By Umaru Jah, Berlin, Germany
APC flagbearer hopeful Dr Ibrahim Bangura has urged that Sierra Leone’s ongoing constitutional review be conducted in an open and inclusive manner, stressing that the process should prioritise national stability and long-term democratic development.In a written statement on the reform process, Dr Bangura said the country’s constitution should serve the interests of every citizen and provide a blueprint for addressing societal challenges and preventing future conflict. “A national constitution should be drafted in good faith and serve the interests of every citizen,” he said. He argued that the review’s credibility would depend on its ability to strengthen democratic practice, improve governance accountability, and promote peace and national cohesion.Dr Bangura said the reform should examine how power is exercised across the branches of government, including measures to reinforce oversight of the executive and protect the independence of key public institutions.He also drew attention to long-standing divisions within society, calling for reforms that would promote inclusion and reduce the influence of ethno-regional dominance in national life.According to him, failure to confront these structural issues would allow cycles of poverty, corruption and instability to persist.On the political dimension of the review, Dr Bangura reaffirmed his commitment to party leadership on matters of national importance. He said the All Peoples Congress (APC) should adopt a unified and coherent position that reflects the democratic expectations of the Sierra Leonean people. He added that he has opted to engage the party directly by providing policy input to support its contribution to the ongoing pre-legislative consultations. Dr Bangura further appealed to party members, fellow aspirants, academics and the wider public to participate in constructive dialogue aimed at shaping a more democratic constitutional framework. He said the overall objective of the reform should be to secure a stable and prosperous future for Sierra Leone.