The Chairman of the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), Emmanuel Koivaya Amara Esq., has urged trainers responsible for introducing Electoral and Political Education into Sierra Leonean universities to maintain strict political neutrality and avoid turning classrooms into platforms for partisan advocacy.
He made the call while speaking at the launch of a four-day Training of Trainers programme at the Conference Centre of the National Communications Authority (NaTCA), Southridge, IMATT, Freetown.
Amara said the introduction of Electoral and Political Education at university level would help students develop a better understanding of political processes, elections and democratic governance, while equipping them to recognise political manipulation and participate more responsibly in national affairs.
He stressed that the success of the course would depend largely on how it was delivered, warning that trainers must distinguish between educating students about politics and promoting personal beliefs or party ideologies.
According to him, the course should provide students with an objective understanding of how politics and elections operate, rather than encourage allegiance to any political party.
The PPRC Chairman also highlighted the Commission’s role in implementing Recommendation 13 of the Tripartite Recommendations, noting that the process would remain incomplete without the Commission’s active involvement.
Using a football analogy, Amara explained that although the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) is responsible for overseeing elections, the PPRC also contributes to the democratic process by helping shape the political environment through education, training and coaching.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working with the ECSL and the University of Sierra Leone to ensure the effective implementation of the course.
Amara commended the initiative, describing the four-day training as an investment in developing a generation of citizens with a stronger understanding of democratic principles and the political process.
The training is expected to prepare tutors to deliver Electoral and Political Education in universities, with an emphasis on impartiality, informed participation and the promotion of a healthier democratic culture in Sierra Leone.