SLPP North America Leadership Twist

By Samuel Brima Karim, Contributing Writer | January 23, 2025

SLPP North America Leadership Twist and discrediting Pessima’s Second-Term Maneuvers.

In a high-stakes political season, the Sierra Leone People’s Party North America (SLPPNA) recently held a regional executive meeting on January 22, 2025. Chaired by Desmond Pessima, the current SLPPNA Regional Chairman, the session covered pivotal topics such as membership dues, party cards, and the logistics surrounding the forthcoming regional elections. Behind the carefully worded agenda, however, many members are left questioning whether certain decisions made by Chairman Pessima are steering the meeting toward one outcome: giving him a second chance at leading SLPP North America.

SLPP North America Meeting Shrouded in Political Ambition

The SLPPNA Regional Executive Meeting was called to order at 8:35 PM EST/1:35 AM GMT by Chairman Pessima. Formalities included both Christian and Muslim prayers, led by Lucklyn Sam Kpandeyenge and Mohamed Khalif Daboh, respectively. From the outside, everything appeared structured and respectful.

Yet, the moment Pessima opened the floor, it became evident that he was eager to emphasize the executive’s accomplishments under his leadership. While he praised the team for being “one of the most successful, strongest, and hardworking executives,” skeptics argue that this could be a bid to consolidate his credentials as the best candidate to helm the region once more.

Maneuvering Through Reinstatements

An early point of contention revolved around the reinstatement of Fayia Mackay-Lengor, the Financial Secretary, to the executive forum. Although the Chairman framed this as a collective decision influenced by pleas from the Women’s Leader, the Vice Chairman, and the Trustees, critics suspect that this action served to smooth over any friction in the leadership circle—an attempt by Pessima to gain broad-based goodwill ahead of the elections.

Chapter Membership and Party Cards: A Political Lever?

One key item on the agenda was the procurement of party cards for all SLPPNA members—an apparently benign initiative aimed at boosting party unity and accountability. However, Chairman Pessima made it clear that chapters delinquent in paying their dues would lose their seats in the regional election.

Chapter Heads were asked to submit a list of paid-up members to qualify for party cards and have until February 6th to clear outstanding payments, or face disqualification.

While these steps do encourage financial discipline, some insiders claim that the timing is suspiciously aligned with Pessima’s reelection campaign schedule. Controlling who receives party cards effectively controls who can vote—a powerful tool for shaping election outcomes in his favor.

Election Hosting and Potential Delays

Debate also emerged around hosting the upcoming SLPPNA regional election. Some members suggested a formal bidding process, but with time constraints, it may be expedited or bypassed altogether. If Pessima’s allies manage to guide the hosting process toward a chapter that favors the current Chair, it could further tip the scales in his direction.

NEC Resolutions and the Appearance of Reform

During two SLPP National Executive Council (NEC) meetings in Sierra Leone, Pessima and the Secretary General learned that all lower-level structures must align with the 2020 SLPP Constitution and the newly approved regional by-laws. The PPRC Code and GEWE bill demand 30% female representation and inclusion of a person with disabilities.

On paper, these inclusivity measures look like a step forward, but the actual implementation remains in question. Critics note that announcing progressive policies and forging alliances with diverse constituencies can also serve as a veneer to secure broader support for Pessima’s potential re-election bid.

Discrediting Pessima’s Strategies in SLPP North America

1. Timing of Reinstatements: By quickly reinstating the Financial Secretary, Pessima projects an image of unity while quietly eliminating internal dissent.
2. Party Card Distribution: Tying eligibility to chapter dues could empower Pessima to favor or penalize chapters, effectively controlling voter turnout in his favor.
3. Frequent NEC Attendance: His repeated mention of attending NEC meetings might be a tactic to underscore his national-level relevance, suggesting he is indispensable.
4. Visibility Campaign: Pessima’s insistence on reminding everyone of the region’s contributions to the party hierarchy seems tailored to elevate his profile during a critical election period.

SLPP North America Looking Ahead

With the regional executive elections looming, SLPPNA members must remain vigilant to ensure transparency. Chairman Pessima’s accomplishments may be notable, but questions persist about whether his moves genuinely serve the collective good—or merely advance his personal political agenda.

Ultimately, the true testament to the SLPPNA’s democratic process will lie in how these upcoming elections are conducted. Will they reflect the principles of openness and fairness, or will they tilt in favor of Pessima’s renewed leadership ambitions?

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on ongoing discussions within the SLPPNA Executive. All information is sourced from official meeting records and party communications as of January 22, 2025.