Sierra Leone President Pushes For Electoral Reform

Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio has urged parliament to pass a constitutional reform bill aimed at changing the electoral system ahead of the 2028 presidential election in the country.

In a televised address on Sunday, Bio called on lawmakers to approve the bill after weeks of political deadlock between the ruling party and opposition.

The proposed reforms would lower the presidential election threshold from 55% to 50% plus one vote. However, a candidate would also need to secure at least 20% of the vote in two-thirds of Sierra Leone’s districts to avoid a second round.

The bill would also introduce proportional representation for parliamentary elections and establish a 30% quota for women in political leadership positions.

Bio, ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party, says the proposed changes would strengthen democracy while reducing the financial costs, political tensions, and security risks associated with presidential runoffs.

The opposition All People’s Congress has rejected the proposed reduction in the threshold, arguing that the existing 55% requirement encourages candidates to secure broader national support.

Bio urged lawmakers to approve the bill in the interest of democracy and the country’s future. It remains unclear whether parliament will reach an agreement on the proposed reforms.

SOURCE: AFP