The Chairman of the Political Parties’ Regulations Commission (PPRC), Abdulai M. Bangura Esq on Tuesday August 1, 2023 presented to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio the institution’s annual report for 2021-2022 at State House in Freetown. The report covers a wide range of topics, including legal reforms and the Commission’s role in overseeing the elections.
During the presentation, Chairman Bangura congratulated President Bio on his resounding victory in the June 2023 elections, praising the conduct and processes as largely free, fair and violence-free. He also highlighted the significant changes made to the PPRC Act of 2002, following the recommendation made by the 2018 elections observer missions in Sierra Leone.
One key amendment to the Act was the change of the Commission’s name from Political Parties’ Registration Commission to Political Parties’ Regulation Commission. This alteration aimed to encompass all aspects of their work, including registration, oversight of activities, monitoring lower-level elections and supervising the intra-party constitutions.
In his response, President Bio commended the PPRC for their efforts in reviewing the Act, granting them more powers to intervene in intra and inter-party disputes. He emphasized the crucial role of the Commission in maintaining peace, consolidating democratic gains and upholding the culture of democracy in the country. The President acknowledged the challenges they faced during the general elections and urged them to continue maintaining their high standards of impartiality in dealing with political issues.
President Bio also expressed his awareness of the significance of the Commission’s work and assured them of his continuous support in enhancing State institutions. He encouraged the PPRC to continue working diligently, especially in light of the increasing importance of their impartiality in political matters.
The Chairman and other Commissioners of the PPRC pledged to carry out their duties with dedication and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and transparency in the country’s political landscape.
With the support of the Government and the President, the PPRC aims to foster a peaceful and inclusive political environment in Sierra Leone.
