The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has reinforced its stringent constitutional framework governing who can aspire to lead the party into the 2028 presidential elections, emphasizing high-level membership status, strict loyalty provisions, and full compliance with national laws.

According to the Party’s 2020 Constitution, particularly Articles 16C and 17, aspirants for the Presidential Flagbearer position must meet a series of rigorous requirements aimed at ensuring only long-standing, committed, and legally qualified members contest for the party’s highest political ticket.

High-Level Membership Requirement

One of the most significant eligibility conditions is the requirement for aspirants to hold the rank of Distinguished Grand Chief Patron the highest membership category within the SLPP.

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Article 17 (D) states that candidates for Leader, Flagbearer, Deputy Leader, or Running Mate:

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

Article 16C (8b) further reinforces that no individual may be nominated as a Presidential Nominee without meeting this exact membership status. The provision is designed to filter out short-term actors and prioritize individuals with long-standing financial and structural investment in the party.

Legal and Constitutional Eligibility

Beyond internal requirements, aspirants must satisfy all constitutional criteria mandated by the 1991 Sierra Leone Constitution.

Article 16C (8) of the SLPP Constitution mandates that a candidate must:

Be a citizen of Sierra Leone.

Be fully qualified to run for President under the national constitution.

Sign a declaration affirming adherence to the party’s principles, policies, and programmes.

This alignment between party and national laws ensures that nominees are both politically grounded within the SLPP and legally fit for national leadership.

Loyalty and Resignation Rules

To prevent divided loyalty or conflict of interest, the SLPP Constitution imposes strict limitations on party officials and individuals with external political affiliations.

No Dual Allegiance

A candidate cannot belong to any political organization whose aims run contrary to SLPP principles.

Restrictions for National Officers

National Officers, such as the Secretary General or Organizing Secretary, must resign their posts before contesting for President or Vice President.

The only exceptions are the current National Leader and Deputy National Leader.

Deputy Leader Protocol

A sitting Deputy Leader who intends to challenge the incumbent Flagbearer must resign at least one year before the end of the presidential term.

Regulated Application Timeline

The constitution also prescribes a strict timeline for submission of intent.

Article 16C (3) states that when the Leader is not a sitting President, aspirants must submit their application to the National Executive Council (NEC) through the National Secretary General no later than 24 months before the end of the presidential term.

Key Eligibility Checklist for Aspirants

To qualify for the SLPP Flagbearer race, a member must:

Be a Sierra Leonean citizen.

Hold the status of Distinguished Grand Chief Patron.

Have maintained that membership level for at least five years.

Not belong to any organization opposing the SLPP.

Meet all constitutional requirements under the 1991 Sierra Leone Constitution.

As the SLPP begins to set the stage for its internal flagbearer contest, these constitutional provisions will play a central role in determining which individuals are eligible to compete for the party’s top political ticket.