By Sward Conteh
Since gaining independence on April 27, 1961, Sierra Leone has witnessed the rise and fall of various minority political parties, which often struggle to assert themselves in the political arena. These parties, overshadowed by the dominant Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and All People’s Congress (APC), frequently grapple with internal inconsistencies and financial challenges, which undermine their effectiveness and public visibility.
Many minority parties find themselves at a disadvantage due to their inability to sustain their operations financially. This challenge often leads to inconsistency in their public discourse and contributes to their marginalization. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that even emerging third-force parties have, in many cases, retreated to their previous affiliations out of frustration.
In Sierra Leone, the focus of minority parties often remains on the profiles of their founders rather than addressing substantive issues and mobilizing public support. This tendency is compounded by a lack of stringent regulations in the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) Constitution. The current legal framework does not mandate that political parties disclose their financial accounts or face penalties for non-compliance, which undermines accountability and transparency.
Being a member of a minority party in Sierra Leone often means aligning with either the APC or SLPP during conflicts to gain political leverage or financial support. This practice diminishes the role of minority parties, as they frequently become extensions of the major parties rather than independent political entities with innovative ideas.
The lack of innovation and initiative among minority parties raises questions about their commitment to national development. Political success should not solely depend on aligning with larger parties but on the ability to present unique ideas and create a decentralized presence across the country. The failure to meet these criteria often results in disqualification or marginalization.
The political landscape is further complicated by the personal rivalries that led to the formation of various parties. For instance, Charles Margai’s People’s Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) emerged from a dispute with the SLPP, while Mohamed Bangura’s United Democratic Movement (UDM) was founded in response to the PMDC. Similarly, Sam-Sumana’s Coalition for Change (C4C) and Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray’s Alliance Democratic Party (ADP) were established due to disagreements with the APC, and Dr. Kandeh Yumkella’s National Grand Coalition (NGC) stemmed from conflicts with the SLPP.
This cycle of conflict-driven party formation reveals a broader issue: personal interests and positional superiority often overshadow genuine commitment to national duties. As a result, the masses are left dissatisfied with the lack of consideration and effective political leadership.
The ongoing disputes between the SLPP and APC highlight the challenges of maintaining a multi-party system in a country where political dominance is often concentrated. While a single party rule can be seen as dictatorial, the dominance of a few parties through majority votes, if achieved through excellence and good governance, can reflect democratic will.
Ultimately, the challenge for Sierra Leone lies in fostering a political environment where all parties, including minorities, can contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development, transcending personal grievances and focusing on collective progress.
