SLPP Sets 30-Day Timeline For APC To Forfeit Parliamentary Seat
By Kelvin jay
The Presidential Spokesman, Alhaji Alpha Khan, has issued a 30-day ultimatum to the All People’s Congress (APC), warning that failure to occupy their seats in Parliament could result in their replacement by members of other political parties.
Speaking on the matter, Khan stated that if the APC continues to abstain from parliamentary proceedings, the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) would be compelled to reassign those seats in accordance with the law.
He argued that parliamentary seats ultimately belong to the people of Sierra Leone, emphasizing that political parties only occupy them based on electoral priority. According to him, the APC initially secured those seats due to its position on the electoral list, but forfeiting participation could lead to a reassignment.
“The APC was elected in the electoral list for their Members of Parliament because they were the priority in the list. If they indicate they are not interested, the ECSL is bound to review the list and extend similar priority to other political parties to occupy those seats. There will be no vacant seats in Parliament,” he stated.
Khan further maintained that under the law, if the APC fails to return to Parliament within the stipulated 30 days, the ECSL has the authority to allocate the seats to other political parties, including the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), the National Grand Coalition (NGC), the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), and others.
The statement has added to ongoing political tensions, as debates continue over parliamentary participation, representation, and the legal interpretation of electoral provisions.
Observers say the development could have significant implications for the composition of Parliament and the broader political landscape if the situation remains unresolved.
Western Area Coastal Communities Set for Historic Unity Boat Race in April
Sixteen coastal communities across the Western Area Rural and Urban districts are gearing up for the inaugural Coastal Unity Boat Race, a landmark initiative aimed at blending sport, culture, and tourism development.
The event is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in partnership with the GEED Foundation, with support from Rokel Commercial Bank and Africell. Organizers say the initiative is designed to elevate boat racing into a structured tourism product while strengthening community cohesion, promoting youth participation, and unlocking new economic opportunities along the coastline.
In what is being described as a first-of-its-kind event focused specifically on coastal communities in the Western Area, fifteen communities have already confirmed participation. These include Government Wharf, Kissy Ferry Terminal, Susan’s Bay, Congo Town, Moa Wharf, Tombo, Aberdeen, King Jimmy, Funkia, Levuma, No. 2 River, Lakka, Magazine, Kroo Bay, and Banana Water.
Scheduled for April 4–5, 2026, the event aligns with the national Year of Culture and Creativity agenda, reinforcing efforts to showcase Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage while driving sustainable tourism. Beyond the competitive aspect, the race will spotlight the resilience of coastal communities facing environmental pressures and celebrate the long-standing tradition of canoe and boat craftsmanship.
Participants will compete for attractive cash prizes, with the winning team set to receive NLe 50,000, while the first and second runners-up will take home NLe 40,000 and NLe 30,000 respectively. Additional awards will recognize the three most creatively designed flags, to be presented by the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis.
Organizers emphasize that the Coastal Unity Boat Race goes beyond sport—it is a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and innovation. The initiative is expected to lay the foundation for a dynamic, community-driven tourism experience while amplifying the unique identity of Sierra Leone’s coastline.
