Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991
The current supreme law of Sierra Leone, establishing a multi-party republic with an executive President, Parliament and an independent Judiciary, and guaranteeing fundamental human rights.
Summary
The Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991 (Act No. 6 of 1991) is the supreme law of the Republic. It restored multi-party democracy and remains the foundation of the State, declaring that any other law inconsistent with it is void to the extent of the inconsistency.
The Constitution establishes the structure of government: an executive President as Head of State, Head of Government and Commander-in-Chief; a unicameral Parliament; and an independent Judiciary headed by the Supreme Court as the final court of appeal and the guardian of the Constitution. It provides for the separation of powers, the rule of law and the sovereignty of the people.
It guarantees fundamental human rights and freedoms, which are enforceable in the courts; provides for citizenship, the public service, the security forces and public finance; entrenches certain provisions against easy amendment; and establishes watchdog institutions. It has been amended on several occasions.
Main provisions
- Declares the Constitution the supreme law, voiding inconsistent laws.
- Establishes an executive President as Head of State and Government.
- Provides for a unicameral Parliament and the legislative process.
- Establishes an independent Judiciary headed by the Supreme Court.
- Guarantees enforceable fundamental human rights and freedoms.
- Provides for citizenship, public finance, the public service and the security forces.
- Entrenches certain provisions, requiring a special procedure for amendment.