By Mackie M. Jalloh
In a bid to strengthen internal party discipline and enhance election operations, the All People’s Congress (APC) launched a new Disciplinary Committee and appointed Polling Officers in Constituency 123. The event took place at the Foulah Town community hall on Saturday, September 7, 2024, in line with the provisions of the party’s March 2022 constitution.
The Disciplinary Committee, consisting of 15 members, was introduced alongside 71 newly selected polling officers from across the two wards in the constituency. These officers will serve during both national and internal elections across the country. The initiative aims to ensure smoother electoral processes and resolve internal disputes within the party.
During the ceremony, APC Legal Officer, Lawyer Africanus Sorie Sesay, emphasized the importance of the new Disciplinary Committee. He noted that the committee would allow aggrieved members to bring forth their complaints within the party framework, avoiding unnecessary legal battles in the High Court. Sesay highlighted that members dissatisfied with the committee’s decisions could appeal through other higher-level party disciplinary structures.
“If after going through the internal party processes, the member is still dissatisfied, only then can they seek redress in a court of law with the backing of the party,” Sesay explained. He further noted that the committee members have a three-year mandate and should collaborate with other stakeholders to address election-related matters, urging party members to resolve conflicts amicably rather than resorting to internal fighting.
Lawyer Mohamed Alie Mogaji Tejan, another legal representative and Member of Parliament for Constituency 123, elaborated on the legal responsibilities of the Disciplinary Committee. He warned party executives against using the selection clause during elections, as it violates the APC’s new constitution. Tejan stressed that the new constitution guarantees a democratic platform for all registered party members, regardless of their status, tribe, or region.
Tejan also encouraged other constituencies to replicate this model of establishing Disciplinary Committees and Polling Officers to ensure unity and transparency within the party nationwide. He affirmed that the committee has the full authority to handle disputes and address them conclusively.
The event was well attended by members of the APC from across the constituency, marking a significant step towards improving party governance and cohesion at the grassroots level.
