The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., has announced a set of electoral and justice sector reforms designed to benefit Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora. He made the disclosure during the Civic Day Series held in the United States on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
AG Sesay revealed that the proposed changes would allow Sierra Leonean citizens abroad to register and vote at Sierra Leonean embassies worldwide, a reform he described as a groundbreaking step in expanding democratic participation.
“A lot of you have to travel back home to register, return again for verification, and later for voting. Under the new reforms we are introducing, you can now register here in our embassy, and even vote for those you want to represent you back home,” the Attorney General told the gathering.
Despite the excitement surrounding the announcement, Sesay emphasized that the reforms must pass through Parliament, urging Sierra Leoneans abroad to engage with their lawmakers to ensure approval.
“These changes will be laid in Parliament, so you have to get your MPs to support,” he cautioned.
Beyond electoral participation, the Attorney General also outlined reforms in the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA), including new timelines for judges to deliver rulings, a measure intended to benefit Sierra Leoneans with ongoing litigation back home.
The revised CPA will also embrace digital technology, enabling lawyers to file motions online and even submit witness testimony virtually. Sesay said these changes reflect the government’s commitment to efficiency and accessibility in the justice system.
Among the most transformative reforms, Sesay announced progress on the forthcoming Mediation Bill, which he plans to present to Parliament soon. The bill will empower trained mediators to resolve certain disputes outside the courtroom.
According to data from the Justice Ministry, about 70% of Sierra Leoneans prefer out-of-court settlements, underscoring the demand for such a reform.
“Justice is a service that the Government provides for the people of Sierra Leone,” Sesay said, adding that the reforms demonstrate President Bio’s commitment to expanding democratic and legal access for all Sierra Leoneans, both at home and abroad.
