Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh advocated for the Proportional Representation (PR) system, describing it as a globally prevalent electoral model, during the National Council of Critical Chiefs Conference on Security and Governance. The assertion was made in Bo City on Friday, 31 July 2026, where the conference also explored electoral reforms, including both Proportional Representation and the First-Past-The-Post system. Dr. Jalloh stated, "The proportional representation system is the best-suited electoral system for guaranteeing women’s representation and ensuring inclusive representation." He further described the Proportional Representation (PR) system as one of the world’s most widely used electoral models, emphasizing its global applicability and effectiveness. The Vice President’s address showed the government's ongoing commitment to fostering a more representative political landscape in Sierra Leone.
Global Adoption and Benefits
The government of Sierra Leone reaffirmed its commitment to promoting democratic governance, inclusion, and equal participation under President Dr Julius Maada Bio. This commitment extends to exploring and implementing electoral systems that best serve the nation's democratic aspirations. Data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union indicates that proportional representation is employed in 76 countries for their lower house of parliament. This makes proportional representation the single most common electoral system category globally. In comparison, 62 countries utilize plurality or majority systems for their lower house, while 35 countries have adopted mixed systems. These statistics highlight the widespread international acceptance and implementation of the PR system. Dr. Juldeh Jalloh possesses experience researching electoral systems and election management across more than 14 countries, providing him with a broad perspective on different electoral models and their practical implications. His extensive background in this field informs his advocacy for the PR system, allowing him to draw on a wealth of international examples and best practices.
Financial and Political Gains
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh contended that the Proportional Representation (PR) system is particularly effective in advancing women's political participation. He noted that this system inherently creates pathways for greater female representation in legislative bodies, contributing to more balanced and equitable governance. In February, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay Esq. Stated that the adoption of the PR electoral system saved Sierra Leone an estimated NLe20 million ($841,042). This significant saving was attributed to the elimination of parliamentary by-elections under the PR system, which traditionally incur substantial financial costs. The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq. Further clarified that the financial benefits extended beyond immediate cost savings, contributing to overall fiscal efficiency in election management. The financial and political advantages presented by the PR system, as articulated by the Vice President and the Attorney General, offer compelling arguments for its continued use and consideration in Sierra Leone.
Opposition Views and Future
Some opposition politicians have expressed reservations regarding the broader political implications of the Proportional Representation system. These concerns often revolve around issues such as accountability, constituency representation, and the potential impact on political party dynamics. Despite these reservations, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh commended the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) and other stakeholders for their diligent efforts. Dr. Jalloh recognized their dedication to strengthening the country’s democratic processes, noting their commitment to ongoing electoral reforms and ensuring the integrity of the nation's elections. The Vice President's commendation showed the collaborative spirit required to navigate complex electoral discussions and reforms, emphasizing the importance of all stakeholders in shaping Sierra Leone's democratic future. The ongoing dialogue surrounding electoral systems reflects a dynamic political environment committed to continuous improvement and adaptation.