Opposition Whip AKK Rejects PR, Defends First-Past-the-Post Voting

The Opposition Whip in Parliament, Honourable Abdul Karim Kamara (AKK), has firmly opposed proposals to introduce the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system in Sierra Leone, insisting that the country should retain the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system as Parliament debates the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill.

The proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill seeks to introduce a number of significant reforms, including the adoption of the Proportional Representation system for parliamentary elections and changes to the presidential election threshold.

In a statement shared on social media, Kamara criticized advocates of the proposed PR system, accusing them of advancing personal interests rather than reflecting the wishes of the people.

“People with selfish interests are the ones who are calling for the PR system. I see wicked people in Parliament talking in favour of the PR system which is not wanted by the people,” he stated.

The All People’s Congress (APC) lawmaker argued that the First-Past-the-Post electoral system remains the most democratic model because it allows citizens to directly elect the individuals they want to represent their constituencies.

“We should continue with the First-Past-the-Post system because it helps the people choose who they want, not who is sent to them,” Kamara said.

According to him, replacing the constituency-based electoral system with a proportional representation model would weaken the direct relationship between Members of Parliament and the communities they represent, reducing voters’ ability to hold elected officials directly accountable.

Kamara’s remarks come amid an intensifying national debate over the proposed constitutional reforms, which have attracted differing opinions from political parties, lawmakers, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.

Supporters of the Proportional Representation system argue that it would enhance inclusivity and ensure broader representation in Parliament by allocating seats based on the proportion of votes received by political parties. Opponents, however, contend that the existing First-Past-the-Post system better reflects the direct will of voters by allowing them to elect individual representatives for their constituencies.

Parliament’s ongoing consideration of the Constitutional Amendment Bill is expected to determine whether Sierra Leone proceeds with the proposed electoral reforms. The question of whether to retain the First-Past-the-Post system or adopt Proportional Representation has emerged as one of the most closely watched and debated aspects of the proposed legislation.