Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has described the Proportional Representation (PR) system as one of the most widely used electoral models globally, arguing that it promotes inclusive representation by ensuring that diverse segments of society have a voice in governance.
The Vice President made the statement during the National Council of Paramount Chiefs Conference on Security and Governance held in Bo City on Friday, 31 July 2026. The conference, which also focused on electoral reforms, reignited discussions on the most suitable electoral system for Sierra Leone’s democratic future.
The event provided a platform to examine different electoral models, including the Proportional Representation system and the First-Past-The-Post system. It brought together representatives from the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), the National Civil Registration Authority, international partners, civil society organizations, and government institutions.
In February 2026, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay Esq. stated that the adoption of the PR system had saved the country an estimated NLe20 million (approximately $841,042) by eliminating the need for parliamentary by-elections.
Current data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the world’s oldest and largest international organization of national parliaments, indicates that 76 countries use proportional representation for their lower houses of parliament, compared to 62 countries that use plurality or majority systems and 35 that use mixed electoral systems. This makes PR the most common electoral system category worldwide.
However, the system has attracted mixed reactions, with some observers acknowledging the financial savings and reduced tensions associated with fewer by-elections, while some opposition politicians have raised concerns about its wider political implications.
Addressing these concerns, Dr. Juldeh Jalloh, who has extensive experience researching electoral systems and election management in more than 14 countries, argued that the PR system provides greater opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups to participate in politics.
“The proportional representation system is the best-suited electoral system for guaranteeing women’s representation and ensuring inclusive representation,” he said, emphasizing the need for an electoral framework that promotes fairness, equality, and broader citizen participation.
The political scientist and governance expert further noted that countries adopt electoral systems based on their unique democratic needs, adding that proportional representation remains a suitable option for Sierra Leone because it expands political participation and better reflects the diversity of the electorate.
At the conference in Bo, which brought together traditional leaders from across the country to share experiences and strengthen national cohesion, Vice President Jalloh commended the ECSL and other stakeholders for their efforts in advancing Sierra Leone’s democratic processes.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment under the leadership of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio to promoting democratic governance, inclusion, and equal participation for all citizens.