By John Marah
In a bold and fiery address during the parliamentary approval debate of presidential nominees, Speaker of Parliament Hon. Sengepoh Thomas ignited national discourse by calling for the extension of the Proportional Representation (PR) system to the executive branch of government.
Speaking from the Well of Parliament, Speaker Thomas challenged lawmakers to rethink Sierra Leone’s current winner-takes-all model, which he described as divisive and a source of political instability.
“The PR system has worked effectively in Parliament by ensuring fair representation of our country’s diverse political voices,” Thomas said. “If extended to the executive, we could reduce the desperation and tension that surround our elections.”
A Bold Vision for Power-Sharing
Thomas proposed a future in which cabinet positions and executive responsibilities reflect the percentage of votes secured by political parties, enabling a more inclusive and collaborative form of governance.
“Right now, if you don’t win, you lose everything. That kind of system breeds desperation, and desperate people can become unstable,” he warned.
Under his proposal, political parties would nominate ministers proportionally, while the President would retain overall authority. Any minister found wanting could be replaced by their party at the President’s request, ensuring accountability without undermining executive function.
“Let me be clear: this proposal is not about weakening the presidency. It’s about strengthening national unity,” he said. “Because right now, every election feels like a war. And when a man’s political existence is threatened, he becomes desperate. Desperation leads to chaos — and that is dangerous for our democracy.”
You Can’t Demand Patriotism from Empty Stomachs In a sharp critique of the government’s approach to citizen engagement, Thomas emphasized that national sacrifice must be matched with tangible support. “Don’t just preach sacrifice from the top. Lead with empathy. Provide with dignity. Then ask for responsibility,” he urged, warning that patriotism cannot be demanded from citizens who lack food and basic services.
He reminded lawmakers that under Standing Order 42, they hold the authority to directly improve citizens’ lives and must therefore match rhetoric with results. “Let us leave a legacy of unity and inclusion. Let us use our power to empower others — not to exclude them. Sierra Leone can only rise when all of us — not just some of us — are given a stake in her future.”
