Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a significant blow to the country’s political landscape, the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) has imposed an immediate suspension on the All People’s Congress (APC), one of Sierra Leone’s leading opposition parties, for failing to pay mandated fines under recent legislation.
The decision stems from the APC’s alleged breach of Section 39(1) of the Political Parties Act No. 25 of 2022, which outlines strict compliance requirements for registered political entities.
Officials from the PPRC stated that penalties were officially notified to the party on February 2, 2026, with a firm deadline of February 10 for settlement. Despite multiple follow-ups, the commission reported that the APC did not fulfill its obligations, leading to the enforcement action.
Effective immediately, the suspension bars the APC from engaging in any political functions, including organizing public gatherings, campaigning, participating in electoral processes, or conducting internal administrative affairs.
The ban will persist until the fines are cleared and the PPRC issues formal approval to resume activities.
PPRC representatives underscored the gravity of the situation, warning that ongoing defiance could escalate consequences.
According to the act, persistent violations might prompt referrals to bodies like the Anti-Corruption Commission for deeper scrutiny and potential legal repercussions.
This development comes amid heightened scrutiny of political financing and governance in Sierra Leone, where the 2022 law aims to promote transparency and accountability among parties.
The APC, a historic powerhouse that governed from 2007 to 2018, has yet to issue a public response to the suspension.
