AYV News, August 14, 2025
Under Section 25 of the Political Parties Act 2022, Act No. 25 of 2022, the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) in Sierra Leone has published in the Sierra Leone Gazette, No. 67, Vol. CLXVI, the INTERNAL ELECTIONS RULES AND REGULATIONS of the All People’s Congress (APC) Party for thirty (30) days, commencing today, Wednesday, 13th August, 2025, to Thursday, 11th September, 2025.
During this period, the Commission will be disposed to entertain objections to the said Internal Elections Rules and Regulations from the membership of the APC and the public.
The objections can be forwarded to the PPRC Head Office on OAU Drive, Tower Hill in Freetown, our Regional Offices in Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Port Loko, or to info@pprc.gov.sl/ pprcsierraleone@yahoo.com on or before the close of business on Thursday, 11th September, 2025.
The Gazetted Internal Elections Rules and Regulations can be purchased from the Sierra Leone Government Book Shop on Wallace Johnson Street in Freetown or found on our website: www.pprc.gov.sl.
The Internal Elections Rules and Regulations of the APC in Sierra Leone are not publicly available in a single, easily accessible document.
However, the APC, like all political parties in Sierra Leone, is subject to the country’s legal framework, including the 1991 Constitution. This framework, along with the party’s own constitution and regulations, governs how internal elections are conducted.
Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects:
1. Legal Framework:
Establishes the fundamental principles of state policy and recognizes fundamental human rights and freedoms, including the right to representation through genuine and periodic elections.
• 2012 Public Elections Act (as amended):
Provides the legal framework for elections in Sierra Leone, including the conduct of elections and the role of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL).
Acts like the 2022 Political Parties Regulation Act and the 2022 Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act also influence the electoral process and party conduct.
2. APC Constitution and Regulations:
• The APC, like other parties, has its own constitution and regulations that detail the specific rules for internal elections. These documents outline the process for electing party officials at various levels (ward, constituency, national, etc.).
• Key Elements: These documents typically cover:
o Eligibility criteria for candidates.
o Procedures for nominations and campaigns.
o The conduct of voting (e.g., secret ballot, delegate system).
o Rules for resolving disputes.
o The role of different party organs (e.g., committees, executive bodies).
3. Role of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL):
• The ECSL is the independent body responsible for conducting national and local elections in Sierra Leone.
• While the ECSL’s primary focus is on public elections, its rules and regulations can indirectly influence how parties conduct their internal elections.
• For example, the ECSL’s determination of constituency boundaries can affect how parties structure their internal electoral processes.
4. Key Issues and Considerations:
• Multi-party Consultation: The ECSL is expected to consult with political parties on important electoral matters.
• Public Confidence: Issues like the introduction of new electoral regulations shortly before an election or concerns about voter registration can undermine public trust in the process.
• Gender Representation: Ensuring women’s participation in elections is also a key consideration.
In summary: While a comprehensive, publicly available document outlining all APC internal election rules is not readily available, the party is bound by Sierra Leone’s legal framework and its internal regulations, which collectively govern the conduct of its internal elections.
