By mohamedj.bah@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – Today, February 8, 2025, the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) kicks off its much-anticipated lower-level elections, a process that is expected to showcase the party’s dedication to internal democracy and transparent governance. As the elections unfold across the country, all eyes will be on how the ruling party navigates its internal challenges and fosters unity ahead of the 2028 general elections.
In a spirited call to action earlier this week, SLPP’s National Chairman, Prince Alex Harding, PhD, rallied party members to embrace the upcoming elections with a sense of responsibility and respect for democratic values. Addressing a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, Chairman Harding underscored the importance of these elections, describing them as a pivotal moment for the party.
“This is an opportunity to strengthen our democratic foundation. We must ensure that the process is fair, transparent, and in line with our constitution and the guidelines set by the Political Parties Regulatory Council (PPRC),” Prince Harding said.
In an effort to prevent past electoral malpractices, the SLPP will introduce a serialized membership card system. This initiative, overseen by party officials, aims to eliminate illegal participation in the elections—an issue that had previously led to violence and disruptions in certain regions. Prince Harding recalled instances where non-members were granted party cards, a tactic that compromised the party’s integrity.
“We cannot allow the mistakes of the past to repeat themselves. This time, we are fully prepared to protect the sanctity of our electoral process,” he affirmed, promising SLPP members a credible, peaceful, and impartial election.
The elections will be conducted across various levels of party leadership, starting with the sectional/zonal elections today. The schedule for the subsequent elections is as follows:
- Sectional/Zonal Elections: February 8, 2025
- Chiefdom Elections: February 15, 2025
- Constituency Executives: February 22, 2025
- District Executives: March 1, 2025
- Regional Executives: March 8, 2025
This restructured electoral framework, according to Chairman Harding, will significantly reduce instances of fraud and interference, promoting a smoother and more credible electoral process. He encouraged party members to see this as an opportunity to build a stronger political foundation ahead of the 2028 general elections.
As the SLPP prepares to launch its elections, the party’s National Secretary General, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, sent a heartfelt reminder to party members: “No one’s political ambition is worth the blood of our citizens. We must remember our party’s motto—‘One Country, One People.’ Let’s ensure that these elections reflect the peace and unity envisioned by our founding fathers.”
Koroma’s message resonates deeply, especially as the party looks to maintain peace and stability throughout the election process. The SLPP has deployed national officers to monitor the elections closely, ensuring that any irregularities are swiftly addressed by party headquarters.
With the stage set for today’s elections, SLPP supporters are eager to see how this new chapter unfolds—one that promises to be a defining moment in the party’s history, reinforcing its commitment to democracy and good governance. MJB/8/2/2025
