The Sierra Leone Labour Congress, representing the collective voice of workers across our nation, respectfully requests President Maada Bio not to assent to the Constitutional Amendment Bill recently passed by Parliament. This Bill has generated widespread public resentment on almost all of its provisions.
The Labour Congress notes with grave concern that position papers were submitted to Parliament by Religious organisations, CSOs and other interest groups including the Labour Congress were not considered in the deliberations. The disregard of those position papers undermines the participatory spirit of constitutional reform and weakens confidence in democratic good governance.
The Sierra Leone Labour Congress is apprehensive about the Bill because it strips away the sovereignty of the people to elect their members of parliament freely, instead placing that sacred responsibility in the hands of political parties. This is an affront to the principles of democracy and the sacrifices made by Sierra Leoneans to secure their rights to self-determination and to hold their representatives accountable.
“Accordingly, we humbly request Your Excellency to remit the Bill back to Parliament for reconsideration in light of the overwhelming reservation by the people. For Your Excellency’s information, we hereby attach the position paper of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress on theConstitutional Amendment Bill, which outlines in detail our recommendations. We trust in Your Excellency’s wisdom and commitment to safeguarding the democratic rights of Sierra Leoneans.
Whilst looking forward to your usual cooperation, please accept the expressions of our kindest regards.”
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