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Sierra Leone President urges passage of contested electoral reforms
President Julius Maada Bio has issued a televised appeal to the Parliament of Sierra Leone to pass the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The proposed reforms aim to overhaul the country’s electoral system ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
Key provisions of the bill include lowering the presidential victory threshold from 55 percent to 50 percent plus one vote, provided the winner also secures at least 20 percent of the vote in two-thirds of the country’s districts. The legislation also introduces a proportional representation system for the legislature and establishes a 30 percent quota for women in political leadership positions.
The bill has caused significant political deadlock. The ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) supports the changes, arguing they will reduce political tension and the costs associated with presidential runoffs. Conversely, the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) opposes the lower threshold, contending that the current 55 percent requirement ensures greater candidate legitimacy and national support.
Legal debates have also emerged regarding the procedure for passing the amendments. Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara of the APC has argued that constitutional changes must be approved by two-thirds of the entire parliamentary membership rather than just those present during the vote. Additionally, some commentators have suggested that the 2026 population census should be completed before finalizing new electoral boundaries and representation frameworks.
Entities
All People's Congress · All People’s Congress · Julius Maada Bio · Parliament of Sierra Leone · Sierra Leone · Sierra Leone People's Party · Sierra Leone People’s Party · Sylvia Olayinka Blyden
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The reforms include a 30 percent quota for women in political leadership positions. thevoicenewsmagazine.com · ghanaguardian.com · www.theheritagetimes.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Under the proposed changes, a candidate could potentially win the presidency with as little as 37 percent of the vote. thevoicenewsmagazine.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Dr. Sylvia Olayden warned the simple majority requirement could favor the ruling SLPP party.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The reform would lower the presidential election threshold from 55 percent to 50 percent plus one vote. thevoicenewsmagazine.com · www.theheritagetimes.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The opposition APC wants to maintain the current 55 percent threshold to ensure candidate legitimacy. thevoicenewsmagazine.com · www.theheritagetimes.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] President Julius Maada Bio urged Parliament to pass a constitutional reform bill. thevoicenewsmagazine.com · ghanaguardian.com · thecalabashnewspaper.com · www.theheritagetimes.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The bill introduces a proportional representation system for the legislature. thevoicenewsmagazine.com · ghanaguardian.com · www.theheritagetimes.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara argued that constitutional amendments must be approved by two-thirds of the entire membership of Parliament, not just those present.