By Millicent Senava Mannah

Supported by funding from the European Union, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) has concluded a four-day national consultation on electoral reform in Sierra Leone. Held from 18th to 21st June 2025 at the Country Lodge Hotel on Hill Station in Freetown, the discussions centred on Recommendation 78 of the Tripartite Committee’s report, which addresses the country’s electoral system and the path toward democratic consolidation.

The event brought together stakeholders from across the political spectrum, civil society, international partners and electoral experts, all contributing to the ongoing reform process intended to shape Sierra Leone’s democratic future.

In his opening statement, Mamoud Tarawallie, Country Director of International IDEA, emphasized the collaborative effort between the EU, the Government of Sierra Leone and other partners. He noted that the EU had requested the development of a governance program to support democratic institutions in Sierra Leone. Canada also played a significant role in supporting the process.

“The program is designed to be responsive to local realities, ensuring engagement and consultation and providing adaptive support to both state institutions and civil society,” Mamoud Tarawallie stated.

He recounted the in-depth discussions held between International IDEA, the EU and the Office of the Chief Minister after the 2023 elections. “These discussions focused on reshaping democracy and ensuring the program responds to contextual realities,” he said, adding that the Chief Minister was fully engaged in the process, which led to collaboration with the Tripartite Committee Secretariat.

According to Mamoud Tarawallie, the process advanced to the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, where five experts have been stationed to provide legal assistance. He revealed that nearly 17 sections of the 1991 Constitution may be amended as part of this reform initiative.

“We will continue to provide updates as the process unfolds. The goal is to ensure continued support for institutions and active involvement of civil society,” he added.

Ngolo Katta, National Coordinator, Tripartite Steering Committee, introduced the Steering Committee responsible for implementing the reform agenda. The 20-member bipartisan body, chaired by the Chief Minister, includes state and non-state actors, such as civil society organizations and youth representatives.

“This committee was established in line with Recommendation Eight and plays a pivotal role in advancing this next phase,” Ngolo Katta said.

He explained that the Attorney General would eventually translate the consultations into legal frameworks for national implementation. He expressed appreciation for the contributions of all stakeholders and anticipated ongoing collaboration throughout the reform process.

Dr. Emmanuel Gaima spoke on the importance of national engagement between political parties and the Government, describing the outcome as a "residential wing" agreement symbolizing national unity and Government ownership.

He stressed the value of consensus-based decision-making in a democratic context, drawing a historical analogy to Sierra Leone's pre-independence efforts in 1961. “We must focus on our national context while balancing reforms with constitutional principles,” Dr. Emmanuel Gaima stated.

He cautioned against using census data that is less than two years old for elections and reiterated the executive’s commitment to implementing recommendations in a timely and lawful manner. He also highlighted the distinct responsibilities of the legislature and the Attorney General in ensuring due process.

Expert panellist, Gavin Thompson, offered technical insights into electoral systems, clarifying that the panel’s role was to advise rather than promote a particular model.

Gavin Thompson explained the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system as one where candidates with the highest number of votes in single-member districts win, regardless of percentage thresholds. “FPTP is straightforward and used in many Commonwealth countries, but it does not necessarily reflect proportional public support,” he said.

He contrasted this with proportional representation (PR), which requires multi-member districts and allocates seats based on the percentage of votes received. Gavin Thompson highlighted that Sierra Leone had previously used PR systems, including national and district-based models, particularly in the 2002 and 2023 elections.

“In 2002, due to lack of reliable population data, a policy decision was made to allocate equal seats per district. However, there’s now an opportunity to explore new boundaries for PR to allow better proportionality,” he added.

Charlie Hughes also spoke in favor of FPTP's simplicity and grassroots accessibility. “It allows voters to know their candidates directly and encourages large-scale support to win,” he explained. He noted that, unlike PR, FPTP contests are conducted in smaller electoral areas, making the system more personal and localized.

The consultations also featured a panel discussion with prominent civil society voices including Andrew Lavali, Fredline M’Cormack, Lena Thompson and Dr. Julius Spencer. The discussants critically analysed the strengths and challenges of both electoral systems and their implications for Sierra Leone’s democratic development.

Their debate highlighted the tension between simplicity and proportionality, with all agreeing that any future electoral system must reflect the country’s socio-political realities, foster inclusiveness and promote national cohesion.

Sierra Leone’s journey toward electoral reform has reached a pivotal moment with national consultations marking a significant step in shaping a more representative and accountable democratic framework. The outcomes will now inform the next phase of legal drafting and public dialogue as the country prepares for future elections under a potentially restructured system. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/international-idea-concludes-four-day-national-electoral-reform-consultations/