By: Aminata Sesay
President Julius Maada Bio has announced the formation of a Technical Committee to review a proposal aimed at increasing the number of Paramount Chiefs represented in the Parliament of Sierra Leone from one to two per district.
The announcement was made on Friday, 7 August 2026, during the State Opening of the Fourth Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone, where President Bio delivered his Presidential Address outlining the Government’s legislative priorities and development agenda for the new parliamentary session.
President Bio explained that the committee, which will be chaired by Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, was established following extensive consultations. He said the committee will conduct inclusive engagements and undertake evidence-based technical assessments before submitting its recommendations.
The President emphasised that any recommendation arising from the committee’s work must be consistent with the Constitution and existing laws of Sierra Leone.
If approved, the proposed reform would increase the representation of Paramount Chiefs in Parliament across the country’s districts, potentially strengthening the voice of traditional leaders within the national legislative process.
In his address, President Bio described Paramount Chiefs and traditional authorities as vital pillars of community leadership, peacebuilding and social cohesion. He noted that their deep understanding of local communities enables them to effectively represent the interests and concerns of their people.
The President said Government would continue to strengthen collaboration with Paramount Chiefs in areas such as local development, land management, dispute resolution, public safety and service delivery, while ensuring that the roles of local councils and traditional authorities remain clearly defined.
He further stressed the importance of traditional leaders being accessible, impartial and accountable to the communities they serve.
The proposed increase in parliamentary representation comes at a time when Government is pursuing efforts to deepen decentralization and strengthen local governance by devolving greater responsibilities and resources to local authorities.
President Bio said local councils must ensure transparent management of public resources and deliver tangible improvements in critical sectors, including road infrastructure, market development, water and sanitation, healthcare and education.
The Technical Committee is expected to undertake nationwide consultations and a detailed review of the proposal before presenting its findings and recommendations to Government.
Should the proposal receive further consideration, it would proceed through the appropriate constitutional and legislative processes required for any change to parliamentary representation in Sierra Leone.