The opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) has formally written to President Julius Maada Bio, raising strong objections to the proposed appointment of Mr. Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL).
In a letter dated Friday, 13th February 2026, and signed by the Acting Chairman of the APC, Amb. Osman Foday Yansaneh, the party acknowledged receipt of a correspondence dated 10th February 2026, referenced SF/BF 50/430/01, notifying it of the proposed appointment.
Call for Implementation of Tripartite Recommendations
The APC emphasized that before any appointment is made to the leadership of the Electoral Commission, Recommendations 20 and 36 of the Tripartite Committee must first be implemented. According to the party, these recommendations call for the establishment of a parliamentary standing committee and the creation of a search and nominating committee responsible for appointing members of the Commission.
The party argued that proceeding with the appointment without fulfilling these recommendations would undermine the purpose and spirit of the electoral reform process initiated after the 2023 elections.
The Tripartite Committee, set up to examine concerns arising from the 2023 Presidential and General Elections, reportedly stressed that the leadership and composition of the ECSL must command broad national confidence. It further highlighted that appointing a Chief Electoral Commissioner should serve as a confidence-building measure to strengthen the Commission’s independence, neutrality, and credibility ahead of future elections.
Concerns Over 2023 Elections
The APC expressed serious concerns over Mr. Alpha’s previous role as a senior member of the ECSL during the 2023 Presidential and General Elections. The party noted that those elections were widely described by both local and international observers as lacking transparency and containing significant statistical inconsistencies that raised questions about the credibility of the results.
According to the APC, the 2023 elections were condemned not only by the party but also by reputable international election experts and observer missions. It maintained that this, in its view, constitutes sufficient grounds to disqualify Mr. Alpha from consideration for the position now and in the future.
The party reiterated its longstanding demand for the removal of all electoral commissioners who were part of the 2023 electoral process.
Post-Election Statements and Public Confidence
The APC further raised concerns about what it described as public remarks made by Mr. Alpha suggesting that the 2028 elections would not differ from those conducted in 2023. The party described such statements as troubling, especially coming from an individual proposed to lead the ECSL.
It argued that such comments risk undermining public confidence in the neutrality and independence of the Commission’s leadership and could work against ongoing electoral reform efforts.
Allegations of Hostility Toward Observers
The APC also cited what it described as hostility towards election observers. It referenced a recent incident during a chieftaincy election in Port Loko District, where a representative of the National Elections Watch (NEW) was reportedly asked to leave a polling station. The party noted that no investigation was conducted into the matter, even though Mr. Alpha was acting as head of the ECSL at the time.
The APC stressed that credible democratic elections require openness to legitimate electoral oversight, constructive engagement with observer missions, and leadership that promotes trust and inclusivity.
Reaffirmation of Commitment to Democracy
While reaffirming its commitment to democracy and the rule of law, the APC stated that it remains prepared to lawfully resist any attempt to replicate what it described as the shortcomings of the 2023 elections, particularly in relation to transparency, credibility, and public trust.
In conclusion, the party urged President Bio to reconsider the proposed appointment and instead nominate another suitably qualified Sierra Leonean whose record and public standing would inspire national confidence and ensure that the perceived shortcomings of the previous elections are not repeated.
The APC further expressed its willingness to engage constructively in efforts aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions and preserving peace, stability, and electoral integrity.
