By Alimamy Lahai Kamara
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Efforts to shape Sierra Leone’s electoral future are gaining momentum as key stakeholders advance plans for a national dialogue on electoral reforms. The Attorney-General, the Tripartite Coordinator, and International IDEAS recently convened to discuss technical decisions related to Recommendation 78 of the Tripartite Report, which addresses the choice of electoral system for the country.
The meeting outlined an inclusive approach, emphasizing five regional consultations and a national dialogue engaging all sectors of society. Discussions will include focus groups, expert panels, and academic presentations, with international and local facilitators leading the process.
Legislative Reviews and Expert Support
Legislative reviews are also progressing. A legal team of eight, including an international legal expert, has been assembled to draft provisions for potential electoral reforms. International IDEAS has committed funding to support the efforts of legal specialists and interns, working on a strict three-month timeline.
At the meeting, the Attorney-General underscored the importance of public participation in shaping the country’s democratic framework.
“Sierra Leone has to make this deliberate choice—the public must determine how they cast their votes and elect their representatives. Our democracy must be driven by the collective decision of the people,” he stated.
Recommendation 78 calls for a national dialogue on the choice between the district proportional representation system and the first-past-the-post system for parliamentary and local council elections.
Consultations and Stakeholder Engagement
Tripartite Steering Committee Secretariat (TSCS) Coordinator Ngolo Katta affirmed that mini consultations with institutions, political parties, civil society organizations, and the media would take place ahead of broader national discussions. These engagements aim to inform the public and establish a structured dialogue around electoral reforms.
“Together with our partners and political institutions, we are developing tools to guide the national consultations. Ultimately, it is the people of Sierra Leone who will decide the electoral systems used for future elections,” Katta stated.
Plans are underway to recruit international and local facilitators for the consultations. Discussions with government and development partners are also in progress to secure necessary funding.
Funding Challenges and International Partnerships
In recent meetings with development partners at the United Nations, Katta emphasized the need for inclusive approaches to holding the national dialogue. While initial government seed funding has been provided, he highlighted the financial challenges facing implementation.
“It’s an immense task—the engagements are numerous, the opinions diverse, and yet the funds are still to arrive,” Katta told UN partners.
The UN system has demonstrated interest in supporting the process, with a concept note already under review. The Office of the Chief Minister, which oversees the Tripartite Steering Committee, continues to encourage development partners to contribute funding for implementation. International IDEAS remains a central player, reinforcing discussions around the national dialogue.
Political and Civil Society Reactions
Several organizations, including National Elections Watch (NEW), have expressed willingness to support the TSCS’s electoral reform efforts. Meanwhile, the All Political Party Association (APPA) has raised concerns about Recommendation 70, which proposes amendments to the All Political Party Act. The recommendation stipulates that political parties failing to win office in two consecutive elections risk deregistration, prompting APPA to call for further discussion.
Next Steps
Meetings with political parties, professional associations, and private sector groups will continue in the coming weeks to finalize dialogue preparations. Facilitator recruitment and funding negotiations remain ongoing.
The national dialogue promises to be a historic moment for Sierra Leone, offering citizens the opportunity to shape a fair and representative electoral system for future generations.