Direct Think Tank criticized Members of Parliament from the All People’s Congress (APC) for walking out of the Chamber during proceedings on the Constitutional Amendment Bill, which was overwhelmingly passed in Parliament. The think tank issued its criticism in a press release on Monday, August 10, 2026, describing the action as an abandonment of parliamentary responsibility. Direct Think Tank further stated the walkout represented a “betrayal” of the mandate entrusted to the APC lawmakers by their constituents.
"Opposition is not simply about making a political statement outside Parliament; it is about using every legitimate parliamentary mechanism available to defend one’s position inside Parliament," Direct Think Tank stated. The organization emphasized that "The people of Sierra Leone deserve better than political walkouts, parliamentary theatrics and partisan posturing. They deserve serious constitutional debate." Direct Think Tank concluded by asserting, "The Constitution belongs to the people of Sierra Leone; not to the SLPP, not to the APC and not to any individual political leader," adding that Sierra Leone deserves leaders who "remain at the table when the stakes are highest."
Parliamentary Duty Defined
Members of Parliament are elected to represent their constituents’ interests, concerns, and aspirations within the legislative Chamber, according to Direct Think Tank. The organization stated that lawmakers are expected to debate legislation, scrutinize its provisions, propose amendments, challenge the Government, and vote against measures deemed harmful to the country. Direct Think Tank emphasized that the parliamentary mandate ultimately belongs to the people, asserting that elected representatives should prioritize their constitutional obligations and constituents’ interests over partisan considerations. The think tank argued that democracy is strengthened when elected representatives remain in Parliament to speak, scrutinize, challenge, and vote on matters affecting their constituents.
Direct Think Tank called on the APC leadership and its Members of Parliament to explain their departure from the Chamber, urging them to participate fully in the debate and voting process. "Opposition is not simply about making a political statement outside Parliament; it is about using every legitimate parliamentary mechanism available to defend one’s position inside Parliament," Direct Think Tank stated. The organization affirmed its pledge to continue monitoring the constitutional reform process and providing independent analysis. "The people of Sierra Leone deserve better than political walkouts, parliamentary theatrics and partisan posturing. They deserve serious constitutional debate," the think tank added.
Critique of Opposition Tactics
Direct Think Tank argued that the walkout, occurring as fundamental constitutional matters were being decided, deprived All People’s Congress (APC) constituents of effective representation at a critical moment. The organization stated that meaningful opposition should involve using every legitimate parliamentary mechanism available inside the Chamber. If APC lawmakers believed certain provisions of the Bill threatened Sierra Leone’s democracy, they should have remained in Parliament to identify those provisions, challenge the Government, propose alternatives, and register their opposition through the voting process, according to the think tank.
Direct Think Tank maintained that amendments to the Constitution should not be reduced to a contest between the Government and the opposition. The opposition, it said, must rigorously examine and challenge any provisions it considers problematic. The APC lawmakers’ decision to walk out during a significant constitutional moment constituted a serious disservice to their parliamentary mandate, the think tank added. Direct Think Tank asked the APC to identify specific provisions it wanted defeated or amended, disclose parliamentary strategies exhausted before the walkout, and explain how leaving the Chamber advanced constituent interests.
Constitutional Process Scrutiny
The Constitution serves as the supreme framework governing the relationship between the State and its citizens, according to Direct Think Tank. The organization asserted that any attempt to amend this foundational document must receive the highest level of parliamentary scrutiny and meaningful public participation. It also stated that the Government carries a responsibility to explain and justify the proposed changes transparently. Securing an overwhelming majority in Parliament, the think tank cautioned, does not necessarily amount to achieving national consensus on constitutional reform.
Direct Think Tank urged the Government to ensure that the amendment process receives meaningful public scrutiny and commands legitimacy beyond the numerical strength of the governing party. The organization also requested details of any alternative strategy the All People’s Congress (APC) intends to pursue to protect constitutional interests it perceives as under threat. "Opposition is not simply about making a political statement outside Parliament; it is about using every legitimate parliamentary mechanism available to defend one’s position inside Parliament," Direct Think Tank stated. The think tank added, "The people of Sierra Leone deserve better than political walkouts, parliamentary theatrics and partisan posturing. They deserve serious constitutional debate."
"The Constitution belongs to the people of Sierra Leone; not to the SLPP, not to the APC and not to any individual political leader," Direct Think Tank declared. It concluded that "Sierra Leone deserves political leaders who will remain at the table when the stakes are highest."