Sierra Leone’s 2028 Elections: Systemic Exclusion of Persons with Disabilities Reveals Democratic Gaps in Post-Colonial Governance

Indigenous Sierra Leonean traditions, such as the communal care practices embedded in Mende and Temne cultures, historically provided frameworks for disability inclusion that prioritised collective responsibility over state intervention. These systems were disrupted by colonial legal codes (e.g., the 1911 Native Courts Ordinance) that pathologised disability and excluded disabled persons from civic participation. Today, grassroots movements like the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues (SLUDI) are reviving these principles by advocating for community-led policy rather than top-down reforms.

Sierra Leone’s exclusion of persons with disabilities is rooted in colonial-era legal frameworks that institutionalised ableism, such as the 1911 Native Courts Ordinance, which barred disabled persons from testifying in court. Post-independence, the country’s governance model—shaped by structural adjustment programs in the 1980s—prioritised fiscal austerity over social services, dismantling public infrastructure that could support disability inclusion. The 1991–2002 civil war further entrenched exclusion, as disabled veterans and civilians were left without state support, a pattern mirrored in other post-conflict African nations.

Comparative analysis reveals that Rwanda’s 2003 constitution mandates a 5% quota for persons with disabilities in public office, while Uganda’s 2020 Disability Act criminalises discrimination, offering models Sierra Leone could adapt. In contrast, Western-centric approaches often frame disability as an individual tragedy requiring charity, rather than a systemic issue demanding structural change. Indigenous Australian and Māori models, which centre on land-based rehabilitation and cultural reclamation, provide alternative frameworks for disability justice that prioritise sovereignty and self-determination.

Research from the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Bank shows that disability inclusion in governance correlates with reduced poverty and improved public health outcomes, yet Sierra Leone’s policies remain misaligned with this evidence. Studies on political participation (e.g., UN DESA’s 2023 report) highlight that electoral systems with proportional representation and accessibility mandates significantly increase disabled representation. The lack of disaggregated data on disability in Sierra Leone’s electoral rolls further obscures the scale of exclusion, a gap that must be addressed to design evidence-based interventions.

Artistic and spiritual traditions in Sierra Leone, such as the masquerade performances of the Poro and Sande societies, often feature disabled individuals as central figures, symbolising the community’s interconnectedness. Contemporary artists like Alhaji Conteh use visual and performance art to challenge ableist narratives, framing disability as a source of strength rather than limitation. Spiritual leaders in Sufi and Christian communities in Sierra Leone have also begun advocating for disability rights, framing inclusion as a moral and religious duty.

Scenario modelling suggests that Sierra Leone’s 2028 elections could either deepen exclusion if current trends persist, or set a regional precedent if parties adopt quota systems and accessibility mandates. A 2025 study by the African Disability Forum projects that without structural reforms, disabled persons will remain under 1% of elected officials, despite comprising 15% of the population. Alternative futures include the rise of disabled-led political parties, as seen in Kenya, or the integration of disability justice into broader economic justice movements.

Disabled activists in Sierra Leone, particularly women and rural dwellers, face intersecting barriers, including lack of transportation, inaccessible polling stations, and stigma from party officials. Grassroots organisations like the Women’s Disability Network Sierra Leone (WDNSL) highlight how donor funding often bypasses local leadership, reinforcing top-down solutions that fail to address root causes. The voices of disabled youth, who make up 60% of Sierra Leone’s population, are notably absent in mainstream narratives, despite their potential to drive systemic change.