By Ayodele Deen Cole
The Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) has officially taken over the conduct of the rerun elections for the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), following multiple petitions filed by aggrieved candidates from across the country.
This development was disclosed by the SLPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Lahai Lawrence LeemaYanni, and confirmed by PPRC Commissioner, Emmanuel Koivara Amara.
The SLPP’s lower-level elections have been marred by widespread electoral malpractices and allegations of fraud. Reports indicate that some zonal elections were hijacked and held in undisclosed locations, including private residences. As a result, over 400 gazetted zonal and executive members nationwide have lodged formal complaints and staged protests.
Speaking recently on local media, Leema explained that, in response to the numerous complaints, the party leadership engaged with the PPRC to independently oversee the remaining lower-level elections, which will culminate in the national delegates’ convention.
He added that the party’s leadership has made all necessary preparations to ensure the smooth conduct of the rerun elections, and that a timetable for the upcoming polls will be announced soon.
PPRC Commissioner Emmanuel Koivara Amara stated that the Commission will conduct the remaining elections in strict accordance with both the SLPP’s internal regulations and national laws. He also clarified that following the conclusion of these elections, any grievances must be addressed through the Supreme Court, not the PPRC.
