Sierra Leone president pushes contested election reforms

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

Bio said in a televised address that the bill was the product of years of consultation and appealed to lawmakers to vote for it.

The reforms would change election rules ahead of the 2028 presidential race. They would lower the threshold needed to win the presidency from 55 percent of the vote to 50 percent plus one vote.

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

The ruling Sierra Leone People's Party says the changes would strengthen democracy while reducing the costs, political tensions and security risks linked to presidential runoffs.

The main opposition All People's Congress wants to keep the current 55-percent threshold. It argues the rule encourages candidates to seek broader national support and gives the winner greater legitimacy.

Under the proposed law, a candidate would need 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 consider regional balance, gender equality and minority inclusion when making appointments.