Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) has reaffirmed its authority to regulate the conduct of political parties in Sierra Leone, citing relevant constitutional and legislative provisions, in response to a legal clarification request from Hon. Osman Timbo, a Member of Parliament and member of the All People’s Congress (APC).
In a formal letter dated July 23, 2025, addressed to Hon. Timbo, the Commission defended its July 4th press release that directed political parties to restrict the placement of internal campaign materials to party premises. The PPRC stated that the directive was issued within its legal mandate and does not violate constitutional rights such as freedom of expression or association.
According to the Commission, its powers are derived from Section 34(4) of the 1991 Constitution (as amended in 2022) and Sections 12(2)(a), (d), and (f) of the Political Parties Act 2022, which collectively empower the Commission to regulate, supervise, and monitor political parties to ensure compliance with the law.
Responding to concerns about infringement on constitutional rights, the Commission clarified that regulating internal campaign activities does not amount to censorship. Instead, it is a measure to preserve order, decency, and the internal nature of party processes. “Regulating the internal affairs of political parties to ensure decorum cannot be equated to a violation of fundamental rights,” the Commission stated.
The PPRC also addressed the argument that its directive contradicts the Political Parties Code of Conduct. While the Code permits campaign-related activities, the Commission maintained that these rights are not absolute and must be exercised within the law. It emphasized that the display of internal campaign materials in public spaces was never endorsed under the existing regulatory framework.
On the issue of jurisdiction over public spaces, the Commission argued that all political materials displayed by parties or their members fall under its supervisory authority, and any claim to the contrary would undermine its statutory oversight role.
Reinforcing its position, the PPRC highlighted that the directive supports the core objectives of the Political Parties Act, which include promoting political pluralism, internal democracy, and constitutionalism.
In closing, the Commission reiterated that its July 4th directive was lawfully issued to uphold discipline, legality, and order in the internal affairs of political parties.
It thanked Hon. Timbo for his engagement and encouraged ongoing dialogue in the interest of strengthening democratic governance in Sierra Leone.
For More News And Analysis About Sierra-Leone Follow Africa-Press
