APC ‘Failed Its Own Test’ on Constitutional Amendment in 2013 – Keketoma Sandi

Press Secretary to President Julius Maada Bio, Yusuf Keketoma Sandi, has accused the All People’s Congress (APC) of applying double standards in its criticism of the ongoing constitutional amendment process, citing the party’s handling of a constitutional amendment in 2013.

Sandi said the APC administration under former President Ernest Bai Koroma introduced and passed the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act 2013 in Parliament within a single sitting, arguing that the process raised serious questions about constitutional compliance.

According to him, the 2013 amendment altered provisions relating to the qualifications and tenure of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament. He said the Bill was introduced by then Deputy Minister of Justice Arrow Bockarie and was passed in approximately three hours after going through all three readings, the committee stage and voting process.