Sierra Leone APC Opposes Proportional Representation Reform

• The All Peoples Congress Party (APC) has expressed opposition to proportional representation as part of proposed constitutional amendments in Sierra Leone.
• The reforms, which were approved by parliament on August 10, 2026, introduced significant changes to the country's electoral laws, including the reintroduction of proportional representation for parliamentary elections.
• The APC's stance highlights potential implications for the country's political landscape and the balance of influence within parliament.

While we do not oppose reform, we simply do not support proportional representation – says opposition APC

The All Peoples Congress Party (APC) has issued a statement regarding the proposed constitutional amendments in Sierra Leone. The party's stance on the matter is that while they do not oppose reform, they are opposed to one key aspect of the proposed changes: proportional representation. This position was announced in response to President Bio's appeal for support from all political parties. The APC's statement emphasizes their commitment to democratic principles and their willingness to engage in constructive dialogue about the reforms.

The constitutional amendments, which were approved by parliament on August 10, 2026, introduced significant changes to Sierra Leone's electoral laws. Proportional representation, a system that allocates seats in proportion to the number of votes received by each party, was reintroduced in October 2022 and used in the June 2023 parliamentary elections, marking a departure from the previous first-past-the-post system. The APC's opposition to this aspect of the reforms highlights the potential for controversy and debate surrounding the changes.

The APC's stance on proportional representation has significant implications for the country's political landscape. The new system has already led to a shift in power dynamics between parties and altered the balance of influence within parliament. Lawyers advising clients on Sierra Leone's constitutional reforms should be aware of these implications and consider how they may impact electoral law and party politics. The APC's opposition also underscores the need for careful consideration and debate about the merits of proportional representation in Sierra Leone.

Lawyers advising clients on Sierra Leone's proposed constitutional reforms should be aware of the potential implications for electoral law and the country's political landscape, particularly with regards to the opposition APC's stance on proportional representation.

Source: Original reporting via Sierra Leone Telegraph