S.Leone president pushes contested election reforms

Sierra Leone's president on Sunday urged Parliament to pass a disputed constitutional reform bill, after weeks of deadlock over plans to reshape the country's electoral system.

"The bill before parliament is the product of years of consultation and engagement," President Julius Maada Bio said in a televised address.

The reforms would overhaul election rules ahead of the 2028 presidential race, notably by lowering the threshold needed to win the presidency from 55 percent of the vote to 50 percent plus one vote.

They would also introduce a proportional representation system for the legislature and a 30-percent quota for women in political leadership positions.

The proposals have divided lawmakers for weeks.

The ruling Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) argues the changes would strengthen democracy while reducing the costs, political tensions and security risks associated with presidential runoffs.

But the main opposition All People's Congress (APC) wants to keep the current 55-percent threshold, arguing it encourages candidates to seek broader national support and gives the winner greater legitimacy.

Under the proposed law, a candidate would need to secure a simple majority nationwide and at least 20 percent of the vote in two-thirds of Sierra Leone's districts to avoid a runoff.

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

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

"Let Honourable Members vote 'Yes' not for a party, not for an individual, but for the people and the future of democracy in Sierra Leone."