PPRC Fines APC NLe 120,000 Over Falaba Chairman’s Controversial Speech

The Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) has slapped the All People’s Congress (APC) with a NLe 120,000 fine following remarks made by Hon. Lahai Marrah, the APC’s Falaba District Chairman during a civic engagement event on November 15th, 2025. The PPRC described Marrah’s statements as “incendiary and inciting” and in clear violation of Section 39(1)(d) of the Political Parties Act, No. 25 of 2022, which prohibits political actors from making remarks that could foster hatred, violence, or discrimination.

The PPRC’s decision reflects its enhanced powers under the Political Parties Regulation Commission Act of 2022, formally enacted by Parliament on November 24, 2022. Under this new legal framework, the commission can levy fines, issue warnings, suspend, or even deregister political parties that breach conduct rules.  The Act reaffirms the PPRC’s mandate to maintain political stability and ensure parties conduct themselves responsibly, especially when making public statements. The fine against APC underscores the commission’s willingness to enforce these norms.

This sanction comes at a time of mounting pressure on the APC from both regulatory bodies and political rivals. Internal party dynamics are fraught: earlier in 2025, the PPRC ordered the party to convene a properly constituted disciplinary committee in relation to the status of Alhaji Samuel Sumana, citing breaches of both the Political Parties Act and the APC’s own constitution.  At the same time, APC leaders are vocal in warning against perceived electoral manipulation in the run-up to 2028, framing the next election as crucial for the party’s survival.

The PPRC’s action is also part of a broader effort to curb hate speech and politically inflammatory language ahead of the 2028 general elections. In recent weeks, the commission convened both APC and SLPP leadership and reminded them of their responsibilities to avoid incendiary rhetoric.

In a separate move, the PPRC helped broker a “peace agreement” between the two major parties, binding them to tone down provocative statements and promote more civil discourse. By enforcing the provisions of the Political Parties Act, the PPRC signals that it intends to play a watchdog role as Sierra Leone moves toward its next national polls.