In an effort to ensuring Sierra Leone enjoys an improved political climate and a fair level playing field ahead of upcoming multi-tier elections, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has capacitated the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) with a bid to enhancing its election preparedness.
Olu-Shogo David, Executive Secretary of Political Parties Regulation Commission said He said due to the support of UNDP, European Union(EU) and other partners the PPRC can now boast of a broader and a user friendly website for anyone interested in the elections to access, as according to him before now it was difficult for even political parties to access information.
Mr david said the PPRC has facilitated training funded by international partners to train female politicians in diverse political skills.
He also mentioned that the PPRC has received a 25kva generator which was supplied by the UNDP.
Mr said stated that the equipment received would help the PPRC conducts its activities and fulfil its mandate and further thanked the Irish Aid that the items would be judiciously itilsed for what they are meant.
Olu-Shogo David commended the PPRC for the work done in delivering on its core mandate and its proactivity in engaging political parties particularly when the country approaches elections time, and with the facilities made available and equipment, Ireland government expects that PPRC would increase its engagement with political parties to ensure an equal playing ground during the elections period.
“With the expanded role of the PPRC, we consider it critical that the mandate is applied with the aim of ensuring a level playing field for all political parties and in a transparent manner to continue to foster and enhance public trust in the institution,’’ David noted.
He revealed that PPRC looks forward to working with donor partners, Election Management Bodies and electoral stakeholders in order to adhere to peaceful and fair elections. He urged the international community to match with the standard set internationally and best practices and serve as like-minded partners in doing so.
The Ambassador of Ireland to Sierra Leone H.E Claire Buckley noted that For a democratic aspiration to flourish especially in the conduct of free and fair elections as well as for ensuring economic and national prosperity, there has to be a need for a climate of peace, security and equal coexistence of everybody.
Se furthered that only a strong democracy with free, transparent, peaceful and credible multi-party and multi-candidate elections could give a chance to all eligible candidates to contest without impediment; adding that this could greatly contribute to long peace and stability of the country.
“It is our hope the equipment we are handing over today will further strengthen the means and capacity of the Commission to implement the reinforced mandate enshrined in the Political Parties Act of 2022, further enabling dialogue, peaceful resolution of intra and inter-parties disputes and ensuring all parties activities are regulated fairly and effectively,’’ Amb. Buckley affirmed.
She maintained that the gathering of all donor partners showed their continued commitment in terms of supporting PPRC to deliver on its mandate and recognition in contributing to peaceful, credible, inclusive and multi-party elections in June; noting that strengthening democratic institutions and processes are key Ireland’s work in Sierra Leone and the support to the electoral process remains an essential element.