African Regulators Sign MOU to Strengthen Political Parties and Democracy
Ann nderitu, Commissioner of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission(IEBC) speaking during the MOU signing of the African Association of Political Parties Regulatory Authority (AAPPRA) in Nairobi on April 29, 2026
Political party regulators from Kenya, Malawi and Sierra Leone have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) of African Association of Political Parties Regulatory Authority(AAPPRA) to establish a regional body aimed at strengthening political parties and deepening democratic governance across Africa.
The new framework is expected to enhance collaboration among regulators, promote accountability and support the development of stable, inclusive political party systems across the continent.
Speaking during the signing, an Ann Nderitu a Commissioner of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission underscored the importance of strong party structures in ensuring credible elections.
“Political parties must be strengthened enough to operate as institutions with structures that can resolve their own disputes, because that is what supports credible electoral processes,” the official said.
Kenya’s Office of the Registrar of Political Parties also warned that many political parties struggle to survive beyond their founders, posing a threat to democratic stability.
“Political parties must be able to stand the test of time as independent institutions, beyond the individuals who form them,” a representative said.
Malawi’s Registrar of Political Parties Kizito Tenthani emphasised that weak internal systems within parties remain a major challenge across Africa.
“If a political party fails to hold principles of democracy within itself, then it might not be possible for that party to actually instill democracy even when it comes to power,” he said.
From Sierra Leone, Registrar of Political Parties Olushogwe David pointed to the growing threat of political intolerance, including hate speech, driven by competition for power.
“One of the key challenges is how political actors manage competition without resorting to hate speech, as they pursue political positions,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Political Parties Regulation Commission in Sierra Leone Emmanuel K. Amara said smaller political parties should not be sidelined despite limited resources or electoral success.
“Some political parties may not win elections, but the role they play in advancing important issues means they must be encouraged to remain active in the democratic space,” he said.
Officials said the new regional body will provide a platform for knowledge sharing, helping countries learn from each other’s experiences in regulating political parties and strengthening democratic institutions.
The initiative is also expected to promote inclusion by encouraging participation of women, youth and marginalised groups, addressing longstanding gaps in representation across African democracies.
The MOU marks a significant step toward building institutionalised political parties capable of sustaining democratic governance beyond electoral cycles.
