By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) has formally responded to the All People’s Congress (APC), firmly defending its decision to impose a fine on the party for breaching Section 39(1) of the Political Parties Act No. 25 of 2022. The reply, dated 20th November 2025, was addressed to the APC National Secretary-General and signed by the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Olusegon A. David.

In its letter, the PPRC reiterated that the fine issued against the APC was lawful, procedurally correct and grounded in explicit provisions of the 2022 Act. It emphasized that the penalty was imposed pursuant to Section 39(2)(a), which mandates the Commission to take regulatory action once there is proof of a violation.

The Commission clarified that all decisions taken, including the recent punitive action,were based strictly on law and facts before it. The response highlighted that on 11th November 2025, the Commission convened a meeting with both the APC and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) to address rising incidents of inciting and inflammatory public statements by members of the two main political parties. The PPRC said the purpose of the meeting was to de-escalate tensions and preserve public order.

According to the Commission, that engagement ended with the APC and SLPP signing an agreement committing themselves to responsible conduct and restraint. Immediately afterward and in line with Section 39(2)(a) the Commission issued a formal warning letter.

Responding to the APC’s demand for “verified evidence,” the PPRC stressed that Section 39(2) clearly states that proof for punitive action must be “upon proof by the Commission,” not by political parties. The Commission said the responsibility for establishing such proof rests squarely with it and all procedural steps outlined under Section 39(2)(a–d) were fully observed.

The PPRC further noted that the 14-day deadline given to the APC to comply with the sanction expires on 2nd December 2025, after which it will be compelled to invoke additional punitive measures provided under the Act if compliance is not met.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, political stability and ensuring that all political parties adhere to the standards required for a peaceful and democratic Sierra Leone.

The correspondence was copied to several key national and international stakeholders, including the Chairman and Commissioners of the PPRC, the Chairman of the APC, the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the World Bank, UNDP, the European Union Delegation, the Embassies of the United States, Ireland, China, Germany and representatives of the African Union and ECOWAS. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/pprc-replies-apc-our-decision-is-based-on-law-and-verified-proof/