By Festus J Lahai
The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has once again proven that democracy is not just a talking point. But, the party’s living legacy. Held at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown, the 14th National Delegates Conference was a resounding success, conducted transparently and openly in the full view of the public. Observers and stakeholders have hailed the process as free, fair, and credible, something that deserves commendation not only from party loyalists but from all who believe in participatory governance and democratic principles.
This was not just another party convention; it was a testament to the SLPP’s internal democratic culture. Delegates from across the country came together in unity, casting their votes in an atmosphere of peace, order and mutual respect.
In a tightly contested but respectful race for the party’s highest leadership, Jimmy Batilo Songa emerged as the new National Chairman, securing 618 votes over his rival, Eng. Amara J. Kanneh, who polled 396 votes. Batilo Songa’s victory marks the beginning of renewed energy at the helm of the party.
For the position of National Secretary-General, another landslide victory saw Hon. Paran Tarawalie, the current Clerk of Parliament, decisively defeating Deputy Minister Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara with 848 votes to just 101. His election brings experience, discipline, and national legislative insight to the SLPP’s internal machinery.
Other elected officials forming the new executive include: Deputy Chairman, Robert Kondema Kargbo, National Treasurer; Judith Kosseh, Auditor; Augustine JJ Tommy, Financial Secretary; Shaka Sannoh, Chaplain; Smart Senesie and Legal Adviser; Anthony Berewa
This capable and diverse team now shoulders the responsibility of steering the SLPP toward a victorious 2028 general election, building on the gains of past years while maintaining the values of the party’s founding fathers which include unity, progress, and service.
What makes this outcome even more significant is the mature, peaceful conduct of both candidates and supporters, further cementing SLPP’s place as the most democratic political institution in Sierra Leone today.
In a political landscape often marred by accusations and internal strife, the SLPP has shown that leadership is earned. It is our belief, as members of this great party, that the rest of the nation can look to the SLPP as a model of institutional discipline, grassroots accountability and democratic resilience.
Prior to the casting of ballots, the leader of the party and President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, reaffirmed his commitment to a free, fair and transparent electoral process. He made it clear that he had no preferred candidates and urged all delegates to vote based on merit, unity, and continuity.
“Vote for someone who will unite the party and continue on the good trajectory that the previous Chairman and his executive have taken the party,” he said. Emphasizing that leadership is not defined by age or titles but by character, vision and service, President Bio concluded with a powerful appeal: “Let the best among us rise. Let the rest of us lift them up.”
A big congratulation to Ambassador Yongawo who was appointed as Chairman of the Independent Elections Monitoring and Oversight Committee (IEMOC) for playing a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and transparent conduct of the party’s national executive elections. Under his leadership, the IEMOC team delivered what many have praised as a model democratic process. Efficient, impartial and free from controversy. Their meticulous planning, professionalism, and commitment to fairness contributed immensely to the credibility and success of the convention, earning widespread commendation from delegates, observers and party stakeholders alike.
As the new executive takes over I am certain we stand ready not only to consolidate our gains but to deliver in 2028 what we have always promised: a government that listens, a party that unites, and a future that works for all Sierra Leoneans.
