The opposition All People’s Congress (APC) has strongly rejected the proposed appointment of Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone, warning that the move could undermine ongoing electoral reform efforts and destabilize the country’s fragile political consensus.
In a press release issued on 24 February 2026, the party’s National Advisory Council (NAC), following consultations with its leadership and elected representatives at all levels of governance, unanimously expressed what it described as “grave concern” over the nomination. The APC characterized the proposed appointment as a direct violation of the Agreement for National Unity and an attempt to sidestep the Tripartite reform process established after the disputed 2023 General Elections.
According to the NAC, opposition participation in Parliament and Local Councils was resumed strictly under the framework of the Agreement for National Unity, which led to the formation of the Tripartite Committee tasked with recommending electoral reforms aimed at restoring democratic legitimacy, strengthening political stability, and rebuilding public trust.
The party argued that proceeding with the appointment of a Chief Electoral Commissioner through what it considers the same contested process risks deepening public mistrust and undermining confidence-building measures currently underway. It further stated that it had previously raised concerns about Mr. Alpha’s credibility, his post-election conduct, and his public posture toward election observers, suggesting that his appointment would represent continuity with a disputed electoral past rather than a break from it.
The NAC also referenced Recommendation 36 of the Tripartite Committee, which calls for an amendment to Section 32(3) of the 1991 Constitution to establish an independent Search and Nomination Committee responsible for vetting and recommending qualified candidates for the position of Chief Electoral Commissioner. While noting that the Constitution Amendment Bill has undergone its First Reading in Parliament, the APC urged the Government to complete the amendment process and secure the constitutionally required two-thirds majority vote before making any appointment to the office.
The party is therefore calling on the Government of Sierra Leone to rescind the proposed appointment and demonstrate good faith by fully implementing the Tripartite recommendations and upholding the Agreement for National Unity.
In a significant escalation, the NAC resolved that if the appointment is not withdrawn within 48 hours of the notice, all APC elected officials will withdraw their participation and services from Parliament, Local Councils, and other governance structures nationwide. The party further stated that it reserves the right to pursue additional lawful and democratic measures consistent with the Constitution.
Despite its strong stance, the APC reiterated its commitment to peaceful and lawful action in defence of constitutional governance, electoral integrity, and the sovereign will of the people of Sierra Leone.
