Sierra Leone Reforms Electoral System

Sierra Leone’s parliament approved a constitutional reform on Monday to overhaul the country’s electoral rules ahead of the 2028 presidential race.

Supported by the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), the bill passed by a simple majority after President Julius Maada Bio urged lawmakers to adopt the measures.

Main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) lawmakers walked out of the chamber in protest, arguing unsuccessfully that constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority.

Sierra Leone President Pushes Disputed Electoral Reforms

The legislation lowers the vote threshold required to win the presidency from 55 per cent to a simple nationwide majority, provided the leading candidate secures at least 20 per cent of the vote in two-thirds of the districts.

Sierra Leone reforms electoral system (News Central TV) — Sierra Leone reforms the electoral system. Credit: Reuters

The reform also mandates a 30 per cent quota for women in political leadership positions, shifts legislative elections to proportional representation, and requires future presidents to prioritise regional, gender, and minority representation in official appointments.

While the SLPP maintains that the overhaul will lower election costs and prevent run-off tensions, the APC warns that lowering the threshold weakens presidential legitimacy and national consensus.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.