The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has expressed appreciation to the International Moral Guarantors – including ECOWAS, UNOWAS, and the Commonwealth – for their commitment to peace, stability, and democratic consolidation in Sierra Leone, while outlining its position on key recommendations following a joint assessment mission.

In a press statement dated 21st April 2026, the ruling party extended special gratitude to Her Excellency Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, former Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, whose leadership has guided the process from its inception.

The SLPP stated that President Julius Maada Bio, as Leader of the Party, has demonstrated clear and sustained commitment to implementing both the Agreement for National Unity and the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee’s Report.

Following a review of eight key points outlined in the International Moral Guarantors’ press statement dated 20th April 2026, the SLPP urged full respect for Section 32(11) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, which states: “In the exercise of any functions vested in it by the Constitution, the Electoral Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority.”

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The party argued that Parliament cannot provide oversight authority over the administrative and professional operations of state institutions whose independence and impartiality are expressly created by the Constitution.

“In the same way as Parliament cannot establish a Standing Committee to oversee the Judiciary, Anti-Corruption Commission and Audit Service Sierra Leone, it can equally NOT exercise such authority over the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone,” the statement read.

The SLPP welcomed the expansion of the Tripartite Steering Committee to include other political parties and civil society, stating that meaningful electoral reform must embrace diverse perspectives and ensure broad representation beyond the concerns of any single political party.

Regarding the proposal on the electoral system, the party commended the international moral guarantors for upholding the authority of Parliament and respecting parliamentary procedure in relation to The Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill 2025. The SLPP reaffirmed that it will continue to advocate firmly for proportional representation.

On the ongoing Population and Housing Census, the SLPP reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with all political parties, including the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC), to maintain constructive engagement with Statistics Sierra Leone.

While welcoming the APC’s decision to end its boycott, the SLPP urged its leadership to adopt more responsible and mature approaches to governance issues. The party noted that persistent boycotts and threats undermine Section 35(1) of the Constitution, which establishes political parties to participate in shaping the political will of the people.

The SLPP reiterated its zero tolerance for hate speech, incitement, and profane language, and commended the government delegation, the APC, development partners, and the leadership of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion for resolving institutional and operational issues of the Tripartite Steering Committee.

However, the party expressed dissatisfaction with a press statement issued by the APC National Secretary General on 19th April 2026, describing the penultimate paragraph as “particularly unhelpful and unnecessary.” The SLPP stated that such redundant posturing and threats erode trust and weaken collective goodwill.

“The SLPP remains fully committed to working with all political parties, including the APC, to advance electoral reforms, strengthen state institutions and deepen our democracy,” the statement concluded.