By Josephine Sesay

Sierra Leone’s Parliament has established an Ad Hoc Committee to oversee the work of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) as part of efforts to implement Recommendation 20 of the Tripartite Committee Report aimed at strengthening the country’s electoral system.

The announcement was made by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, during the parliamentary sitting on Thursday, 23 July 2026.

The newly constituted committee will be chaired by Hon. Abdul Kargbo, while Hon. Matthew S. Nyuma will serve as Deputy Chairman. Its membership comprises Members of Parliament from both the Government and Opposition benches, including two Paramount Chief Members of Parliament, reflecting a bipartisan approach to electoral oversight.

Addressing Parliament, Speaker Thomas instructed both the Government and Opposition leadership to jointly develop the committee’s Terms of Reference (TORs) ahead of its formal commencement, following parliamentary approval. The TORs are expected to provide the framework that will guide the committee’s mandate, scope of work, and operational procedures.

The establishment of the committee forms part of the broader implementation of the recommendations contained in the Tripartite Committee Report, which was developed to address concerns surrounding Sierra Leone’s electoral processes and promote consensus-driven reforms.

Once operational, the committee is expected to strengthen Parliament’s oversight responsibility over the ECSL by monitoring its activities, reviewing the country’s electoral preparedness, supporting the implementation of electoral reforms, and promoting greater transparency and accountability in the management of elections.

The committee is also expected to serve as a platform for constructive engagement between Parliament and the ECSL, ensuring that recommendations intended to improve the credibility and integrity of elections are effectively monitored and implemented.

Political observers view the formation of the Ad Hoc Committee as a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing democratic reform agenda. By bringing together representatives from both sides of Parliament, the initiative seeks to foster collaboration and build public confidence in the electoral process ahead of future elections.

The move demonstrates Parliament’s commitment to ensuring that the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee are translated into practical actions that strengthen democratic governance, improve institutional accountability, and enhance the credibility of Sierra Leone’s electoral system.

With the committee expected to begin its work once its Terms of Reference receive parliamentary approval, stakeholders will be closely watching its role in supporting electoral reforms and reinforcing public trust in the country’s democratic institutions.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 27th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)