Chernor Bah Defends PR, Accuses APC of Delaying Electoral Reforms

Information and Civic Education Minister Chernor Bah has accused the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) of “dragging their feet” on Sierra Leone’s electoral reforms, while defending the Government’s push for Proportional Representation (PR).

Speaking on Liberty Online TV ahead of Parliament’s contentious sitting on Monday, 10 August 2026, Bah said the APC had previously called for electoral reforms but was now opposing key aspects of the process, including PR and the proposed voting threshold.

He maintained that the SLPP Government’s support for PR was not driven by fear of elections under the existing First-Past-the-Post system, but by a desire to promote broader political representation, particularly for women and other underrepresented groups.

Bah argued that PR could help reduce tribal, regional and stronghold politics and make Sierra Leone’s democracy more inclusive. He also said constitutional reform had been under discussion for years, dating back to previous administrations and constitutional review processes.

“We the SLPP don’t have no fear,” Bah said, insisting that the party was prepared to compete under whichever electoral system is ultimately adopted.

His comments came as Parliament passed the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, amid an APC boycott. The Speaker subsequently adjourned Parliament until 29 October 2026, while referring the disputed constitutional voting threshold to the Supreme Court for interpretation.

The development has intensified the political disagreement between the ruling SLPP and APC over the proposed electoral reforms.