By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Public calls are mounting for President Dr. Julius Maada Bio to directly engage with journalists in an open Town Hall meeting to clarify his position on proposed electoral reforms and the path forward for Sierra Leone’s democratic process.
Observers say that while the President has previously spoken at events, including the Sierra Eye Town Hall where he made a strong case for the Proportional Representation (PR) system as a tool to bridge divisions, critical questions remain unanswered. Concerns have been raised about how such reforms would work at the executive level, particularly given the President’s constitutional power to hire and fire.
Critics argue that while the President’s explanation at Sierra Eye was almost convincing, political foot soldiers derailed the debate by focusing on threshold issues and turning the matter into a political football. Two years on, the discussion around electoral models is once again clouded with partisanship, with stakeholders holding on tightly to their respective positions.
“What is missing is an opportunity for the President himself to sit before the Press and explain his vision in detail,” one commentator noted. “Let him face journalists openly and allow questions that reflect the concerns of citizens about how he intends to achieve those reforms.”
Many believe that taking that step would not only clear lingering doubts but also foster transparency and national ownership of the process. They argue that if electoral reforms are to be part of a new constitution, it should be through a referendum where the people themselves make the final choice, rather than leaving such a crucial decision to a few Members of Parliament.
Advocates for the Town Hall say a media round by the President would also help citizens understand why the reforms are being proposed now and whether they will truly strengthen democratic governance in Sierra Leone.
