Sierra Leone passes contested election reform

Sierra Leone's parliament approved a contested constitutional reform on August 10 that would overhaul electoral rules ahead of the 2028 presidential race, after opposition lawmakers walked out over the required majority.

Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas said the bill, backed by the ruling Sierra Leone People's Party, was adopted by a simple majority of members present. No voting figures were released.

Lawmakers from the main opposition All People's Congress walked out after unsuccessfully arguing that the reform required a two-thirds majority.

The changes would cut the share of votes needed to win the presidency from 55 percent to a simple nationwide majority. A presidential candidate would also need at least 20 percent of the vote in two-thirds of Sierra Leone's districts to avoid a run-off.

The reform would introduce proportional representation for legislative elections and a 30-percent quota for women in political leadership positions. It would also require the president to take regional balance, gender equality and minority inclusion into account when making appointments.

The ruling party argues the changes would strengthen democracy while reducing the costs, political tensions and security risks linked to presidential runoffs. The APC wants to keep the 55-percent threshold, saying it encourages candidates to seek broader national support and gives the winner greater legitimacy.

President Julius Maada Bio, who is serving his final term and cannot run again in 2028, had urged parliament on Sunday to approve the reforms.