OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
STATE HOUSE, FREETOWN
PRESS RELEASE
9th May, 2013
It has come to the notice of Government that certain individuals are peddling rumours that His Excellency the President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma intends to run for a third term as President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
This is totally untrue and against the provision of the 1991 National Constitution which stipulates the tenure of President and restricts such tenure to two consecutive terms only. Whoever is circulating the rumour is doing so out of ignorance or over-zealousness.
The rumour threatens to undermine the democratic credentials of President Koroma, as such rumours stand at variance with the thinking of His Excellency the President who has on many occasions made it very clear that he is not interested in a third term of office.
This rumour should not be allowed to interfere with the present moves by Government to review the 1991 National Constitution, because the review will not interfere with the Presidential term limit, as stipulated in the constitution.
The co-operation of the General Public is most vital in Government’s efforts
to modernize state governance which will be incorporated in a revised constitution that will address vital aspects relating to human rights, gender and youth issues, and the rule of law.
It should be emphasized that President Ernest Bai Koroma will run his second term of office in full and any effort to divert his attention from efforts to further develop the country will be resisted.
At the moment, there is no room for any debate on the tenure of office of the President as this is clearly entrenched in the provisions of the Constitution of Sierra Leone.
Dated 9th May, 2013
