Sierra Leone’s Parliament has approved a constitutional amendment that lowers the threshold for winning a presidential election and introduces Proportional Representation as the sole system for electing Members of Parliament.
Under the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act, 2025, a presidential candidate will now require 50 percent plus one vote to win, replacing the previous 55 percent threshold.
The legislation also provides for Proportional Representation to be used as the country’s only electoral system for parliamentary elections.
The bill was passed by a simple majority under Section 91(1) of the 1991 Constitution after APC lawmakers staged a walkout, except for Hon. Mohamed Bangura and Hon. Alfred Ayodele Thompson, who remained in the chamber and took part in the proceedings.
The two lawmakers have previously taken positions that differ from their party’s approach to disagreements over governance and parliamentary matters.
Speaker of Parliament Hon. Segehpoh Solomon Thomas said he would seek the Supreme Court’s opinion on whether Section 91(1) provides the only constitutional route for amending the country’s Constitution.
Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Leader of the main opposition in Parliament, said the APC’s action was aimed at defending the Constitution and standing with the people. He clarified that their decision to leave the chamber should not be regarded as a boycott.
