OBJECTIVE 2: Promoting constitutional democracy, including periodic political competition and opportunity for choice, the rule of law, citizen rights and supremacy of the constitution. 3.2.6 The Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) of Sierra Leone has submitted its Report to Government, following the conclusion of a major review of the country’s 1991 Constitution. The review process was headed by Justice Edmund Cowan. The report contains proposals for an amendment of the Constitution of Sierra Leone – Act No 6 of 1991. This review is seen as the most progressive and radical shakeup of the country’s Constitution ever conducted, and will shape the way Sierra Leone is governed, since gaining independence in 1961. The changes recommended and announced by Justice Cowan (Photo: left including members of the CRC and President Koroma – right) are now subject to public discussion and ratification through a national referendum. According to the CRC: “The main goal of the revised Constitution is to strengthen the existing multi-party democracy and to create an open and transparent society.” Perhaps what is most significant about the changes recommended by the CRC, are the four new chapters that are to be added to the constitution, which it says will help strengthen the existing multi-party democracy and create an open and transparent society. The four new chapters proposed are: 1. Local Government and Decentralization: “The justification for this proposal is to strengthen decentralization process of power and devolve it on the districts and at council level. 2. Citizenship: “The CRC placed weight on the imperative recommendation made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) that the details of acquisition of citizenship, which must be without consideration of race and gender and the princiAPRM Sierra Leone | Annual Progress Report ples of rights and responsibilities, should be enshrined in the Constitution. This was endorsed by the Law Reform Commission of Sierra Leone. 3. Lands, Natural Resources and the Environment: “The CRC appreciates the views expressed by the Government of Sierra Leone in The National Land Policy of Sierra Leone. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Climate Change, Environment and Forest Conservation Consortium – Sierra Leone (CEFCON –SL), National Protected Area Authority (NPAA), The Office of the Chief of Staff, National Democratic Alliance (NDA),” says the CRC. 4. Information, Communication and the Media: “The CRC appreciates the views expressed by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), media practitioners of both print and electronic, Independent Media Commission (IMC), Media Law and Regulatory Review paper for IMC, MRCG UNDP and UNESCO in their feedback during this consultation process. Below are some of the other proposed changes in the revised constitu- tion: • The Office of Attorney General separated from the Minister of Justice • Local Council Elections to be conducted every 5 year instead of four • Local Council Elections to be non-political • Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Council Elections to be held on a fixed calendar date • The President is not exempted from personal taxation • The President should no longer be a Member of Parliament • A House of Paramount Chiefs to be created. No second Chamber or Senate • CRC is seeking further information on whether or not the death penalty should be abolished 25