By Mohamed Kamara
Tensions are once again brewing between Sierra Leone’s main opposition, the All People’s Congress (APC), and the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) over the future of the Proportional Representation (PR) System in the lead-up to the 2028 multitier elections.
The growing disagreement on whether to retain or abolish the PR system has sparked deep concern among both local and international stakeholders, including guarantors of the Unity Agreement, who recently concluded their engagement with the Tripartite Steering Committee.
In an effort to promote peace and national cohesion, Miss Priscilla Wellington, a Political Science student at Prneactia University in the United States, highlighted the need for dialogue and adherence to democratic processes. She recalled that the Secretary-General of the Steering Committee, Mr. Bolo Katta, had previously assured the public that in the event of major disagreements between the two political parties over the Unity Agreement’s implementation, a national referendum could be invoked as a constitutional remedy.
According to Miss Wellington, Mr. Katta had informed the public that regional consolidation meetings were held, each represented by 200 delegates, and that over 70 recommendations were unanimously approved during those sessions.
However, she expressed concern that the APC’s recent protest—during which Secretary-General Lansana Dumbuya reaffirmed the party’s opposition to the PR system—suggests that Mr. Katta’s assurances may not be holding as expected.
She emphasized that since the recommendation for a referendum already exists within the Unity Agreement framework, it would be prudent for the government and opposition to allow citizens to decide through a transparent and inclusive referendum, rather than prolonging political confrontation.
“The referendum will reflect the will of the people and pave the way for a smooth political transition,” Miss Wellington concluded.
