By Our Eastern Correspondent
Growing tensions are brewing within the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) as senior members and grassroots supporters from the Eastern Region voice strong demands for the party’s next presidential flagbearer to come from their region—signaling internal divisions that could define the party’s 2026 convention.
Investigations conducted in Kenema and Kailahun districts reveal that over 75% of SLPP supporters in the East believe it is time to break with tradition and shift the party’s leadership from the South to the East. They argue that while the South has long held dominant roles in the party’s hierarchy—from the founding days of Sir Milton Margai to the current administration—Easterners have remained underrepresented in key leadership positions.
Currently, both the President and SLPP National Chairman hail from the South, alongside other high-ranking figures such as the Chief Minister and Speaker of Parliament. Easterners argue that despite this imbalance, their region consistently delivers significant votes during elections, particularly from Kenema, Kailahun, and Kono districts.
In interviews, prominent Eastern politicians emphasized the need for inclusive dialogue. They are calling for a reconciliation process led by the SLPP Elders’ Council to address growing frustrations and push for equitable power-sharing. “The party’s strength has always depended on unity and mutual respect. This moment requires wisdom and fairness,” said one veteran SLPP member from Kailahun.
There are also concerns about recent political appointments. Many Eastern members claim that individuals who were not active during the SLPP’s opposition struggles have been elevated to prominent positions, sidelining longtime loyalists who made sacrifices to return the party to power.
“The Eastern Region has produced competent, loyal leaders who have been overlooked for far too long. We are not asking for favors—we are asking for fairness,” said another party stalwart in Kenema. He warned that if the concerns of Easterners are not addressed, the party risks voter apathy or even defection in the 2026 elections.
While the party’s new constitution will guide the flagbearer selection through a delegate vote, members say the leadership must recognize political realities and act to preserve internal cohesion. “We are calling for unity, not rebellion. But without change, division is inevitable,” said a youth coordinator in Kono.
As the SLPP moves closer to its convention, party insiders acknowledge that addressing these regional concerns will be crucial to maintaining support and avoiding a potentially damaging split.
