SLPP Big Guns Reject PR System
Kenema has emerged as a new flashpoint in the national debate over Sierra Leone’s proposed Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system, as prominent stakeholders within the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) reportedly express strong reservations about the model.
Reverend James Lahai of the National Election Watch (NEW) made this revelation during an interview aired on Liberty TV, where he disclosed that influential SLPP figures in Kenema are increasingly uneasy with the adoption of PR, citing concerns about its political, democratic, and practical implications.
According to Reverend Lahai, the resistance coming from Kenema is significant because the district has long been regarded as a political stronghold of the SLPP. He noted that the opposition to PR is not being driven by external critics or opposition parties alone, but by seasoned party actors who believe the system could weaken grassroots democracy and erode the direct bond between elected representatives and their constituents.
“What we are seeing in Kenema is a clear indication that the PR debate is not a simple party-versus-party issue,” Reverend Lahai explained. “There are serious voices within the SLPP itself who feel that proportional representation, as currently proposed, may undermine accountability and voter confidence.”
He further stated that stakeholders raised concerns that PR could centralize power in the hands of party elites, allowing party lists to determine parliamentary representation rather than the direct choice of voters at the constituency level. This, they fear, could marginalize local voices and reduce the influence of communities in choosing leaders who understand their specific needs.
Reverend Lahai emphasized that some SLPP stakeholders worry PR may be introduced without sufficient public education and broad national consensus. In his view, rushing such a fundamental change to the electoral system could deepen mistrust in the democratic process and fuel political tension ahead of future elections.
During the Liberty TV interview, he also highlighted the role of civil society organizations like the National Election Watch in amplifying citizens’ concerns and advocating for transparency, inclusivity, and dialogue. He called on political leaders to listen carefully to voices from within their own ranks, especially those coming from regions with deep political experience and historical significance.
“Democracy thrives on consultation and consent,” Lahai added. “When even ruling party stakeholders are raising red flags, it is a signal that more engagement is needed before any final decision is taken.”
The revelation from Kenema adds a new layer to the national conversation on electoral reforms, suggesting that the PR proposal may face internal resistance that could reshape political alignments and policy decisions. As the debate intensifies, many observers believe that how the SLPP leadership responds to these concerns will be critical in determining the credibility and acceptance of any future electoral framework.
For now, Kenema’s voice has entered the national arena—clear, cautious, and demanding a deeper conversation on the future of Sierra Leone’s democracy.
