By Makutu Manneh
Alhagie Sedia Fofana of the Unite Movement for Change (UMC) has alleged that political interference is behind the failure of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to register the movement as a political party.
Fofana argued that if the IEC is genuinely committed to upholding standards and broadening participation in the country’s democratic process, the UMC’s application should not be delayed. He maintained that no other movement or political group has demonstrated a comparable level of commitment to democratic engagement within such a short period.
He further criticized existing political parties aligned with the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), describing them as reliant on public funds despite lacking nationwide organizational structures.
“Most of the registered parties do not have bureaus in every part of this country. UMC is a movement established within six months, and it has ward, regional, and constituency structures,” Fofana stated.
According to him, the UMC’s objectives extend beyond electoral participation. He emphasized that the movement seeks to contribute to long-term democratic stability and national development. “We did not come into politics just to contest elections. We are here to help steer the country in the right direction for generations to come,” he said.
Fofana also called on the IEC Chairman to prioritize effective regulation of existing political parties while ensuring that new applicants that meet the requirements are duly registered.
Despite the delay in registration, he disclosed that the UMC intends to proceed with its planned congress.
“Nobody can stop our congress because there is no law in this country against that. Even football clubs and associations do congress. So you cannot say congress is an exclusive right reserved for only political parties,” he said.
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