Deputy Speaker Says APC Opposes PR System Over Western Area Seat Sharing

Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, has said that the All People’s Congress (APC) is opposing the proposed proportional representation (PR) system because the party does not want to share parliamentary seats in the Western Area with other political parties.

Speaking on Radio Democracy 98.1, the Deputy Speaker said the APC’s resistance is closely linked to its historical dominance in the region.

“The fact is, the APC does not want to move beyond first-past-the-post because of the Western Area,” he said. “The APC was formed in the Western Area, and while the SLPP is also strong here, the percentage share they are receiving is not equivalent to the 50/50 the APC holds.”

Hon. Tawa Conteh emphasized that the introduction of the PR system would alter the current distribution of parliamentary seats, potentially reducing the APC’s dominance in the Western Area.

“Introducing proportional representation could change the balance of parliamentary seats in the Western Area, which is why the APC is opposed,” he added.

His remarks come amid ongoing national discussions on electoral reforms and the possible implications of proportional representation for future parliamentary elections.

Political observers note that debates surrounding PR carry significant political consequences, particularly in regions where one party has traditionally maintained a stronghold.