Mohamed Kamara
The Executive Secretary of the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), Mr. Olushogo A. Davies, has emphasized the crucial role of minority political parties in Sierra Leone’s democratic process. Speaking at a press briefing hosted by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Davies stated that the existence of minority political parties demonstrates Sierra Leone’s commitment to fundamental human rights, including the right to participate in national politics and the freedom of speech.
Supporting Davies’ statement, the National President of the Young Women Governance Network, Madam Kumba Favor Amara, highlighted the importance of including minority political parties in parliamentary discourse. She urged against discrimination based on a party’s size, financial status, or popular support. “They play a vital role and should not be excluded due to their designations,” Amara stated, advocating for the active inclusion of these parties in the political process.
Public opinion on this issue, however, remains divided. Kadija Jalloh, a supporter of the National Democratic Alliance Party (NDA), argued that minority parties are essential for a healthy democracy. “Even the two biggest parties started small,” Jalloh said. She pointed to examples from other African nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, where minority political parties serve as strong opposition forces. “Bit by bit, what is minority today can become the majority tomorrow,” she added.
In contrast, Mr. Gibrilla S. Kallon expressed skepticism about the viability of minority political parties in Sierra Leone. He questioned their ability to fulfill the constitutional requirements mandated by the PPRC, arguing that many of these parties lack the financial stability and organizational structure needed to operate effectively. “Minority political parties in Sierra Leone are not financially fit to operate as political parties,” Kallon asserted. He added that, unlike in other democracies, many political parties in Sierra Leone fail to demonstrate their independence, maintain permanent offices, or actively participate in national discourse through the media.
Kallon also criticized the formation of minority parties, suggesting that many of them are offshoots of the two major political parties, created out of personal grievances rather than a genuine desire for political change. “They form political parties to enrich themselves by securing positions from the incumbents,” he stated. Kallon argued that a true sense of patriotism and nationalism is still lacking among many of these minority parties, leaving supporters frustrated and skeptical of their intentions.
The debate surrounding the role of minority political parties in Sierra Leone’s democracy continues to provoke discussion. While some view these parties as essential to maintaining a balanced and accountable political landscape, others question their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the country’s governance. As the PPRC and political stakeholders navigate this complex issue, the future of minority political parties in Sierra Leone remains a topic of national interest.
