By Ragan M. Conteh

As the national debate on Proportional Representation (PR) continues, on Thursday, 10th July 2025, the opposition Chief Whip, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, appeared on Epic Radio to shed light on the implications of the PR system and to educate the public about its aftermath which he said is consequential.

According to him, the Proportional Representation system is fundamentally flawed and unfit for purpose, as it denies citizens the right to directly choose their leaders.

He argued that the system only serves the interests of the political elites, allowing political parties to determine who holds public office, rather than empowering the electorate. As a result, many eligible and competent individuals are sidelined simply because they are not favored by their parties.

He further emphasized that numerous constituencies across the country currently lack representation in Parliament, a situation he described as a breeding ground for continued marginalization and underdevelopment of those communities.

The opposition lawmaker also cited a recent incident in Kenema, where a sitting Member of Parliament passed away, and within a week, a replacement was appointed without any consultation with or input from the voters. He used this example to highlight how the PR system sidelines the will of the people in favour of political convenience.

In another instance, he pointed out that in one part of the Kambia District, comprising three chiefdoms, only a single councilor represents the entire area an arrangement he described as woefully inadequate and far from true representation.

Hon. Koroma concluded by asserting that the ruling SLPP government is fully aware that the PR system is undemocratic.

Conversely, they continue to support it as it remains their only pathway to maintaining influence in governance. As the main opposition party, he stated, they will persist in advocating for the abolition of the Proportional Representation system in the lead-up to the next general elections.”