;Political parties ;Other factions ;Status
First Republic (1971–1992) Under the Constitution of 1971, the first constitution of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the president replaced the monarch as ceremonial head of state; a year later the presidency became an executive head of state, The president was elected by
Parliament for a four-year term. The 1978 Constitution proclaimed Sierra Leone as a
one-party state, the president was elected for a seven-year term and can only serve two terms, then in 1991 a new Constitution was made to end the status as a one-party state, the president now serves a five-year term and can only serve two terms. In the event of a vacancy the
vice-president served as
acting president.
Military rule (1992–1996) Valentine Strasser led a
coup d'état which overthrew President Momoh and his government, again dissolving all political parties and the Parliament.
Second Republic (1996–1997) When the civilian government was restored so was the Constitution of 1991 and in the
1996 elections the
SLPP won the election for most seats in Parliament and the presidential election. In the event of a vacancy the vice-president served as acting president.
Military rule (1997–1998) Major Johnny Koroma led a coup d'état which overthrew President Kabbah and his government, dissolving all political parties and the Parliament.
Third Republic (1998–present) The civilian government was restored, as was the Constitution of 1991 and the members of Parliament and the president. In the event of a vacancy the vice-president served as acting president. ==Timeline since 1971==