In any democracy, a national census is not just a statistical exercise—it is the bedrock of inclusive governance, equitable resource distribution, and credible electoral representation. It is the mechanism through which nations understand their people, plan their future, and ensure that no group is left behind.
Therefore, when a government postpones a census just three years before a crucial national election, eyebrows must be raised, questions asked, and the motives thoroughly scrutinized. In Sierra Leone’s case, the SLPP-led administration’s decision to delay the national census ahead of the 2028 elections is alarming, and also poses a grave threat to democratic integrity, national stability, and future electoral credibility.
The Government of Sierra Leone, citing logistical, financial, and “technical” challenges, has quietly announced the postponement of the planned population and housing census that was originally scheduled to take place before the 2028 elections. Coming on the heels of political tension, economic hardship, and growing public disenchantment with the ruling SLPP, this move has sparked fierce debates across the political landscape.
Many citizens and analysts see this as more than a delay—it is a calculated political maneuver, a tool to distort electoral planning, and possibly a smokescreen for shifting the 2028 elections altogether. Sierra Leone’s history with censuses has always been politically charged; but this latest postponement may be the most dangerous yet.
Conducting a population census before a general election is vital for many reasons. Firstly, it provides an accurate basis for constituency boundary delimitation. Without updated demographic data, the Electoral Commission will be forced to rely on outdated statistics that may no longer reflect current population realities, resulting in gross underrepresentation or overrepresentation in Parliament—essentially robbing citizens of equal voting power.
Secondly, a census helps in determining fair allocation of resources, especially for electoral logistics. It allows planners to know how many polling stations are needed, how many ballots must be printed, how to deploy security personnel, and how to manage election-day crowd control. A faulty or outdated database puts the integrity of the entire election at risk.
Finally, a census sets the foundation for transparency and trust. When people see their numbers accurately represented, especially in rural and marginalized communities, they are more likely to participate in governance and accept election outcomes. Delaying the census could fracture that trust and fuel accusations of manipulation and voter disenfranchisement.
The Bio administration’s hesitance to proceed with a timely census raises serious concerns about its intentions. Is the government afraid that accurate data could weaken its grip on power? Could it be that certain SLPP strongholds may no longer hold the population advantage they once did, and that a new census would expose their electoral vulnerability?
This fear is not unfounded. Since coming to power in 2018, the SLPP has faced widespread criticism for poor governance, corruption, youth unemployment, and worsening living conditions. Public trust has diminished, and the ruling party no longer enjoys the unquestioned support it once had. An updated census may redraw the political map and shift the balance of power towards opposition strongholds.
Moreover, postponing the census could be a clever strategy to maintain the current electoral configuration, which the SLPP believes still favours its incumbency. If no census is done, then no redistricting will occur. And if no redistricting occurs, then the status quo benefits those already in power—even if that power is no longer representative of the real population spread.
The opposition, particularly the All People’s Congress (APC), has expressed grave concerns over the government’s delay. APC leaders argue that the decision is a thinly veiled attempt to undermine electoral fairness. They have called for transparency and have warned that failure to conduct a census before 2028 would render the elections illegitimate and potentially spark political unrest.
Civil society groups and international observers have echoed such concerns. Some fear that the postponement could open the door for an eventual push to extend the current administration’s term beyond 2028 under the pretext of “technical difficulties” and “electoral unpreparedness.” Such a scenario would be a constitutional crisis in the making. Absolutely.
If the census is not conducted by 2026 at the latest, it would be virtually impossible to redraw electoral boundaries, update voter registries, and conduct a credible nationwide election by 2028. The government could then argue that the situation is too chaotic for an election, citing incomplete data and the need to avoid a “disorderly process.” This could lead to postponing the vote to 2029 or beyond—a move that would be met with national and international outrage.
Delaying elections would push Sierra Leone into uncharted and dangerous territory. It would undermine constitutional order, damage the country’s democratic credentials, and potentially incite civil unrest. The political temperature is already high. Any attempt to tamper with the electoral calendar under the guise of census delays could be explosive.
If allowed to proceed unchecked, the postponement of the census could have a domino effect on the nation. It would entrench bad governance, embolden corrupt officials, and fuel public cynicism about the political process. Voter apathy could rise, especially among the youth who already feel disenfranchised. Worse still, it could invite foreign skepticism and reduce donor confidence in Sierra Leone’s governance structures.
The credibility of the 2028 elections hinges on accurate data. Postponing the census not only weakens that foundation—it threatens the entire democratic project.
Sierra Leone cannot afford another political crisis. The wounds from past electoral disputes have not yet healed. The path forward must be one of transparency, integrity, and timely planning.
Postponing the census is not a simple administrative delay—it is a politically loaded decision with potentially catastrophic consequences. The government must reverse course, commit to a timeline for the census, and allow the process to be led by independent, professional bodies free from political interference.
If the SLPP truly believes in democracy, it must not fear the truth the census will reveal. Accurate data is not a threat—it is a tool for better governance.
The people of Sierra Leone deserve nothing less than a free, fair, and transparent electoral process based on up-to-date and credible information. Any attempt to circumvent that is not just a betrayal of the public trust—it is an assault on democracy itself.
