By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law – Sierra Leone (CARL-SL) has commended the leadership of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) for complying with sanctions imposed by the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), while urging consistent and impartial enforcement of political laws across the board.
In a press statement dated 12th February 2026, CARL-SL acknowledged the recent payment of a fine levied on the APC by the PPRC for contravening provisions of the Political Parties Act, 2022. The organization described the party’s compliance as a positive demonstration of respect for the rule of law and regulatory authority in Sierra Leone’s political system.
According to CARL-SL, adherence to sanctions imposed by legally mandated institutions strengthens democratic governance and reinforces the principle that all political actors are subject to the country’s laws. The organization stated that compliance with regulatory directives helps promote order, discipline and accountability within the political environment.
“Such adherence to regulatory directives reflects respect for the rule of law and reinforces the principle that all political actors are subject to the legal framework governing political conduct in Sierra Leone,” the statement noted.
The rights and governance advocacy group also commended the Political Parties Regulation Commission for carrying out its statutory responsibilities in line with the Political Parties Act and its established regulatory framework. CARL-SL emphasized that effective enforcement of political regulations is essential to maintaining stability and ensuring transparency in party administration and conduct.
While recognizing what it termed as positive steps taken by both the APC and the PPRC, CARL-SL underscored the importance of consistency and impartiality in the application of the law. The organization stressed that the credibility of the PPRC and indeed the broader democratic governance system depends on the uniform enforcement of rules across all political parties without fear or favour.
The statement further highlighted that any political party or member found to be in violation of the law should face appropriate and proportionate sanctions in accordance with the governing legal framework. CARL-SL warned that selective or inconsistent enforcement could undermine public trust in regulatory institutions and weaken democratic accountability.
Observers note that the recent compliance by the APC follows a period of regulatory scrutiny by the PPRC which has been tasked with ensuring that political parties operate within the confines of the Political Parties Act, 2022.
CARL-SL concluded its statement by encouraging all political parties to conduct their affairs within the limits of the law and urged the PPRC to remain steadfast in upholding its mandate with independence, professionalism and impartiality.
The organization reiterated its commitment to fostering human rights, accountability and respect for democratic principles in Sierra Leone, noting that strong institutions and equal application of the law are fundamental to sustaining the country’s democratic progress.
