Hon. Catherine Zainab Demands End to PR System
By John Marah
At the latest monthly parliamentary press briefing, Honourable Catherine Zainab delivered a powerful and uncompromising address, calling for an end to Sierra Leone’s Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system.
Speaking passionately on behalf of her Bombali constituents and millions of disenfranchised citizens nationwide, she challenged what she described as the erosion of democracy under the SLPP-led government.
“As Honourable Catherine Zainab, I rise today to speak on behalf of the voiceless—to challenge a system that has been imposed on our people without their consent.”
She criticized the PR system as a deeply flawed electoral mechanism that has silenced communities, diluted true representation, and betrayed the core tenets of Sierra Leone’s democracy.
“Let me be clear: this system is one of the most flawed electoral mechanisms ever forced upon the citizens of Sierra Leone. It has silenced our voices, diluted representation, and undermined democracy.”
Referencing recent tragedies and the memories of fallen heroes like “Dumbuya,” she reminded the nation that their sacrifice was for justice—not political gamesmanship. She mourned the death of dedicated local leaders in places like Sandruma and Kamakwie, whose replacements are now chosen from closed party lists rather than elected by the people.
“Under PR, we do not elect replacements—we inherit them from party lists. That is not democracy. That is disenfranchisement.”
Honourable Zainab condemned the government’s invocation of Section 38A of the Constitution—intended only for national emergencies—to justify the PR system.
“Section 38 is clear. Bypassing it under false pretenses is not only unconstitutional, it’s a betrayal of democratic principles.”
She cited her own development efforts under the former first-past-the-post system—from building a school worth over 200 million Leones to rehabilitating hospitals and constructing bridges—as evidence of how direct representation fosters real accountability.
“That was possible because my people could hold me directly accountable. That was true representation.”
The Honourable MP urged journalists to remain bold in their truth-telling and not succumb to intimidation.
“You are the defenders of democracy. Don’t let fear silence your pen. Challenge this broken PR system.”
Highlighting the SLPP’s dominance and her party’s diminished representation—down to just 11%—she called the PR system a tool of manipulation.
“I told Dr. Kandeh Yumkella plainly: PR benefits only those who know they can’t win directly. It’s not about people’s voices anymore—it’s about backdoor deals.”
Despite Bombali’s sharp decline in parliamentary representation—from a stronghold to just two MPs—she reaffirmed her commitment to stand firm.
“We may be just two, but we stand tall. Because Bombali deserves better. Sierra Leone deserves better.”
With the 2022 Elections Act passed without genuine public consultation, she warned of rising discontent across the country and renewed her call for electoral justice.
“Our people are tired. We are tired. But we will not be silenced. Enough is enough.”
In closing, Honourable Zainab issued a stirring call to action:
“Let history remember that we stood not for ourselves—but for the voiceless. Sierra Leone deserves free, fair, and direct representation. We must rise now—or risk losing everything.”
