Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio has urged Parliament to approve a disputed constitutional reform package that would change the way presidential and parliamentary elections are conducted ahead of the 2028 presidential vote. In a televised address, Bio called on lawmakers to end weeks of political deadlock and pass the bill, saying it was the result of years of consultation. The proposed reforms would lower the presidential victory threshold from 55% to 50% plus one vote, while retaining additional geographical requirements. A candidate would need more than half of the national vote and at least 20% of votes in two-thirds of the country’s districts to win outright. If those conditions are not met, a runoff would be held. The bill would also introduce proportional representation for parliamentary elections and reserve 30% of political leadership positions for women. It further calls for greater consideration of regional balance, gender equality and minority inclusion in government appointments.
The ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) supports the changes, arguing they could reduce the cost, tension and security risks associated with presidential runoffs while widening political representation. The opposition All People’s Congress (APC) has rejected key provisions, particularly the proposed reduction of the presidential threshold. The party argues that the existing 55% requirement encourages candidates to secure broader national support and gives the winner a stronger mandate. Bio appealed to lawmakers to consider the national interest rather than party positions, saying the reforms should not be delayed by political divisions. The parliamentary debate is likely to have major implications for Sierra Leone’s political system. If approved, the reforms would reshape electoral competition and representation before the 2028 presidential election, making the pending vote in Parliament an important test of the country’s political consensus.
