By Millicent Senava Mannah

Key stakeholders from across Sierra Leone gathered in Freetown on Thursday, 17th July 2025, for a landmark National Dialogue on the country’s preferred electoral system, in line with Recommendation 78 of the Tripartite Committee’s reform proposals. The high-level consultation, held at the Freetown International Conference Hall in Aberdeen, was jointly organized by the Tripartite Steering Committee and the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, with financial support from the European Union (EU) through the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).

The event drew participation from Government officials, political party representatives, Civil Society Organizations, traditional leaders, international development partners and citizens from all walks of life. Deliberations focused on the choice of an electoral model best suited to Sierra Leone’s democratic future, with options including the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system, proportional representation (PR) and a hybrid arrangement combining elements of both.

UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana commended the Government of Sierra Leone, including the Chief Minister, the Attorney General and the Tripartite Steering Committee, for their leadership and commitment to electoral and legislative reforms. She emphasized the critical importance of inclusive national consultations in shaping laws that reflect the aspirations of the people while aligning with international democratic standards. “The Government’s willingness to accelerate implementation of the reform recommendations and engage citizens in meaningful dialogue is commendable,” she stated, reaffirming the UN’s readiness to continue providing technical support throughout the reform process.

Echoing similar sentiments, EU Ambassador Manuel Müller reiterated the European Union’s steadfast support for democratic governance in Sierra Leone. He highlighted the EU’s contributions in the form of funding, technical expertise and legal advisory support to aid the ongoing reform efforts. Ambassador Manuel Müller encouraged all Sierra Leoneans to embrace constructive dialogue and make choices that will serve the nation well into the future.

International IDEA’s Head of Mission, Dr. Idrissa Mamoud Tarawallie, shared reflections on the institution’s work in Sierra Leone since 2020. He noted that International IDEA has collaborated closely with the Attorney General’s Office, Parliament and civil society to build capacity for sustainable reform. He revealed that approximately 2,000 citizens have participated in consultations to date and emphasized the profound implications of the decisions under review, particularly for rural communities.

A representative from the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) described the Tripartite Agreement not merely as a procedural requirement but as a cornerstone for national peace and development. He underscored the significant progress made in implementing over 80 reform recommendations and called for continued international collaboration. The ECSL official also stressed the need for an electoral system that both safeguards minority representation and advances national development. He urged political parties to serve as true channels for expressing the people’s will.

The National Dialogue marked a critical step in Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to consolidate democratic gains and enhance electoral integrity as stakeholders collectively chart a path toward a more inclusive and representative political system. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/stakeholders-engage-in-national-dialogue-on-sierra-leones-future-electoral-system/