Sierra Leone - April 2023

Ahead of the 24 June general elections, Sierra Leone’s Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) has banned street rallies – a traditional form of mobile campaigning event in the country – requiring political parties to hold their campaign events in fixed locations. The PPRC suggested that this decision would reduce the likelihood of electoral violence, and that it was supported by 17 registered political parties. However, the main opposition party has claimed that the ban was imposed against its wishes. Legal activists have noted that the ban may be a violation of rights guaranteed by the Constitution, including the rights to Freedom of Movement, and Association and Assembly. It also creates practical challenges for campaigning due to the limited transportation network and small number of locations suitable for holding a political rally.

Sources: Concord Times, Cocorioko, Radio France Internationale, AfricaNews