PR vs. the People: A Call for Reform
By Benjamin S. Conteh
On a recent radio program, Hon. AKK strongly criticized the government’s implementation of the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system. His remarks reflect growing concern among many Sierra Leonean asking about how our democracy is being manipulated for political convenience.
We now live in a country where the political elite continues to exploit ordinary citizens. A place where leaders often say one thing and do the opposite. The voice of the average Sierra Leonean has been so marginalized that, for many, only the grace of God keeps hope alive.
We are witnessing a troubling trend where a select few believe they have the right to dictate the destiny of millions. What’s most ironic is that, while the ruling SLPP recently conducted lower-level elections across constituencies using a constituency-based system to elect chairpersons and executive members, they now claim that PR is the best system for national elections. That contradiction isn’t just ironic it’s dangerous for our democracy.
- The Hypocrisy of PR Advocacy
If political parties themselves use constituency-based elections to choose internal leaders, why reject that same model for parliamentary elections? You cannot champion PR while practicing constituency democracy within your own party. That’s blatant hypocrisy.
- PR Undermines Direct Representation
PR takes the power to elect representatives out of the hands of the people and gives it to political parties. This violates the very essence of democracy. It severs the critical link between constituents and their representatives.
In the Western Area, for instance from Wellington to Central Freetown many communities are represented by MPs who neither live in these areas nor regularly engage with the people. How can someone advocate effectively for a community they don’t understand or even visit?
- Case Studies of Representation Failure
Consider Port Loko District. Entire areas such as Koya, Marampa, and Mange Bure suffer from underrepresentation. MPs are heavily concentrated around the Lungi axis another symptom of the disconnect caused by PR.
In Kenema, when an MP passed away, no by-election was held. Instead, a new MP was appointed through a party nomination. Is that democracy? The people were denied their right to choose.
- Academic and Political Laziness
What we are witnessing is a form of academic and political laziness. Rather than strengthening our democratic institutions, some leaders prefer shortcuts, using buzzwords like “efficiency” and “cost-saving” to justify their actions. But democracy, by nature, is not cheap. And cost should never be an excuse to deny people their fundamental right to choose their representatives.
Lazy politicians and weak civil society actors now promote PR using flawed arguments. The issue isn’t cost it’s the lack of political will to build strong, accountable constituency-based systems.
- A Better Alternative: Enhanced Constituency System
Instead of abandoning the first-past-the-post system, we should reform it. One solution is to allow each constituency to submit two or three ranked candidates. If the winner steps down or passes away, the next candidate automatically takes over
no need for a costly by-election. This preserves local representation and ensures continuity.
- Data Manipulation and Census Abuse
Let’s not forget the 2015 and 2021 censuses. For the first time in our history, two different sets of census data
one flawed, one mid-term were averaged to define constituencies. That is not only unprofessional but deeply shameful. You cannot build a fair democratic system on manipulated data.
- PR Encourages Exclusion and Ethnic Imbalance
PR poses a serious threat of exclusion. In 2018, every major ethnic group was represented in Parliament. Under the current PR system, entire regions like Falaba and parts of Koinadugu are now without any representation. How is that inclusive?
- Political Office Is a Responsibility, Not a Burden
If politicians feel it is too hard or too expensive to engage with their constituents, they should step aside. Politics is a choice not a burden. Let those with the passion and commitment to serve take the lead. We must not destroy the foundations of our democracy in the name of convenience.
We must not let lazy thinkers and self-serving advisors plunge this nation into dysfunction. I call on the President:
Do not listen to those who fear true democracy. Do not allow them to weaken the voice of the people. Sierra Leone deserves better. Thank you, and may God bless our democracy.
