By Omonu YG Nelson
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Sierra Leone’s recent elections, while marked by challenges and contestations, saw a significant step forward in transparency and electoral integrity thanks to a robust legal framework enacted by Parliament. This was the key message delivered by Rt. Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu, Speaker of Parliament, at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) UK post-election seminar today.
Prior to the June 2023 elections, Parliament played a crucial role in reforming the electoral system. Key changes included replacing constituency-based elections with the District Block Representation System and implementing a form of proportional representation. These reforms, backed by laws like the Public Elections Act of 2022, ensured broader representation and a fairer distribution of seats.
The legal framework also included provisions for women’s empowerment, such as mandating that one in three candidates nominated by political parties must be female. Additionally, the Public Elections Act introduced a code of conduct for all parties and candidates, and established a dedicated “Elections Offences and Petitions Division” within the High Court.
While the elections saw contestations, particularly from the main opposition party, efforts towards constructive dialogue are underway. Speaker Bundu emphasised the importance of collaboration and cooperative governance, noting that both sides share a commitment to democracy and its improvement.
The seminar, attended by delegations from the UK and Sierra Leone Parliaments, provides a platform for reflection and learning. By sharing experiences and best practices, participants aim to further strengthen Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions and electoral processes.