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"In a world still grappling with gender imbalance in politics, proportional representation (PR) is emerging as a powerful force for change, shining a spotlight on women’s political empowerment and inclusion," said the National Coordinator, Community Relations, Office of the Chief Minister, State House, Hon. Robin Faley.
According to the erstwhile Member of Parliament, incraese in women participation will also ensure 30% allocation for women representation in political parties and government. "It is perfect for the promotion of our inclusive governance and fantastic for our country's democracy," Hon. Falley further asserted.

Across democracies that have adopted PR electoral systems, he said, "the results speak for themselves; more women in parliament, more diverse voices at decision-making tables, and a legislative agenda that is increasingly reflective of society’s true composition."
PR systems, he further argued, allocate seats in proportion to the number of votes each party receives. "Unlike winner-takes-all models, where only one candidate can represent a constituency, PR enables multiple representatives, often from different parties, to serve the same area," he said, adding that this structure naturally opens the door for more balanced representation; particularly for women.

The PR system, he furthered, has been a game-changer for women in countries it has been practised.
He cited South Africa, where, he said, PR has helped boost female representation to over 45%.

Globally, he further submitted that countries that use PR or mixed PR systems, such as Sweden, New Zealand, Rwanda, and Finland, consistently top global rankings for women’s political representation. "In fact, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, nations with PR systems average 10-15% higher female representation than those with majoritarian systems," Hon. Faley further maintained.

Lecturing further, he said, "The structure of PR also encourages political parties to adopt gender quotas and balanced candidate lists, ensuring women are not just added to ballots but placed in electable positions. For example, Argentina's 'zipper system', which alternates male and female candidates on party lists, has been instrumental in elevating women’s voices in national politics."

Increased female representation, he went on, has a ripple effect, noting that studies show that women lawmakers are more likely to advocate for issues such as education, healthcare, child welfare, and gender-based violence. "They also tend to prioritize inclusive governance and community development," he noted, adding, "when women lead, entire societies benefit."

Critics, the former MP said, argue that PR may weaken the direct link between representatives and their constituencies, but advocates, he said, on the other hand, counter that in an inclusive democracy; one that mirrors the full spectrum of society, is more valuable than a narrow, winner-takes-all connection.
"Proportional Representation isn’t just a voting system; it’s a vehicle for gender equality and democratic renewal," he added.

Hon. Robin Faley finally concluded by admonishing the women of Sierra Leone to fully embrace the proportional representation electoral system proposal that is under consideration as it is a beacon of inspiration for the women of our beloved country.