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Parliamentarian Mohamed Bangura has called on fellow lawmakers to lower the proposed electoral threshold under the Proportional Representation (PR) system, warning that the current 11.9 to 12 per cent benchmark is too high and risks excluding smaller political parties from meaningful participation.
Speaking during deliberations on the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2025, the Karene District MP strongly defended the adoption of the PR system while advocating for adjustments that would make it more inclusive and representative.
Bangura stressed that the PR framework is not the product of a single political force but rather the outcome of broad-based political consensus. He noted that both the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) contributed to shaping the legal and institutional foundations of the system. He also referenced earlier reviews conducted by a presidential committee that included cabinet ministers from previous administrations, alongside nationwide public consultations in which citizens expressed support for proportional representation.
A central pillar of Bangura’s argument focused on the economic and social costs associated with by-elections under the constituency-based model. He highlighted that whenever a parliamentary seat becomes vacant, the country is compelled to organise by-elections that can cost over Le2 billion, while also triggering political tension and logistical challenges within affected communities.
By contrast, he noted that the PR system allows for smoother transitions without the need for fresh elections, significantly reducing costs and disruptions. He echoed previous remarks by Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay, who indicated that the adoption of PR has already saved the country an estimated NLe20 million by eliminating parliamentary by-elections.
Despite his support for the system, Bangura maintained that the proposed threshold must be reconsidered. He argued that lowering it would create a more level playing field, enabling broader political participation and strengthening democratic inclusivity. His position aligns with concerns raised by smaller political parties, including the Peoples Liberation Party, whose leader Nabieu Musa Kamara has advocated for a threshold between 4 and 5 per cent, describing the current proposal as prohibitive.
The ongoing debate forms part of wider discussions on the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2025, which introduces significant reforms to Sierra Leone’s electoral framework. Among the proposals are a transition from the First-Past-The-Post system to Proportional Representation, a reduction in the presidential victory threshold from 55 per cent to a simple majority, and the introduction of a 30 per cent quota for women nominees.
The bill also seeks to eliminate parliamentary by-elections entirely, a provision Bangura firmly supports as part of broader efforts to reduce costs and improve efficiency in governance.
Parliament is expected to resume debate on Friday, July 31, at 10:00 a.m., with the final outcome set to play a decisive role in shaping the country’s electoral and democratic trajectory.
