Electoral Reform: Gov’t Endorses PR
Freetown, Sierra Leone, 24th July 2025. The Government of Sierra Leone has publicly expressed its support for adopting the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system, following robust nationwide consultations on electoral reform. The announcement was made by Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, during the Government Weekly Press Conference held on 22nd July 2025.
The consultations were part of the recently concluded National Dialogue on the Preferred Electoral System for Sierra Leone, which was organized in line with Recommendation 78 of the Tripartite Committee Report. The dialogue engaged a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and electoral experts, to weigh the merits of the current First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system against the PR model.
Minister Bah highlighted the government’s preference for the Proportional Representation system, underscoring its potential to promote national unity, broaden political inclusion, reduce election-related violence, and cut administrative costs.
Many political parties and civil society organizations share this position,” said Bah. “The PR system is seen as a pathway to strengthening national development and ensuring democratic stability in Sierra Leone.”
In addition to electoral reform updates, Minister Bah announced a series of regulatory measures aimed at improving national identity verification, financial security, and digital infrastructure.
The Bank of Sierra Leone has issued a directive requiring all citizens to link their bank accounts with their National Identification Number (NIN). New bank accounts must be linked at the point of opening, while existing account holders must complete the process by December 31, 2025.
The Minister also informed the public that starting October 1, 2025, the National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA) will begin deactivating all unregistered mobile phone numbers not linked to a NIN. This move is part of a broader government strategy to improve cybersecurity, protect users, and strengthen digital financial services.
To support this transition, commercial banks and mobile money operators have been instructed to onboard verified users into the National Payment Switch a system designed to allow seamless transactions between bank accounts and mobile wallets, accelerating Sierra Leone’s journey toward a more inclusive and digitally driven economy.
Minister Bah urged all citizens to take proactive steps to comply with these requirements to avoid service disruptions in both banking and telecommunications sectors.
