The Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) has suspended the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) from all political activities with immediate effect for failing to comply with fines imposed under the Political Parties Act, 2022.
In a formal notice addressed to the party, the Commission said the APC was found in violation of Section 39(1) of the Political Parties Act (Act No. 25 of 2022), which prohibits political parties and their officials from engaging in conduct deemed threatening, inciting, or capable of undermining public order and national cohesion.
The violation stems from alleged inflammatory remarks made by two members of the party. Following its determination, the PPRC imposed financial penalties and, on February 2, 2026, formally communicated the decision to the APC, outlining the basis for the fines, the amount payable, and a deadline of February 10, 2026.
However, the Commission said the APC failed to meet the deadline despite several reminders.
“The Commission notes with grave concern that despite the expiration of the deadline… the APC has failed, refused, or neglected to comply with the directive to pay the imposed fines,” the notice stated.
Citing its enforcement powers under the Act, the PPRC announced the immediate suspension of the party from carrying out any political activity, including meetings, rallies, internal elections, and all administrative and operational actions, until full compliance is achieved.
The Commission further clarified that the suspension will remain in force until the APC pays the fines and receives written clearance.
The Political Parties Act grants the PPRC authority to sanction, fine, suspend, or in extreme cases deregister political parties that fail to comply with its directives. Observers say the latest move represents a significant escalation in regulatory action against one of Sierra Leone’s major political parties.
The development comes at a politically sensitive time, as parties are engaged in internal restructuring and grassroots mobilization ahead of future electoral processes. Analysts warn that the suspension could heighten tensions between the regulator and the main opposition, particularly amid broader debates over political tolerance, freedom of expression, and the enforcement of party regulations.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the APC were ongoing at the time of publication.
