By Josephine Sesay

The Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) has set a deadline for the submission of petitions challenging decisions made by the All People’s Congress (APC) Internal Elections Complaint Board (IECB), as disputes surrounding the party’s internal electoral process continue.

According to a notice issued by the Commission on Monday, September 7, 2026, individuals seeking to challenge rulings of the IECB are required to submit their petitions to the PPRC no later than Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 4:45 p.m.

The Commission further announced that hearings for all petitions received within the stipulated period will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

The hearings will take place at the PPRC Conference Hall on OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown.

The Commission has invited representatives of the IECB, the Independent Elections Management Committee (IEMC), petitioners and other relevant stakeholders to attend the proceedings.

The latest announcement comes amid continuing disagreements over aspects of the APC’s internal elections, with some party members challenging decisions arising from the electoral process.

The PPRC has previously reviewed petitions relating to ward-level elections within the APC and issued decisions in a number of cases. Some results were upheld, while others were overturned, with the Commission ordering reruns in selected wards.

The Commission’s intervention forms part of its statutory responsibility to regulate political parties and promote compliance with the laws and regulations governing political party activities in Sierra Leone.

PPRC Deregisters NPD

In a separate notice issued on Monday, the PPRC announced the deregistration of the National Progressive Democrat (NPD) Party, effective September 7, 2026.

The Commission said the decision followed repeated warnings issued to the party over alleged violations of provisions of the Political Parties Act, 2022.

Following the deregistration, the PPRC advised institutions, organisations and other stakeholders to refrain from conducting political activities with members of the NPD.

The Commission said both announcements demonstrate its continued efforts to enforce the legal and regulatory framework governing political parties in Sierra Leone.

The upcoming APC petition hearings are expected to provide an opportunity for petitioners and the relevant electoral bodies to present their respective positions before the Commission.

With the deadline for submissions set for Tuesday afternoon, attention will now turn to the hearings scheduled for Wednesday, where the PPRC is expected to consider the complaints and determine the appropriate course of action in line with its mandate.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 9th September 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)