APC Unveils New Internal Election Rules to Enhance Grassroots Participation

The All People's Congress (APC) has officially released its gazetted Internal Election Rules and Regulations, a comprehensive framework designed to govern the party's upcoming internal elections. These new regulations, approved by the National Advisory Committee on April 22, 2025, aim to streamline the electoral process and foster greater grassroots participation.

The rules highlight in the new regulations addressing the existing National Electoral System, which has traditionally been based on the District Block Proportional Representation System. The 2022 APC Constitution, however, now incorporates both Ward and Constituency Executive elections. This move, as emphasized in the new rules, is designed to enhance inclusive grassroots participation, promoting the organic growth of democracy within the APC and ensuring effective election organization.

The regulations also acknowledge the evolving structure of the party, particularly with Article 31(e) of the 2022 Constitution establishing the Diaspora as a distinct region of the APC. In a move to empower this growing segment, Article 31(h) grants the Diaspora Region the authority to create its own manuals and operational guidelines, provided they remain consistent with the overarching 2022 APC Constitution and reflect local circumstances. The National Secretary General, as per Article 29(d), retains the authority to determine the date and location for all Regional Elections.

The rules provides for Ward Elections to be conducted in every area officially demarcated or previously recognized as such by the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), that the National Secretariat of the Party will be responsible for designating the specific polling place for each Ward Election and for. information to be publicly announced no later than seven days before the elections are held.

It furthers that only registered and fully paid-up members of the APC residing within the respective Ward will be eligible to serve as voting delegates in these elections and members must demonstrate consistent registration and paid-up membership for a continuous period of one year preceding the date of the relevant convention or election to be eligible voters.

These new rules signify a crucial step for the APC as it prepares for its internal electoral processes, aiming to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and adherence to democratic principles within the party structure.