Colonel William A. Phillips

A referendum on a new constitution was held in Sierra Leone on August 1991. Voting was held over four days (23, 26, 28 and 30 August).[1] The new constitution would restore multi-party politics, as the country had been a one-party state since the 1978 constitutional referendum made the All People's Congress the only legally permitted party.

Of the approximately 2.5 million voters, turnout was around 75%. The new constitution was approved by around 80% of voters,[1] and came into force on 1 October.[2] As a result, the 1978 constitution was repealed.[3] Due to a coup eight months after the referendum, the first elections under the new constitution were not held until 1996.

References

  1. ^ a b August 1991 Constitutional Referendum African Elections database
  2. ^ Background Note: Sierra Leone US Department of State
  3. ^ Article 190 The Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991