Tarawally Draws Lessons From SLPP’s Past Electoral Divisions
Hon. Paran Tarawally has cited Sierra Leone’s 1967 and 2007 elections as historical examples of how internal divisions can weaken political parties and alter electoral outcomes.
Speaking during an interview with Ecko Media, Tarawally argued that the Sierra Leone People’s Party’s past leadership disputes offer lessons for how the party should manage internal disagreements.
Tarawally pointed to the 1967 election, when the APC and SLPP emerged with equal parliamentary representation in the historical account he discussed. He said two independent candidates who had previously been associated with the SLPP became pivotal to the formation of a government.
Historical records show that the 1967 election was conducted under Sierra Leone’s parliamentary system. The APC won the election, while subsequent political upheaval led to a military coup shortly after Siaka Stevens was sworn in as prime minister.
Tarawally also drew a parallel with the 2007 presidential election, focusing on the emergence of Charles Margai and the People’s Movement for Democratic Change after Margai failed to secure the SLPP’s presidential nomination.
Official election records show that APC candidate Ernest Bai Koroma received 815,523 votes in the first round, compared with 704,012 for SLPP candidate Solomon Berewa and 255,499 for Margai of the PMDC.
Margai subsequently supported Koroma in the runoff, which Koroma won to become president. Contemporary and historical accounts have described the PMDC’s support as an important factor in the 2007 outcome.
Tarawally argued that the lesson for the SLPP is the importance of addressing internal disagreements before they develop into permanent political divisions.
His comments come as debate over party unity continues within the SLPP ahead of future electoral contests. Recent reporting on the party has also highlighted calls for dialogue and reconciliation amid internal disagreements.
Tarawally’s comparison was ultimately framed around a broader warning: unresolved leadership disputes can extend beyond party structures and influence the wider political balance.