Government of Sierra Leone

The government of Sierra Leone takes place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Sierra Leone is both head of state and head of government, and of a multi-party system.

A critical press continues to operate, although the government has intervened for alleged inaccurate reporting, using the 1965 Public Order Act which criminalizes libel.

The judicial system continues to function for civil cases though some regard it as handicapped by shortages of resources and qualified personnel.

Judges are appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission with the approval of Parliament.

The 1991 constitution created an ombudsman responsible for looking into complaints of abuses and capricious acts on the part of public officials.