By Kadijatu Bangura, D.S. Correspondent
The All Peoples Congress (APC) has officially postponed its upcoming ward elections, attributing the decision to significant financial shortages and logistical hurdles that hinder the electoral process.
In a letter issued on February 10, 2026, the party’s Internal Elections Management Committee (IEMC) announced that the elections, previously set for February 14, could not move forward due to a lack of sufficient funds and inadequate preparation time.
Signed by Haji Hassan Kamara Esq., the IEMC National Coordinator, the letter was addressed to the APC National Secretary General, as well as party members and stakeholders. Despite confirming the elections during a meeting with the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) on February 5, the IEMC reported that it had only received 31.5% of the approved budget necessary for conducting the polls. Moreover, a significant 16% of a prior issued cheque remains unpaid by the bank. These financial limitations have created “severe operational constraints,” jeopardizing the integrity of the electoral process.
The IEMC highlighted that a prior “Note to File,” sent on February 6 to the National Secretary General, underscored the need for the remaining funds to be made available by midday on February 9. With that deadline unmet, and only four days left before the scheduled elections, the committee emphasized that it faces insurmountable challenges in organizing a credible and fair electoral process.
Key logistical issues include the inability to recruit, train, and compensate polling personnel such as Presiding Officers, in addition to problems securing transportation and distributing essential materials. The committee further noted the lack of an officially approved candidate list and a finalized voter register. Even with immediate funding, the time remaining is insufficient to complete necessary pre-election arrangements.
The IEMC reiterated its constitutional obligation to conduct transparent and credible internal elections, warning that proceeding under the current circumstances could invalidate the election results and lead to disputes. The committee expressed that conducting elections without adequate resources would undermine the democratic principles outlined in the APC Constitution and damage the party’s internal democratic integrity.
Consequently, the IEMC declared a halt to the ward elections until the complete approved budget is released, allowing adequate time for proper preparation. The committee stated that the responsibility for the delay lies solely with the failure to disburse the required budget on time.
While this postponement may disappoint party members anticipating elections on February 14, the IEMC stressed the importance of ensuring a fair electoral process over rushing into flawed elections. The committee remains prepared to conduct the elections promptly upon receipt of the complete budget and sufficient preparation time.
This announcement serves as formal notification to all stakeholders regarding the suspension of the ward elections scheduled for February 14, 2026.
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