The Political Party Regulations Commission (PPRC) has called for a significant increase in its budget for the 2025 fiscal year, citing mounting responsibilities and the need to strengthen democratic oversight and to help the upcoming census process. 

The Commission made this plea before Sub-committee 4, Chaired by Hon. Saluiman Marray Conteh on the ongoing budget review of ministries agencies and department.

According to the Executive Secretary, Olushogo A. David, the commission emphasized that current funding levels are inadequate to address the challenges posed by an expanding political landscape and the upcoming census process.

He said they would have to visit the 16 districts to do sensitization just like they did in the past national elections. The commission, which is tasked with regulating political parties, ensuring financial transparency, and enforcing electoral laws, outlined several areas requiring urgent financial attention. Those include monitoring campaign financing, conducting voter education programs, and implementing technology-driven reforms to streamline its operations.

“Our mandate to ensure free, fair, and transparent political processes is critical for democracy,” said the commission’s Executive Secretary.

“However, without sufficient resources, our ability to enforce regulations and maintain public trust is severely compromised. We currently lack mobility to tour the country and soon we will have to go on car rental to fast track our process.” For the 2025 fiscal year, the commission has proposed a 40% increase in its budget, stating that the additional funds will be allocated toward hiring more staff, upgrading its monitoring infrastructure, and expanding its outreach programs…

Acting Chairman, Hon. Mohamed Bangura pleaded on their behalf and recommended that the committee would make way for an increments to be done to the Commission considering the important role they play in the electoral society.