Sierra Leone president presses lawmakers to back contested election reforms

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has urged Parliament to pass disputed electoral reforms that would lower the presidential victory threshold, introduce proportional representation and reserve 30 percent of political leadership positions for women.

In a televised address on Sunday, Bio called on lawmakers to end weeks of deadlock and approve the constitutional reform bill.

“The bill before parliament is the product of years of consultation and engagement,” Bio said.

The proposed changes would reshape Sierra Leone’s electoral system ahead of the 2028 presidential election, including a reduction in the threshold required to win the presidency from 55 percent to 50 percent plus one vote.

“I therefore make a clear and solemn appeal: let this bill be passed now,” Bio said.

He urged lawmakers to vote for the reforms in the interests of the country rather than along party lines.

Opposition resists changes

The reforms have triggered a political standoff in Parliament, with the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party supporting the changes and the opposition All People’s Congress rejecting key provisions.

The SLPP says the proposed system would strengthen democracy while reducing the financial costs, political tensions and security risks associated with presidential runoffs.

The APC, however, wants to retain the existing 55-percent threshold. It argues that the higher bar encourages presidential candidates to build broader national support and gives the eventual winner greater legitimacy.

New rules for presidential contests

Under the proposed legislation, a presidential candidate would need to secure more than half of the national vote and at least 20 percent of votes in two-thirds of the country’s districts to win outright.

If those conditions are not met, a runoff would be required.

The bill would also introduce proportional representation for parliamentary elections, changing how seats in the legislature are allocated.

Women and regional balance

Another major provision would establish a 30-percent quota for women in political leadership positions.

The reforms would also require the president to consider regional balance, gender equality and minority inclusion when making appointments.

Supporters say the measures could broaden political representation and address longstanding concerns over inclusion.

A test for Sierra Leone’s democracy

Bio’s appeal comes as lawmakers face pressure to resolve the impasse before the proposed reforms can take effect.

The debate has exposed sharp differences over how Sierra Leone should structure its elections and balance representation, legitimacy and political stability.

For the government, the changes are presented as a way to modernise the electoral system. For the opposition, lowering the presidential threshold risks weakening the broad mandate traditionally required to lead the country.

The parliamentary vote could therefore become a significant test of Sierra Leone’s political consensus ahead of the 2028 presidential race.