Acting PPRC Executive Secretary Addresses Post-Elections Meeting on Political Party Regulations

On Monday, September 2, 2024, Lucien Momoh, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), delivered a significant address at the first post-elections Political Parties Liaison Committee meeting hosted by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL). The meeting marked a pivotal moment for discussing the next steps in the regulatory oversight of political parties following the recent elections.

Call for Operational Readiness

During his address, Momoh emphasized the importance of political parties ensuring that their offices are fully operational. This call to action comes in preparation for the Commission’s upcoming regional verification exercise. The exercise aims to assess the preparedness and compliance of political parties with regulatory requirements, ensuring that they are ready for future electoral processes and activities.

Development of Key Regulatory Frameworks

Momoh provided an update on several key regulatory developments initiated by the PPRC. He announced that the Commission has successfully developed and validated a new Political Parties Dispute Resolution Guide. This guide is designed to streamline the process of resolving disputes between political parties and has been introduced to over 1,700 political party executives nationwide. These training sessions are part of the Commission’s broader effort to enhance the understanding and implementation of dispute resolution mechanisms within political parties.

Additionally, Momoh outlined progress on the Political Finance and Campaign Regulations and Manual. This crucial document aims to regulate financial practices and campaign activities of political parties. Momoh explained that the next steps involve presenting the document to Cabinet and the Law Officers Department for drafting. Once drafted, the document will be laid before Parliament by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice for consideration and passage into law. This process reflects the Commission’s commitment to establishing a robust legal framework for political finance and campaign regulations.

Tripartite Committee Recommendations

Momoh also addressed the Tripartite Committee’s recommendations, which include nine specific suggestions related to the Commission’s role and functions. These recommendations have been disseminated to registered political parties for their input and opinions. This step ensures that political parties have a voice in the regulatory changes affecting their operations.

Furthermore, Momoh highlighted the PPRC’s involvement in a collaborative workshop organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, the International Republican Institute (IRI), and the National Democratic Institute. The workshop, which brought together Civil Society Organizations, media representatives, PPRC officials, and ECSL members, focused on crafting effective messages related to the Tripartite Committee’s report. This initiative is part of a broader effort to foster transparency and communication regarding the regulatory framework and electoral processes.

Commitment to Enhancing Electoral Integrity

Momoh’s address underscored the PPRC’s dedication to enhancing the integrity and effectiveness of political party regulation in Sierra Leone. By implementing these new frameworks and engaging with political parties and stakeholders, the Commission aims to ensure a fair, transparent, and well-regulated political environment.

The meeting served as a crucial platform for discussing these developments and for aligning efforts to support the democratic process in Sierra Leone. Momoh’s remarks reinforced the PPRC’s ongoing commitment to upholding the principles of fair governance and electoral integrity.