A group of aspirants contesting elective positions in the forthcoming Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) elections has formally rejected the electronic registration process introduced by the Association’s current Executive, arguing that it has no legal basis under the Association’s governing rules.
In a letter dated July 14, 2026, addressed to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, who serves as the Titular Head of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, the aspirants expressed concerns that the new registration system could undermine the credibility and orderly conduct of the Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections.
The letter, signed by seven aspirants seeking various executive positions, stated that the electronic registration exercise was introduced barely two weeks before the elections following months of uncertainty, including the postponement of the original polls, delays in payment verification, and changing administrative requirements.
According to the aspirants, the Sierra Leone Bar Association’s Memorandum and Articles of Association already prescribe the requirements for members to participate in elections. They noted that, traditionally, members pay their annual subscriptions through the designated bank, obtain official receipts from the Secretariat, and become eligible to vote and participate in the affairs of the Association.
They argued that the governing documents do not require electronic registration as an additional condition for voting or contesting elections.
While acknowledging the Executive’s explanation that the electronic registration process is intended solely as an administrative tool to verify members’ eligibility, the aspirants questioned whether members who have fulfilled all constitutional requirements but fail to complete the electronic registration would still be allowed to vote.
They maintained that if such members are denied the right to vote because they did not register electronically, the exercise would effectively become an unlawful additional requirement not provided for in the Association’s governing documents.
The aspirants also raised concerns over the involvement of the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), which developed the electronic registration platform. They noted that one of the candidates for the position of Assistant Secretary-General, Fateem Massally, is an employee of DSTI.
Although they made no allegations of wrongdoing against either Massally or DSTI, they argued that the circumstances could create questions about the perceived independence and impartiality of the electoral process.
“As lawyers, we recognise that elections must not only be conducted fairly but must also inspire confidence among those participating in them,” the letter stated.
Consequently, the aspirants declared that they do not recognise the electronic registration process as a lawful prerequisite for participation in the Annual General Meeting or the election of officers.
They said they have advised their supporters not to participate in the electronic registration exercise but instead to rely on official payment receipts issued by the Bar Association’s Secretariat as proof of eligibility.
The group further warned that confusion and disorder could arise if members who possess valid payment receipts are denied the opportunity to vote solely because they did not complete an electronic registration process introduced shortly before the elections.
They called for transparency, consistency, and strict adherence to the Memorandum and Articles of Association, stressing that these principles are essential to ensuring a peaceful and credible Annual General Meeting.
The letter was jointly signed by Martina Baindu Egbenda (Aspirant President), Nicky Spencer-Coker (Aspirant Vice President), Caroline Sesay (Aspirant General Secretary), Mohamed Alie Kallon (Aspirant Assistant General Secretary), Margaret Murray (Aspirant Treasurer), Bernadeth Mallah (Aspirant Assistant Treasurer), and Ebunoluwa Tengbe (Aspirant Public Relations Officer).
