PPRC reminds parties of campaign financing

With just a few weeks to elections and with money being spent by candidates and their agents for different purposes, Sierra Leone's Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) has reminded candidates about their constitutional obligations to give account of what they spend and how such monies are raised. According to a press release the Commission and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) have produced and distributed tracking forms in nomination centres countrywide to be given to every Parliamentary and Presidential Candidate to fill out within 60 days after results are declared. The candidates, continues the release, are required to submit forms to their secretaries-general and treasurers to submit to the Commission. The release urges all candidates to abide by the provision. Observers believe it will be difficult or even impossible to track campaign financing by or expenditure of candidates in a country where donations are made in cash and not by bank transfer. Many have expressed concerns over the amount of money being doled out by some candidates across the country and doubt whether those amounts or the sources thereof will ever be declared. (c) Politico Online 04/10/12