Freetown, Sierra Leone — The All People’s Congress (APC) has adopted a new and more stringent set of qualification criteria for individuals seeking to become the party’s presidential flagbearer ahead of Sierra Leone’s 2028 general elections, a move political analysts say could significantly narrow the field of eligible aspirants.
Under the newly approved guidelines, aspirants must attain an overall minimum score of 70 percent in a comprehensive vetting process, with no individual assessment area falling below 50 percent. Party officials say the reforms are intended to ensure that only candidates deemed credible, capable, and electorally competitive emerge to lead the party into the next national polls.
According to APC leadership, the new framework was adopted in response to heightened internal competition and the party’s determination to reclaim state power in 2028. Officials stressed that the process is designed to identify a candidate who can unify the party, command nationwide appeal, and deliver electoral victory.
The vetting exercise will be conducted over three days at the APC national headquarters in Freetown and will be supervised by a committee chaired by the National Chairman or his Deputy. The committee will comprise representatives from key party structures, including the National Advisory Committee, Women’s Wing, Young Congress, Elders’ Council, Visibility Wing, and the National Secretary-General, who will serve as Secretary.
The flagbearer selection process will unfold in three distinct phases.
In the first stage, aspirants are required to submit a formal application accompanied by detailed personal, educational, and professional information. Applicants must also provide proof of at least five consecutive years of uninterrupted party membership, with no record of defection during that period.
The second stage involves rigorous background checks, including police clearance, verification of academic and professional credentials, screening for financial misconduct, and assessment of overall ethical integrity and financial transparency. Only candidates who meet the party’s ethical and legal standards will advance to the next phase.
In the final stage, aspirants will undergo a comprehensive interview to assess leadership competence, policy knowledge, and strategic vision. Candidates will be expected to present a national development agenda, demonstrate understanding of governance challenges, outline mobilisation and fundraising strategies, and propose practical approaches to fostering party unity and national cohesion.
The APC has further stipulated that aspirants must possess at least a first university degree, with postgraduate qualifications considered an added advantage. Candidates are also required to have a minimum of five years’ experience in national politics or governance, secure endorsements from at least 20 recognised party delegates, and demonstrate political influence beyond a single district.
The scoring framework allocates 20 percent each to party loyalty and leadership experience, while education, ethical and legal standing, political strategy, and financial credibility are each weighted at 15 percent.
The party also reaffirmed its position on dual citizenship, maintaining that individuals holding dual nationality remain ineligible to contest for the APC flagbearership or other senior party positions unless there is a change in the law. While national discussions continue on the eligibility of dual citizens for certain public offices, the presidency remains excluded under current legal provisions.
To enhance transparency, the APC has established a formal appeal mechanism. Aspirants dissatisfied with the vetting outcome may submit petitions within three days to the Independent Elections Complaint Body, which is expected to issue determinations within seven days.
Political observers note that the strict criteria could significantly limit the number of qualifying aspirants, with some critics suggesting the rules may indirectly favor specific contenders. However, APC officials have dismissed such claims, insisting that the reforms are driven solely by the party’s desire to present a strong and winning candidate.
Party leaders argue that electoral victory is essential for implementing party policies and advancing national development goals. As preparations for the 2028 elections intensify, public and political attention is now focused on which aspirants will successfully navigate the party’s demanding vetting process and secure the APC presidential ticket.
