Sierra Leone MPs approve contested overhaul of electoral rules

A woman casts her vote during the presidential election, at a polling station in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Wednesday, March 7, 2018.   -  

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By AFP

Last updated: 2 hours ago

Presidential elections

Sierra Leone's parliament on Monday approved a constitutional reform that would overhaul the west African country's electoral rules ahead of the 2028 presidential race, after weeks of opposition resistance.

The bill, backed by the ruling Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), was adopted by a "simple majority of members present,” parliament speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas said after the session. No voting figures were released.

Lawmakers from the main opposition All People's Congress (APC) party 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, while introducing proportional representation for legislative elections.

They also include a 30-percent quota for women in political leadership positions.

Under the proposed rules, a presidential candidate would also need to win at least 20 percent of the vote in two-thirds of Sierra Leone's districts to avoid a run-off.

The reforms would also require the president to take regional balance, gender equality and minority inclusion into account when making appointments.

The ruling SLPP argues the changes would strengthen democracy while reducing the costs, political tensions and security risks associated with presidential runoffs.

But the opposition APC wants to keep the current 55-percent threshold, arguing 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.