The All People’s Congress (APC) has formally contested a decision by the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) to levy a fine on the party over an alleged contravention of Section 39(1) of the Political Parties Act, 2022, calling the move premature, unsupported, and reflective of perceived regulatory bias.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the PPRC Executive Secretary and signed by National Secretary-General, Lansana Dumbuya, Esq., the APC said it had not been presented with any “verified or authenticated” evidence proving that its Falaba District Chairman, Hon. Lahai Marah, made statements in breach of the Act.
The party stressed that while it remains committed to compliance with the law, it cannot respond to allegations based on what it described as an increasing trend of doctored audios, manipulated social media clips and misrepresented conversations circulating within the political space.
According to the APC, regulatory bodies — particularly the PPRC — must demonstrate a “high degree of scrutiny” before initiating sanctions, especially in a politically charged environment where misinformation is rampant.
Accuses PPRC of Selective Enforcement
The party further raised concerns about what it views as an uneven application of the law, pointing to controversial statements made by prominent figures within the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) that, according to them, have gone unaddressed.
The letter warned that such selective enforcement “creates an unfortunate perception of partiality,” undermining the Commission’s mandate as a neutral arbiter in the country’s multiparty democratic system.
“The PPRC’s legitimacy rests on its ability to demonstrate fairness, balance, and even-handedness,” the APC noted, in language echoing both legal precision and political firmness.
Requests Full Disclosure of Evidence
The APC has demanded that the Commission provide:
- The full, unedited, and verifiable evidence — including metadata — on which the allegation against Hon. Lahai Marah is based; and
- A suspension of any fine or sanction until such evidence is provided and the party is given an opportunity to respond.
The letter emphasizes that once credible evidence is submitted, the APC will activate its internal disciplinary mechanisms in line with its constitution.
Reaffirms Commitment to Stability
Despite its concerns, the APC reaffirmed its commitment to the 11 November 2025 Joint Agreement, saying it continues to act responsibly to maintain political stability and avoid tensions.
However, it cautioned that “all signatories and institutions must uphold the same standard of fairness and restraint.”
Political Implications
The dispute adds to ongoing scrutiny surrounding the PPRC’s enforcement actions in the post-election environment, where political parties have increasingly accused regulatory institutions of inconsistency.
While the Commission has maintained that its actions are guided strictly by statute, the APC’s latest challenge is expected to intensify debate over regulatory neutrality and the quality of evidence required before punitive measures are taken.
The PPRC has not yet issued a public response to the letter.
