By VOS Staff Writer
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has revealed that the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill seeks to revise the threshold required to win a presidential election in Sierra Leone.
According to Mr. Sesay, the Bill proposes reducing the current winning requirement from 55 percent to 50 percent plus one vote, a move he says aligns Sierra Leone’s electoral framework with widely accepted democratic standards.
Beyond the simple majority requirement, the proposed amendment also introduces a geographical spread provision, which would require a presidential candidate to secure at least 20 percent of the votes in no fewer than two-thirds of the country’s total districts in order to be declared winner.
The Attorney General explained that the changes are aimed at promoting inclusivity, strengthening national cohesion, and ensuring that elected presidents command both a clear numerical majority and broad national support.
He further noted that the proposed reforms form part of wider constitutional adjustments intended to enhance electoral fairness, reduce post-election disputes, and consolidate democratic governance in the country. Mr. Sesay emphasized that the Bill remains subject to parliamentary debate and public scrutiny before any final decision is taken.
