President Bio Urges Parliament to Pass Electoral Reforms

Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, is urging Parliament to approve a constitutional reform bill to reshape the national electoral system before the 2028 presidential election. In a televised address on August 9, Bio argued that the reforms are urgent to avoid conducting another election under rules that the government, opposition, and civil society have already recognized as needing improvement.

The proposed legislation would reduce the presidential election victory threshold from 55 percent to 50 percent plus one vote. To avoid a run-off under these new rules, a candidate would need to secure at least 20 percent of the vote in two-thirds of the country's districts. Additionally, the bill introduces proportional representation for parliamentary elections, a 30 percent quota for women in political leadership, and requirements for regional and minority inclusion in presidential appointments.

The ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party supports the changes, claiming they will lower costs and security risks associated with run-off elections. However, the opposition All People’s Congress opposes the threshold reduction and seeks to maintain the 55 percent requirement. Critics have questioned the administration's sudden urgency, citing past controversies involving the appointment of the former Chief Justice and the removal of protected officials.