The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has established a rigorous framework for members aspiring to the nation’s highest office.

According to the Party’s 2020 Constitution, specifically under Articles 16C and 17, the path to becoming the Presidential Flagbearer is paved with strict requirements regarding financial standing, party loyalty, and adherence to national laws.

The regulations are designed to ensure that only the most committed and vetted members can steer the party in national elections. As the political landscape evolves, the SLPP emphasizes that the selection process is governed by merit, long-term commitment, and constitutional compliance.

The “Distinguished Grand Chief Patron” Standard

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The most significant hurdle for aspirants is the membership category requirement. The constitution explicitly places a premium on long-term investment in the party.

Under Article 17 (D), which details the criteria to contest for the position of Leader, Flagbearer, Deputy Leader, or Running Mate, the text states:

“Shall be a fully paid up member of the party in the category of Distinguished Grand Chief Patron for at least five (5) years.”

This provision ensures that candidates have maintained the highest tier of membership for a sustained period, filtering out fleeting participants in favor of established party pillars. Furthermore, Article 16C (8b) reinforces that no person shall be nominated as a Presidential Nominee unless they hold this specific rank.

Constitutional and Legal Compliance

The SLPP Constitution bridges internal party rules with the supreme law of the land. It is not enough to be popular within the party; a candidate must be legally eligible to lead the country.

Article 16C (8) mandates that a candidate must:

  • Be a citizen of Sierra Leone.
  • Be qualified to run as President under the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Act No. 6 of 1991).
  • Additionally, aspirants must sign a declaration agreeing to accept and conform to the Party’s principles, policies, and programmes.

The Loyalty Clause and Resignation Rules

To prevent conflicts of interest and ensure undivided loyalty, the constitution imposes strict limitations on current officeholders and those with external affiliations.

No Dual Allegiance: A candidate cannot be a member of any political party or organization whose aims are in opposition to the SLPP.

Resignation of National Officers: A sitting National Officer (such as a Secretary General or Organizing Secretary) is not eligible to run for President or Vice President while holding office. They must vacate their post to contest, with the exception of the current National Leader and Deputy National Leader.

Deputy Leader Protocol: If a sitting Deputy Leader wishes to challenge the incumbent for the Flagbearer position, they must resign from their position one year prior to the end of the presidential term.

The Application Process

The timeline for declaring intent is also strictly regulated. Article 16C (3) stipulates that where the Leader is not a sitting President, prospective candidates must apply to the National Executive Council (NEC) through the National Secretary General. This application must be submitted not later than twenty-four months prior to the end of the presidential term.

Summary of Key Requirements

For any SLPP member eyeing the Flagbearer ticket, the checklist is clear:

Citizenship: Must be a Sierra Leonean citizen.

Status: Must be a Distinguished Grand Chief Patron.

Longevity: Must have held that status for at least 5 years.

Exclusivity: Must not belong to any opposition groups.

Eligibility: Must meet all criteria in the National Constitution of Sierra Leone.