President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone has called on Parliament to approve contested electoral reforms. These changes would reduce the presidential victory threshold, implement proportional representation, and allocate 30 percent of political leadership positions for women.
During a televised address on Sunday, Bio urged lawmakers to break the weeks-long deadlock and approve the constitutional reform bill.
“The bill under consideration in parliament is the result of years of consultation and engagement,” Bio stated.
The proposed changes aim to transform Sierra Leone’s electoral system before the 2028 presidential election, including lowering the threshold needed to win the presidency from 55 percent to a simple majority of 50 percent plus one vote.
Bio made a direct and earnest plea, stating, “I urge that this bill be passed immediately.”
He encouraged lawmakers to prioritize the nation’s interests by voting for the reforms instead of following party lines.
The opposition opposes the proposed changes.
The reforms have led to a political impasse in Parliament, as the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party backs the changes while the opposition All People’s Congress opposes key provisions.
The SLPP claims that the proposed system would bolster democracy while lowering financial expenses, political tensions, and security risks linked with presidential runoffs.
However, the APC aims to maintain the current 55-percent threshold. They claim that this higher standard motivates presidential candidates to garner wider national support and provides the eventual winner with increased legitimacy.
