(Ahead of Regional Consultations Under Recommendation 78 of the Tripartite Report)
21 June 2025 | Freetown, Sierra Leone
The final set of technical consultations on Sierra Leone’s electoral reform process concluded on Saturday at Country Lodge in Freetown, setting the stage for regional engagements across the country.
The session brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including academics, independent professionals, civil society organisations (CSOs), media practitioners, youth and women’s groups, persons with disabilities, and electoral experts.
The discussions focused on evaluating the merits and limitations of the Proportional Representation (PR) and First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) systems—within the context of Sierra Leone’s political, social, and economic realities.
The consultation featured in-depth technical presentations followed by critical analysis from scholars and electoral experts. A vibrant audience contributed through pointed questions, insightful opinions, and constructive debate.
“This wasn’t just about listing pros and cons. We examined the broader socio-political frameworks in which these systems function, reflecting the maturity of our democracy,”
said one of the facilitators.
Organisers praised both the panel and audience for a high level of engagement, noting that the participants helped generate informed recommendations for Sierra Leone’s path forward.
“I wish to thank our fantastic presenters and discussants for their insight and passion. The audience was just wonderful—highlighting strong opinions and making thoughtful, guided recommendations,”
said a representative of the Tripartite Steering Committee.
The technical consultations now give way to regional public consultations, with the first scheduled for Monday, 23 June 2025, in Port Loko.
All meetings are being organised by the Tripartite Steering Committee Secretariat in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney-General, with funding from the Government of Sierra Leone and the European Union, coordinated through International IDEA Africa.
