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Claim: A Facebook blog, Born 2 Blog, claimed that the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) withdrew the Political Party Regulation Commission (PPRC) from observing and conducting their elections.
Verdict: True. According to letters provided by the Chairman of the Political Party Regulation Commission, Emmanuel Koivaya Amara, the claim is accurate.
Full Text
A viral Facebook post by Born 2 Blog alleges that the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) withdrew the Political Party Regulation Commission (PPRC) from overseeing and conducting their internal elections. The post claims this decision was made after the PPRC called for a rerun in certain constituencies where elections had already been conducted under their observation. As stated, the reason for the rerun was irregularities acknowledged by the SLPP leadership.
This action has raised several concerns and questions about the role of the PPRC, the independence of political party elections, and the broader implications for democratic governance in Sierra Leone. Citizens were in doubt as to why the PPRC withdrew from observing and conducting their elections. The PPRC, established under the Political Party Act No. 25 of 2022, is mandated to regulate and observe political party activities, including internal elections. Their withdrawal from the SLPP election process has sparked debate over transparency, fairness, and the party’s commitment to democratic principles. The SLPP’s decision to withdraw the PPRC from their elections sparked mixed reactions among the public. Some supporters argued that the claim was false and politically motivated, insisting that the PPRC voluntarily stepped aside due to internal party agreements.
Critics believed the withdrawal attempted to manipulate the election process, questioning why a regulatory body would be removed from overseeing a democratic exercise.
Others remained sceptical, demanding concrete evidence, which led DUBAWA to verify the claim and provide clarity.
Verification
DUBAWA contacted the Political Party Regulation Commission Chairperson, Emmanuel Koivaya Amara. He confirmed that the SLPP formally requested the PPRC withdraw from observing and conducting its elections.
Amara provided official correspondence between the SLPP and the PPRC. In a letter from the SLPP, the party explicitly requested that the PPRC refrain from participating in their electoral process. In response, the PPRC granted the request but emphasised that the SLPP must uphold democratic principles in conducting their elections. The PPRC also reiterated that the party must adhere to the rules and regulations outlined in the Political Party Act No. 25 of 2022.
This development has raised concerns among political analysts and civil society organisations. The PPRC is critical in ensuring that political party elections are free, fair, and transparent. By withdrawing the commission’s oversight, questions arise about the level of accountability and transparency in the SLPP’s internal election processes.
Political observers have pointed out that while political parties have the right to conduct their internal elections, the involvement of an independent regulatory body such as the PPRC ensures credibility and fairness. The SLPP’s decision to exclude the commission may set a precedent that could influence how other political parties handle their internal electoral affairs in the future.
Conclusion
Born 2 Blog’s claim that the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) withdrew the Political Party Regulation Commission (PPRC) from observing and conducting its elections is true.
Official documents and confirmation from the PPRC Chairperson, Emmanuel Koivaya Amara, substantiate this claim. While the PPRC respected the SLPP’s decision, it urged the party to maintain democratic values in conducting their elections. This development has sparked discussions about transparency, accountability, and the role of regulatory bodies in political party governance.
As Sierra Leone continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, ensuring free, fair, and credible elections at the national and party levels remains crucial to maintaining public trust in the political system.
