The Publicity Secretary of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Moses Mambu, has dismissed suggestions that a potential flagbearer bid by First Lady Fatima Bio would amount to a “monarchy,” stressing that the party’s democratic process allows any qualified member to contest for leadership.

Speaking on the matter, Mambu explained that the SLPP operates on established rules and criteria that govern who can aspire to become flagbearer, and that no individual is excluded as long as they meet the requirements.

“As a party, we do not see it in those terms,” he said. “Every individual can stand for a democratic process. For example, if the First Lady of President Bio meets all the criteria to stand as flagbearer, so be it. That is what the President is speaking about.”

He further clarified that President Julius Maada Bio is not seeking to impose leadership on behalf of family members or close associates.

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“The idea of monarchy does not apply here. The President is not going to take power for his wife, friend, or sister. No. Anyone interested in leading the SLPP must present themselves and go through the established criteria,” Mambu noted.

He added that the party’s criteria require aspirants to demonstrate the ability to handle criticism and make critical national decisions.

“At the moment, we do not have a declared flagbearer candidate. What is circulating are only rumours,” he said. “As the party’s spokesman, I do not deal in rumours. When the party develops its rules, the NEC comes together to approve them, and these rules guide the process of selecting a flagbearer. We then set timelines, and anyone interested will come forward to campaign.”

Mambu emphasised that the SLPP’s internal democratic procedures remain the only legitimate pathway for selecting future leadership candidates.