In a dynamic and impassioned speech during the parliamentary debate on presidential nominees, Speaker of Parliament Hon. Sengepoh Solomon Thomas sparked a national conversation by advocating for the extension of the Proportional Representation (PR) system to Sierra Leone’s executive branch. Addressing lawmakers from the Well of Parliament, Thomas criticized the current winner-takes-all system as divisive and a catalyst for political instability.
August 6, 2025 the PR system has proven effective in Parliament by ensuring fair representation of Sierra Leone’s diverse political voices, Thomas declared. Extending it to the executive could alleviate the desperation and tension that fuel our elections.
Thomas proposed a governance model where cabinet positions and executive roles are allocated based on the percentage of votes each political party secures, fostering a more inclusive and cooperative government, the current system leaves losers with nothing, breeding desperation and instability,” he cautioned.
Under his plan, political parties would nominate ministers proportionally, with the President retaining ultimate authority. The President could request replacements for underperforming ministers, maintaining accountability while preserving executive stability, this isn’t about weakening the presidency it’s about strengthening national unity, Thomas emphasized. “Elections shouldn’t feel like battles, and desperation shouldn’t threaten our democracy.”
In a pointed critique, Thomas stressed that calls for national sacrifice must be backed by tangible support, you cannot demand patriotism from empty stomachs,” he said, urging leaders to govern with empathy and provide dignity to citizens. He highlighted that under Standing order 42, lawmakers have the power to directly enhance citizens’ lives and must prioritize results over rhetoric, let us build a legacy of unity and inclusion, Thomas urged, our power should empower all Sierra Leoneans, not exclude them. The nation will rise only when every citizen has a stake in its future.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday,8th August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
