By Josephine Sesay
A position statement addressed to President Julius Maada Bio has formally challenged the nomination of Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), describing the move as unlawful and potentially damaging to democratic governance.
The statement, dated February 26, 2026, was submitted by Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, who outlined constitutional, procedural, and ethical objections to the appointment.
In the document, Kamara argues that the nomination contravenes Section 32 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, which sets out the procedure for appointing members of the Electoral Commission. He maintains that the constitutional requirement for consultation with leaders of registered political parties was not meaningfully fulfilled prior to Alpha’s nomination.
The statement also references the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act 2025 Bill currently before Parliament. According to Kamara, the proposed amendment, stemming from the Tripartite Agreement and recommendations of the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC)—seeks to establish a Search and Nomination Committee to enhance transparency and promote merit-based appointments within the ECSL.
Kamara contends that proceeding with a permanent appointment before the amendment process is concluded undermines ongoing reform efforts and risks eroding public confidence in electoral governance.
The position paper further cites Section 32(11) of the Constitution, which guarantees the independence of the Electoral Commission from external control or direction. It argues that the circumstances surrounding Alpha’s nomination could weaken public trust in the Commission’s neutrality, particularly in light of disputes that followed the 2023 general elections.
Beyond constitutional concerns, the statement raises questions about Alpha’s previous conduct while serving as a Regional Commissioner. It references allegations relating to a Ward 155 by-election in Koinadugu District, where a result entry was reportedly altered in the system. The document claims that despite protests and evidence presented at the time, no corrective action was taken.
Additionally, the statement cites allegations that Alpha restricted representatives of National Elections Watch (NEW) from certain electoral management meetings. It also refers to a circulated video in which he is reported to have made comments about the 2028 elections that critics interpret as dismissive of ongoing electoral reform initiatives.
The allegations cited in the statement have not been independently adjudicated and are presented as grounds for questioning Alpha’s suitability for the office.
Kamara is calling on President Bio to withdraw the nomination and suspend further appointments under the current framework pending parliamentary consideration of the constitutional amendment bill. He further proposes the establishment of a Search and Nomination Committee to oversee a fresh and transparent selection process.
The statement concludes by urging Parliament to reject the nomination should the Executive decline to withdraw it.
As of press time, there has been no official response from State House or the Government regarding the concerns raised in the position statement.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 4th March 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
