APC Rejects Government’s Proposed Presidential Election Threshold Reforms

APC Rejects Government’s Proposed Presidential Election Threshold Reforms

Flagbearer aspirant Ady Macauley has announced his opposition to the government's proposed amendments to the presidential election threshold, warning that the changes could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

Most significant;y, the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill seeks to redefine the requirements for winning a presidential election.

Under the new model, a candidate would be declared the winner if they secure a simple majority of total valid votes nationwide, alongside at least 20 percent of valid votes in two-thirds of the country's districts. If no candidate achieves this, a run-off election would be triggered, with results immediately transmitted to the Chief Justice.

Ady Macauley stated that the party completely rejects the amendment.

Macauley argued that the existing 55 percent threshold has functioned without significant controversy and should be maintained. He expressed concern that linking the threshold to district performance creates a potential for abuse, as the President holds the authority to create new districts.

“There may be a tendency for it to be abused by any President that comes and wants to retain power,”

Macauley stated, suggesting that a government could potentially divide districts where it enjoys strong political support to increase its chances of meeting the 20 percent requirement.

The parties Deputy Publicity Secretary Mohamed Pope Kamara echoed the sentiment of aversion to the bill and furthered that senior members of the party will be escorting parliamentarians to the House to prevent against voting against national interest.

Instead of the proposed district-based model, the APC advocates for a threshold based on “50 percent plus one” of the total vote, which the party argues would foster a more level playing field for all political parties.

The debate surrounding these electoral reforms is expected to continue as part of the broader ongoing constitutional reform process.