By: Saidu Jalloh
The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has expressed appreciation to international partners following a Joint Assessment Mission to Sierra Leone, while strongly defending the independence of key state institutions and ongoing electoral reforms.
In a statement issued on April 21, the ruling party thanked the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), and the Commonwealth of Nations for their “steadfast commitment” to peace, stability, and democratic consolidation in the country. The party also commended Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang for her leadership in guiding the process.
The SLPP stated that President Julius Maada Bio has demonstrated a clear and sustained commitment to implementing both the Agreement for National Unity and the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee Report. It noted that this commitment was reaffirmed during a recent courtesy visit by international moral guarantors.
Addressing concerns about electoral governance, the party insisted that the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone must remain independent, citing Section 32(11) of the Constitution, which prohibits external control over its functions. The SLPP argued that Parliament cannot exercise oversight over constitutionally independent bodies, including the Electoral Commission, the judiciary, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and Audit Service Sierra Leone.
On broader reforms, the party welcomed the expansion of the Tripartite Steering Committee to include other political parties and civil society groups, stating that this would promote inclusivity and strengthen electoral reform efforts. It emphasized that meaningful reform must reflect diverse perspectives rather than the interests of any single political party.
The SLPP also commended international partners for upholding parliamentary authority in relation to the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill 2025, while reaffirming its support for proportional representation.
Regarding the ongoing Population and Housing Census, the party reiterated its commitment to collaboration with all political parties, including the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), to ensure constructive engagement with Statistics Sierra Leone.
However, the ruling party urged APC leadership to adopt what it described as more responsible and mature approaches to governance issues, warning that persistent boycotts and threats could undermine constitutional provisions that mandate political participation.
The SLPP further condemned hate speech, incitement, and the use of profane language in the political space, reiterating its zero-tolerance stance.
While commending stakeholders including government and APC delegations, development partners, and the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion for resolving operational challenges within the Tripartite Steering Committee, the SLPP also criticized a recent statement by the APC National Secretary General, describing parts of it as “unhelpful and unnecessary.”
The party maintained that such rhetoric risks eroding trust and weakening collective goodwill among political actors.
The SLPP concluded by reaffirming its commitment to working with all political parties to advance electoral reforms, strengthen democratic institutions, and deepen democracy in Sierra Leone.