By Ishmael Sallieu Koroma
Freetown, Sierra Leone – A leading lawyers’ group in Sierra Leone has challenged President Julius Maada Bio’s proposed appointment of Mr. Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner, warning that the move could undermine ongoing constitutional reforms and the country’s post-election reform agenda.
The Lawyers’ Society, a professional association of lawyers in Sierra Leone, said it had seen a letter dated 10 February, reportedly from the Office of the President, seeking the views of registered political parties on Alpha’s appointment. While the consultation aligns with Section 32(3) of Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution—which requires the president to consult political parties before appointing a Chief Electoral Commissioner—the group said legal compliance alone does not address broader concerns about timing and transparency.
“Appointing a Chief Electoral Commissioner during ongoing discussions surrounding constitutional amendments may undermine the review process and disregard the expressed will of the people,” the Lawyers’ Society said in its statement.
Reform concerns
Sierra Leone is currently implementing recommendations from both the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) Report and the Tripartite Agreement for National Unity, which followed disputed 2023 elections. Both processes recommend reforms to the appointment process of the Electoral Commission (ECSL) and the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC).
“These reports recommend the establishment of a Search and Nomination Committee to provide nominees to the President for appointment,” the statement said. “Moving forward with Mr. Alpha’s appointment before these reforms are in place risks creating the perception that the government is not fully committed to genuine electoral reform and accountability.”
Timing and credibility
The Lawyers’ Society also cited Recommendation 36 of the Tripartite Agreement and Recommendation 8.10 of the CRC Report, which specifically call for a Search and Nomination Committee.
“Implementing this appointment prior to enacting these recommendations could compromise the integrity of the reform process,” the group said. “At this critical stage, public confidence in electoral institutions requires strengthening, not strain.”
The Society further highlighted Recommendation 6 of the Tripartite process, which calls for an external functional review of the ECSL. It warned that appointing a new Chief Electoral Commissioner before this review risks repeating transparency and accountability issues that arose during the 2023 elections.
“Such actions risk reinforcing previous shortcomings rather than advancing accountability reform within the ECSL,” the Society said. “Reform must precede renewal to ensure credibility and public trust.”
Call for reconsideration
The Lawyers’ Society urged the government to reconsider the proposed appointment and complete the constitutional review process before making any new appointments.
“We respectfully urge the Government of Sierra Leone to pause the proposed appointment, conclude the constitutional review process, and fully implement the Tripartite Agreement, particularly regarding the appointment of ECSL and PPRC members,” the statement said.
The government has not yet responded publicly to the Lawyers’ Society’s concerns.
The proposed appointment comes at a sensitive time as Sierra Leone continues to rebuild trust in its electoral institutions. Political parties, civil society, and international observers are closely watching developments, with the leadership of the country’s electoral body likely to remain a focal point of debate in the coming weeks.
