During a landmark national dialogue on electoral reform held on July 17, 2025, at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown, the Office of National Security (ONS) presented the Security Sector’s official position, endorsing the Proportional Representation (PR) system as the most suitable electoral framework for Sierra Leone.
Speaking on behalf of the National Security Coordinator and the heads of various security institutions, Dr. Ahmed A. Sannoh, Deputy National Security Coordinator (DNS Coord), delivered a comprehensive position paper at the event hosted by the Tripartite Committee on the implementation of the National Unity Agreement. The session, held at the Bintumani International Conference Centre, was aimed at addressing Recommendation 78 of the Tripartite Recommendation Report, with the goal of strengthening democratic governance and electoral integrity in Sierra Leone.
Dr. Ahmed A. Sannoh underscored the critical link between governance and national security, arguing that while electoral systems are instruments of democratic expression their implications extend far into the domains of peace, stability and social cohesion. “The adoption of a Proportional Representation system presents Sierra Leone with an opportunity not only to deepen democracy but to promote inclusive governance, national cohesion and lasting peace,” he asserted.
He recalled the 1996 general elections, held under a PR system during the height of Sierra Leone’s civil war, which led to the formation of a broadly representative parliament. That experience, he noted, was instrumental in reducing tensions and facilitating national dialogue, even amid widespread conflict.
In contrast, Dr. Ahmed A. Sannoh pointed out the divisive effects of the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system, which, he said, tends to heighten ethnic and regional divisions through its winner-takes-all mechanism. “Such systems are not well-suited to a country with our level of ethnic diversity and historical sensitivities,” he stated.
Citing international examples, he referenced Rwanda, South Africa and Northern Ireland, nations that have successfully used PR systems to manage post-conflict transitions, ensure inclusive governance and prevent the resurgence of violence. He emphasized that more than 90 countries globally now employ elements of the PR system, benefiting from greater inclusivity, political accountability and democratic resilience.
“FPTP breeds disproportionate representation and fosters exclusionary politics,” Dr. Ahmed A. Sannoh said, contrasting this with the PR model that, he argued, better aligns voter preferences with representation, mitigates electoral violence and encourages multi-party cooperation.
Presenting the Security Sector’s recommendation as a “strategic imperative,” he concluded, “We must confront an undeniable truth: electoral systems either serve as bridges to inclusion or become walls that entrench division. Proportional Representation offers us that bridge; a path toward shared governance, mutual respect and national cohesion. For the sake of our unity, our security and the sacred promise of an enduring democracy, Sierra Leone must summon the courage to cross it.”
The national dialogue brought together key stakeholders from political parties, civil society, international partners and governance institutions. It forms part of Sierra Leone’s broader efforts to implement reforms under the National Unity Agreement, reflecting a collective commitment to democratic consolidation and sustainable peace.
