Sierra Leone’s ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party has endorsed ongoing internationally mediated reform efforts while rejecting proposals it says could undermine the constitutional independence of the country’s electoral body, underscoring persistent tensions in the post-election landscape.
The party’s response follows a joint assessment mission by the so-called International Moral Guarantors- Economic Community of West African States, United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel and the Commonwealth of Nations- which have been facilitating dialogue between political actors since the disputed 2023 general elections.
While welcoming the guarantors’ continued engagement, the SLPP drew a clear red line around recommendations suggesting parliamentary oversight of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone. It argues that such a move would conflict with constitutional provisions that shield the commission from external control, raising concerns about the separation of powers and institutional autonomy.
The disagreement highlights a deeper debate over how to rebuild trust in Sierra Leone’s electoral system. For the ruling party, safeguarding the independence of the ECSL is central to democratic integrity. For critics, however, stronger oversight mechanisms are often seen as necessary in contexts where electoral credibility has been contested.
Those tensions stem from the aftermath of the June 2023 elections, which returned President Julius Maada Bio to office but were rejected by the opposition All People’s Congress. The dispute triggered a political standoff marked by parliamentary boycotts and declining trust between the country’s two dominant parties.
Regional and international actors stepped in to de-escalate the crisis, leading to the Agreement for National Unity. The deal committed both sides to dialogue and reform, and established a Tripartite Committee comprising government, opposition and international representatives to review electoral processes and recommend changes.
The SLPP now says it supports expanding that committee to include smaller parties and civil society groups, framing broader participation as essential to credible reform. It has also reaffirmed its backing for proportional representation, signaling that fundamental questions about Sierra Leone’s electoral system remain unresolved.
At the same time, the party is urging a shift in political conduct. It welcomed the APC’s decision to end its boycott of state institutions but criticized what it described as confrontational rhetoric, warning that such actions risk undermining constitutional expectations for political participation.
The statement also touches on the ongoing national census conducted by Statistics Sierra Leone, an exercise that has taken on political significance given its implications for electoral boundaries and resource distribution.
For the International Moral Guarantors, the challenge lies in sustaining a fragile reform process where dialogue has resumed but core disagreements persist. Their continued involvement reflects both progress and caution in a country still navigating the political aftershocks of a contested election.
The SLPP’s position captures that balance: support for reform and international mediation, coupled with resistance to changes it views as constitutionally untenable.
