Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio has urged Parliament to approve a package of contested electoral reforms ahead of the 2028 presidential election. The proposed changes would lower the threshold for winning the presidency, introduce proportional representation in parliamentary elections and reserve 30% of political leadership positions for women.

In a televised address on Sunday, Bio called on lawmakers to end weeks of deadlock and pass the constitutional reform bill, which he said was the result of years of consultation and engagement.

One of the most significant changes would reduce the presidential victory threshold from 55% to 50% plus one vote. A candidate would also be required to secure at least 20% of the vote in two-thirds of the country's districts to win outright. If no candidate meets the required conditions, a runoff would be held.

The proposed changes have sparked a political standoff in Parliament, with the ruling Sierra Leone People's Party backing the reforms and the opposition All People's Congress opposing key provisions.

With Parliament yet to resolve the dispute, the proposed reforms have become a major political issue ahead of Sierra Leone's 2028 presidential election.

— CHANNELS