APC Opposes Proportional Representation to Avoid Sharing Western Area Seats – Deputy Speaker

Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, has stated that the All People’s Congress (APC) is resisting the proposed Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system largely because the party does not want to share parliamentary seats in the Western Area.

Speaking during discussions on ongoing electoral reforms, Hon. Conteh argued that the APC’s opposition is politically motivated rather than based on concerns about democratic principles. According to him, the PR system is designed to promote fairness, inclusivity, and broader representation by ensuring that parliamentary seats reflect the actual percentage of votes secured by political parties nationwide.

“The resistance we are seeing is not accidental,” the Deputy Speaker said. “The APC is particularly uncomfortable with proportional representation because it will require them to share seats in the Western Area, where they have traditionally enjoyed dominance.”

Hon. Conteh explained that under the PR system, no single party would be able to monopolize representation in any region without securing the corresponding share of the vote. He noted that this would open space for smaller parties and minority voices, strengthening democratic governance and national cohesion.

He further emphasized that electoral reforms, including proportional representation, are intended to reduce winner-takes-all politics and foster cooperation among political actors. According to him, such reforms are critical for Sierra Leone’s democratic maturity and long-term political stability.

The Deputy Speaker called on all political parties to put national interest above partisan gains and to engage constructively in the reform process. He stressed that Parliament has a responsibility to enact laws that reflect fairness, equity, and the will of the people.

The APC has consistently opposed the PR proposal, arguing that it could weaken constituency-based representation and disrupt the country’s traditional electoral structure. However, supporters of the system maintain that it would lead to a more balanced and inclusive Parliament.

Debate over the proposed electoral reforms continues as stakeholders await further parliamentary deliberations and possible amendments to the country’s electoral laws.