The main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) has issued a strong statement rejecting what it describes as a plot by the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government to “undermine democracy” through the imposition of a broader proportional representation (PR) system, executive power-sharing arrangements, and the creation of new districts without due process.
In a statement signed by APC National Secretary-General Lansana Dumbuya, the party accused the government of “a brazen attempt to run over our democracy” and warned that such measures could amount to a return to one-party rule.
According to the APC, Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution clearly establishes the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) constituency-based system as the primary method of electing representatives. The PR model, the party noted, is only envisaged under exceptional circumstances, such as during a national crisis when constituencies cannot be drawn.
“We are not in a crisis, and constituency boundaries are well laid out. Any attempt therefore, to permanently replace FPTP with the PR system is unconstitutional, and will be resisted,” the APC statement reads.
The opposition further criticized the government’s handling of nationwide consultations conducted under Resolution 78 of the Tripartite Committee, arguing that the outcome showed overwhelming public support for a return to FPTP. To ignore this consensus, the APC warned, “is tantamount to trampling on democracy.”
The party also rejected proposals for executive power-sharing, claiming such arrangements are not genuine efforts at national cohesion but rather “a ploy by the ruling party to entrench itself as a one-party regime.” Citing Kenya’s troubled experience with similar models, the APC said such moves could destabilize Sierra Leone and trigger political unrest.
Concerns were also raised about reports of the creation or division of districts without transparent procedures or proper legal justification. “The legitimacy of any administrative change rests on a foundation of clear legal justification, published demographic and fiscal data, and forums for authentic community input,” the statement stressed.
The APC called for full implementation of the Tripartite Committee’s recommendations, which emerged from post-2023 election dialogue and the Bintumani Agreement for National Unity. These, the party insisted, provide the only credible path to peace, stability, and free and fair elections.
The statement ended with a series of demands, including an immediate halt to what it termed “manipulative actions,” respect for the Constitution, and adherence to the will of the people. The APC also vowed to mobilize “all lawful and peaceful means of protest” to resist what it sees as unconstitutional maneuvers.
“Sierra Leone belongs to all its citizens, not to a ruling party desperate to perpetuate its stay in power through constitutional fraud,” the statement concluded.
