The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) has called on the government to withdraw the nomination of Mr. Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL). The nomination, communicated in a letter from the Office of the President on 10 February 2026, has sparked concerns over legality, procedure, and the independence of the commission.
ILRAJ warned that confirming Mr. Alpha before Parliament completes deliberations on the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act 2025 Bill would undermine ongoing governance reforms. The bill proposes a new Section 32 that introduces a Search and Nomination Committee to ensure transparent, merit-based appointments to the ECSL. The group stressed that Mr. Alpha currently serves in an acting capacity, and rushing a permanent appointment risks entrenching outdated practices.
Sierra Leone’s electoral institutions have been under intense scrutiny since the 2023 general elections, which were marred by accusations of partiality and procedural irregularities. Several ECSL commissioners were widely perceived as aligned with the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), fuelling public distrust and prompting calls for reform. The Tripartite Committee, established to review the 2023 elections, recommended measures to ensure the independence and credibility of electoral bodies.
Similar concerns have been raised about the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), which has faced criticism for allegedly favouring the ruling party in enforcing regulations on opposition parties. Civil society groups argue that entrenched partisan appointments undermine institutional neutrality and weaken democratic oversight.
Section 32(3) of the Constitution requires the President to consult leaders of all registered political parties and seek parliamentary approval when appointing ECSL members. In practice, ILRAJ says consultations have often been reduced to formalities, excluding meaningful input from opposition parties.
ILRAJ urged President Julius Maada Bio to withdraw Mr. Alpha’s nomination, conduct authentic consultations, and ensure alignment with the Tripartite Committee’s recommendations and pending constitutional reforms. The group also called on Parliament to resist ratifying any rushed appointment, prioritising reforms that strengthen institutional independence and public confidence in Sierra Leone’s democracy.
