Sierra Leone's parliament debates proposed changes to electoral system

Lawmakers in Sierra Leone’s Parliament have struck down a provision in the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2025, effectively barring independent candidates from running for the presidency. [ . . . ] The debate continues on other contentious clauses. Lawmakers remain divided over the proposal to lower the presidential election threshold from 55% to a simple majority of 50% plus one vote, with the APC insisting on maintaining the current requirement. The proposed shift to a Proportional Representation electoral system and the appointment procedure for the Search and Nominations Committee for the Electoral Commission also remain unresolved. The constitutional reform process, which draws from recommendations of the Tripartite Committee following the disputed 2023 elections, continues to generate heated debate both in and outside Parliament.
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