Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has renewed the government’s defence of Sierra Leone’s Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system, arguing that the model promotes broader political inclusion while reducing the financial and security costs associated with elections.

Addressing supporters in Bo City on July 31, 2026, Jalloh said the PR system creates opportunities for more representative governance by expanding participation across different groups in society. He maintained that the electoral model has strengthened women’s representation in politics and better reflects the country’s social and regional diversity.

The vice president’s remarks come as debate over Sierra Leone’s electoral system continues among political stakeholders, with the government maintaining that PR has delivered practical and democratic benefits since its adoption.

Supporting that position, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay has previously said the PR system has saved the country approximately NLe20 million by removing the need for parliamentary by-elections. According to Sesay, avoiding those elections has also helped reduce tensions that can arise during electoral contests.

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The government’s position aligns with international data on electoral systems. Figures from the Inter-Parliamentary Union indicate that 76 countries currently use some form of proportional representation, making it the world’s most widely adopted electoral model.

Despite those arguments, the PR system remains a subject of political debate. Government officials and some international partners have cited its role in improving inclusion and lowering election-related costs, while sections of the opposition continue to express reservations about its wider political consequences.

The differing positions underscore the continuing national discussion over the future of Sierra Leone’s electoral framework and the balance between representation, governance, and political competition.