By George M.O. Williams
Freetown, July 17, 2025 — In a pivotal move toward strengthening democratic governance, Sierra Leone’s Tripartite Steering Committee Secretariat (TSCS) convened a national dialogue on Thursday to deliberate the country’s preferred electoral system. Held at the Bintumani International Conference Center in Freetown, the dialogue formed part of Recommendation 78 of the Tripartite Agreement established after the controversial 2023 elections.
The consultation tackled the critical question of whether Sierra Leone should adopt a Proportional Representation (PR) system, maintain the First Past the Post (FPTP) method, or pursue a hybrid model. This follows widespread demands for electoral reform after the highly disputed 2023 general elections between the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC).
The Tripartite Committee was formed through a historic agreement mediated by international actors including the Commonwealth, ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations, aimed at restoring confidence in Sierra Leone’s electoral process. Its mandate includes reviewing past election procedures and recommending reforms to enhance transparency and inclusivity.
TSCS Coordinator Ngolo Katta highlighted that over 80 of the Committee’s 100-plus recommendations have already been implemented through constitutional and legislative reforms. He stressed that Recommendations 78 and 79—dealing directly with electoral structure—are at the heart of national consultations, which have so far engaged over 2,000 citizens across the country.
“It’s important that all Sierra Leoneans understand what these systems mean. This isn’t just technical reform—it’s about shaping our future,” Katta emphasized.
European Union Delegation Head Jacek Jankowski commended Sierra Leoneans for taking ownership of the reform process.
“This dialogue is by Sierra Leoneans, for Sierra Leoneans. Let today’s decisions shape a transparent and credible electoral system,” he said.
UN Resident Coordinator Saraphine Wakana acknowledged the country’s progress and reiterated the importance of aligning local electoral practices with international standards. She assured continued UN technical support for the reform process.
APC Secretary-General Lansana Dumbuya called for reforms that genuinely reflect the will of the people and cautioned against systems that favor political elites over citizens.
“We will resist any system that compromises democracy. The electoral framework must be chosen by the people, not imposed on them,” he declared.
Dr. Idrissa Mamoud Tarawallie, Executive Director of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), underlined the need for expanded outreach to marginalized communities to ensure genuine inclusiveness in shaping the new electoral framework.
“While progress has been made, building consensus requires listening to a wider range of voices,” he said.
The national dialogue marks a milestone in Sierra Leone’s democratic journey and showcases its commitment to building resilient institutions. As consultations continue, the outcome will likely have a lasting impact on the country’s political stability and citizen trust in future elections.