The debate over Sierra Leone’s future electoral system has taken center stage as nationwide consultations get underway in line with Recommendation 78 of the Agreement for National Unity.
Ngola Katta, Coordinator of the Tripartite Steering Committee Secretariat, confirmed that the consultations will explore whether the country should retain the First Past the Post (FPTP) system or adopt the District Block Proportional Representation (PR) model for the 2028 general elections and beyond.
He emphasized that whichever system is chosen must align with the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act and ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities. The findings, he said, will be compiled into a final report to be presented to the Steering Committee before submission to Cabinet for policy consideration.
Meanwhile, the issue of women’s political participation has already sparked robust debate. Hon. Mariama Zombo, Member of Parliament for Pujehun District and Public Relations Officer of the Parliamentary Female Caucus, voiced strong support for the Proportional Representation system.
She credited PR with enabling women to secure 30.4% of seats in Parliament—a historic milestone. By contrast, she warned that reverting to the First Past the Post system would entrench patriarchal structures and jeopardize recent gains in female representation.
“Proportional Representation has opened doors for women in politics. Without it, we risk losing ground to a male-dominated system,” Hon. Zombo cautioned, urging the adoption of stronger regulatory safeguards to consolidate women’s role in governance.
The consultations are expected to shape one of the most consequential electoral reforms in Sierra Leone’s democratic history.
By Mohamed Kamara
