The Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL) in a press release dated 31st January 2023, has expressed its satisfaction and contentment with the decision of the Supreme Court on the Proportional Representation System.
It could be recalled that on the 27th January 2023, five justices of the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone delivered a judgement in a case regarding the PR System. The case was brought by two members of the main opposition party, All People’s Congress (APC).
Detailing the various reasons in that case, the complaints challenged the unconstitutionality of the PR System of voting for general and local council elections of Sierra Leone and asked that the Supreme Court declares it as unconstitutional.
In a unanimous decision as read by the Chief Justice Desmond B. Edwards, refused to grant the orders sought by the plaintiffs.
Stating the reasons for the refusal, the Supreme Court noted that the President was entirely within his right for advancing the PR System. Disagreeing with the plaintiffs, it continued that constituencies have not been established in accordance with subsection 3 of section 38 for the purposes of the 2023 elections.
Elucidating how the Supreme Court handled the case, the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law expressed why it is in accordance with the Supreme Court verdict.
It stated that the decision was based on the substance or merit of the complaint rather than on technical grounds.
CARL furthered that the judgment also reinforces the power of the Supreme Court to hold the President accountable to constitutional limit. It also commended the Court for resolving the complaint expeditiously and in a transparent manner.
CARL expressed its strong hope to the judiciary to look into all election related complaints based on their merits and with the same speed and transparency as the matter under review. It affirmed its strong dedication in tracking and providing regular updates on all election related disputes in Sierra Leone.