The declaration document was developed by the Political Parties’ Registration Commission (PPRC) on Wednesday 12 July, 2017, in which eleven registered political parties in the country met and committed themselves to denounce and desist from the use of hate speech and violence.
The declaration, according to Bamidele Thomson was an infringement on their rights to freedom of speech and expression that was enshrined in chapter three, Act No. 6 of 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone.
He added that the document was a calculated attempt by the ruling All Peoples Congress to suppress political parties and it members from criticizing its corrupt administrative system of governance.
Bamidele Thomson pointed out that the People’s Movement for Democratic Change was completely disappointed by the Political Parties Registration Commission for making publishing such a document, adding that the declaration was a ploy meant to violate the fundamental principles of human rights and democracy in the country, and as such, he said his political organization would not sign the said declaration.
On the contrary, the Chairman of the Revolutionary United Front Party (RUFP), Keifala Kosia said though his party was yet to sign the declaration in principle, but that his party was in support of the declaration.
According to him, the United Revolutionary United Front Party believed that freedom of speech, subject to individual responsibility and control, and explained further that the declaration document of the Political Parties Registration Commission was laudable and a step in the right direction
Responding, the Public Relations Officers of the Political Parties Registration Commission, Lucien Momoh stated that the document was meant to prevail on political parties to desist from making hate speeches and personal attacks on members of rival political parties, violence and promote peace and tranquility.
PPRC official mouthpiece Lucien said he was flabbergasted by statement of officials of People’s Movement for Democratic Change that they would validate the declaration by appending their signatories.
“Members of the PMDC were represented during and after the meeting, they did not object to the declaration, and that the commission wants political parties to handle issues with maturity,” Lucien Momoh noted.
He concluded that political parties should take cognizance of the fact that public order act of 1965, forbids libel and other related libelous law, and therefore, any political party official involved in the use of hate speech, violence would face legal consequence of his action.
