By Mohamed Kamara
Sierra Leonean politics has long been characterized by personal attacks, manipulation, and tactics that disrupt peace and frustrate the democratic process. In this context, the recent actions of the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) have been described as a clear effort to curb such practices.
Abass Stockolm Kamara, a Sierra Leonean economist based in Barcelona, Spain, said in a mobile interview that if the PPRC applies its mandate equally to all political parties, regardless of whether they are in the majority or minority, the Unity Agreement signed in the presence of international guarantors could pave the way for a smoother November 2028 multitier elections.
Kamara noted that the alarming levels of politicization in previous elections have undermined transparency and accountability. He added that historically, the PPRC was often influenced by incumbent politicians, which drew widespread criticism and eroded public confidence in the body’s integrity.
He also highlighted that the country’s political landscape, which currently includes sixteen parties, could be streamlined if the PPRC consistently enforced its constitutional mandate. Kamara pointed to the banning of the Unity Party (UP) during the 2023 multitier elections, which he said disproportionately affected minority parties. He argued that this action appeared partly motivated by political bias, as UP’s founder, Femi Claudius Cole, was a vocal critic of the Bio administration.
“Most citizens are calling for the continuation of these regulatory efforts, regardless of party affiliation,” Kamara said. “If that happens, Sierra Leone could witness its first truly peaceful national election.”
