Freetown, 24th August, 2026– President Julius Maada Bio has announced plans to review the number of Paramount Chief Members of Parliament (PC MPs), proposing an increase from one to two representatives per district.
Speaking during the State Opening of the Fourth Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic, President Bio underscored the vital role of Paramount Chiefs and traditional authorities in community leadership, peacebuilding, and social cohesion. He praised their accessibility and impartiality, while stressing that their contributions remain indispensable to Sierra Leone’s governance framework.
“A Technical Committee, led by the Honourable Vice President, will examine the proposal to increase Paramount Chief representation in Parliament from one to two representatives per district. Its work will be consultative, evidence‑based and firmly grounded in our Constitution and laws,” the President declared.
The proposal forms part of the government’s broader decentralisation agenda, which seeks to devolve responsibilities with corresponding resources, strengthen local revenue mobilisation, and improve coordination between local councils and central government.
President Bio emphasised that decentralisation must deliver tangible improvements in communities from roads and markets to water supply, sanitation, health, and education. He noted that accountability and transparency at the local level remain essential for effective governance.
The announcement signals a potential shift in Sierra Leone’s parliamentary structure, giving traditional leaders a stronger voice in national decision‑making while reinforcing their role in bridging communities and the state.
