSLYN further recommended that the Upper Chamber be responsible for reviewing, amending, and approving legislation passed by the Lower Chamber; considering constitutional amendments; ratifying international treaties and agreements; confirming appointments to constitutional commissions and other statutory offices; and exercising oversight over national governance, constitutional order, decentralization, and long-term development.
The Lower Chamber, according to the proposal, would initiate and debate legislation, approve taxation and public expenditure, represent constituency interests and traditional communities, oversee the Executive through parliamentary committees and inquiries, and initiate legislation relating to local government, public services, and national development.
FoSLYN concluded that the proposed bicameral model provides a balanced and practical framework for Sierra Leone’s constitutional future. The organization believes the reforms would strengthen legislative scrutiny, improve accountability, preserve the country’s traditional governance institutions, and create a more effective Parliament capable of advancing national development.
The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to supporting constitutional reforms that deepen democracy, protect the will of the people, strengthen good governance, and promote lasting national progress.
