The Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) in collaboration with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), supported by funding from the European Union, recently organized a comprehensive two-day training workshop in Kambia District. The focus of the workshop was to equip representatives from various political parties with essential skills on the implementation and utilization of the Political Parties Dispute Resolution Guide.

Mr. Alimamy Jalloh, the Deputy North West Regional Director, emphasized the significance of the training workshop for political parties in Kambia. He underscored the importance of political party representatives cascading the knowledge gained during the workshop to the general membership of their respective parties. This dissemination process is crucial for enhancing internal conflict resolution mechanisms within political parties.

During the workshop, Mr. Olushago A. David, the Executive Secretary for PPRC, elaborated on the implementation and use of the Political Parties Dispute Resolution Guide. He urged party representatives to take the guide seriously, highlighting its potential to effectively resolve intra-party disputes and mitigate the need for resorting to legal proceedings.

The training workshop covered a range of pertinent topics outlined in the Political Parties Dispute Resolution Guide. These topics included the impacts of intra and inter-party conflicts on human security, peace, and development, approaches to conflict resolution, the dialogue process, and mediation strategies.

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Mr. Mawusi Dumenu, the Program Officer for International IDEA, addressed the root causes of conflict within political parties. He identified issues such as founder-member syndrome, leadership wrangles, cabalism, lack of transparency, and accountability as significant contributors to internal party disputes. Mr. Dumenu emphasized the importance of implementing the guidance provided in the Political Parties Dispute Resolution Guide to address these challenges effectively.

Furthermore, Mr. Dumenu encouraged political party representatives to replicate the training among their party’s general membership. By disseminating the knowledge and skills acquired during the workshop, political parties can enhance their capacity to resolve conflicts internally, thereby reducing the need for costly and time-consuming legal interventions.

The collaborative effort between PPRC, International IDEA, and the European Union underscores the commitment to strengthening democratic processes and fostering political stability in Sierra Leone. By equipping political parties with the necessary tools and resources for effective conflict resolution, this initiative aims to promote constructive dialogue, consensus-building, and inclusive governance practices at the grassroots level.

Participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to enhance their conflict resolution skills and deepen their understanding of the importance of intra-party cohesion. They pledged to actively engage with their party members to disseminate the knowledge gained during the workshop and foster a culture of peaceful dispute resolution within their respective political organizations.

Moving forward, the PPRC and its partners are committed to providing ongoing support and guidance to political parties in Sierra Leone. By fostering a collaborative approach to conflict resolution and promoting dialogue and consensus-building, they seek to contribute to the consolidation of democracy and the promotion of political stability in the country.

The successful completion of the two days training workshop in Kambia District marks a significant milestone in the efforts to strengthen democratic governance and promote peaceful political participation in Sierra Leone. The commitment demonstrated by political party representatives to implement the lessons learned from the workshop bodes well for the future of inclusive and transparent political processes in the country.