By Fatima Kpaka
FREETOWN – JUNE 24, 2025: Thirty-two staff members of Sierra Leone’s Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) commenced a four-day training on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, aimed at strengthening their knowledge and capacity in electoral governance. The training, held at New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, is funded by the European Union (EU) through International IDEA and forms part of the globally recognised Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections (BRIDGE) programme.
Delivering his opening remarks, Dr. Mamoud Idriss Tarawallie, Head of Programme for International IDEA in Sierra Leone, noted that the training is a direct response to Recommendation 78 of the Tripartite Report. He highlighted that a similar course had previously been delivered for the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), emphasizing the significance of capacity building across all electoral institutions.
EU Team Lead on Governance and Civil Society, Els Moktier, stressed the European Union’s commitment to good governance through institutional development. “Training is an essential component of our partnership. It helps equip the Commission with the tools to meet its mandate and elevate democratic standards,” she said.
Chairman of the PPRC, Emmanuel Koivaya Amara Esq., expressed deep appreciation to International IDEA for its continued support. He described the training as timely and integral to enhancing the Commission’s effectiveness and institutional growth.
The BRIDGE programme is recognized internationally for its participatory methodology and focus on strengthening democratic institutions. The current training is expected to enhance the technical competencies of PPRC staff in regulatory practices, electoral integrity, and stakeholder engagement.