Hon. Ben Mansaray has called on Paramount Chiefs Members of Parliament (MPs) to ensure that the voices of citizens are reflected as Parliament prepares to make a key decision on Sierra Leone’s electoral system.

In a statement, Mansaray argued that Paramount Chiefs MPs have a responsibility to represent the views and aspirations of the people in their respective chiefdoms, particularly following nationwide consultations on electoral reform.

He noted that many citizens who participated in the consultations expressed support for a return to the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) electoral system, citing its ability to strengthen accountability by maintaining a direct relationship between elected representatives and their constituents.

According to Mansaray, concerns were raised across the country that the Proportional Representation (PR) system could weaken the connection between voters and their representatives while giving political parties greater influence over the electoral process.

He stated that although no collective public position has been issued by Paramount Chiefs, their close engagement with local communities places them in a unique position to understand public opinion on the matter.

“The responsibility of Paramount Chiefs MPs is clear. They must ensure that the views expressed by their people during the consultation process are not ignored when the matter reaches Parliament,” Mansaray stated.

He added that the votes of Paramount Chiefs MPs should reflect the interests of the chiefdoms they represent and the desire of citizens for elected officials who remain directly accountable to them.

Mansaray described the upcoming parliamentary decision as a defining moment for traditional leadership, saying Paramount Chiefs have an opportunity to demonstrate their role as custodians of the people’s interests by translating public sentiments into action on the floor of Parliament.