IGR Calls for Hybrid Electoral System in Sierra Leone
By Aminata Kamara
The Institute for Governance Reform (IGR) has launched a new report titled “Beyond the PR and First-Past-the-Post Systems: A Call for a Mixed Electoral System for Sierra Leone.”
Presenting the report, IGR Executive Director Andrew Lavalie emphasized the need for a hybrid electoral system that combines elements of both the Proportional Representation (PR) and First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) systems. According to him, neither system, when used independently, adequately addresses Sierra Leone’s governance challenges.
He argued that adopting a mixed system would better reflect the interests and needs of a broader segment of the population.
Adding to the discussion, Fredline M’Cormack-Hale noted that despite the country’s experience with both PR and FPTP systems, many Sierra Leoneans still have limited understanding of how electoral systems operate. She identified political polarization, corruption, and economic constraints as major challenges facing the country.
Lavalie further called for constituencies to be more easily identifiable to citizens, rather than being represented by numerical labels that may be difficult for ordinary people to relate to.
He also suggested that the ongoing preference for either PR or FPTP by political parties is often influenced by strategic interests, as parties tend to support systems that favor their electoral chances.
The report ultimately calls for electoral reforms that prioritize national cohesion, inclusivity, and effective governance.
