Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) presidential candidate Martina Baindu Egbenda has written to the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), requesting evidence of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the electronic registration platform being used ahead of the Association’s 2026 Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM).
In a letter dated 14 July 2026 addressed to the Director and Chief Operating Officer of DSTI, Jasper Patrick Sembie, Egbenda, who is a member of the SLBA, said she was seeking clarification on the role of DSTI in the design, development, or technical support of the online registration system.
She stated that the request was based on her understanding that DSTI, given its mandate in developing digital systems and platforms for public institutions and agencies, may have been involved in the creation or support of the platform.
Egbenda requested information on the scope of DSTI’s engagement, including whether the platform was developed, procured, or supported by the Directorate, and the agreement or instrument that authorised such involvement.
She also sought clarification on the purpose and intended use of the platform, particularly whether it was created solely for administrative arrangements relating to the Annual Conference or whether it extends to participation in the AGM, voting, and the election of SLBA officers.
The SLBA presidential candidate further requested details on how the unique registration codes generated through the system are created, issued, managed, and verified, as well as the measures in place to protect members’ data and ensure the integrity and security of the platform.
She also asked DSTI to provide information on any data protection, confidentiality, or information-sharing arrangements between the Directorate and the SLBA regarding members’ records processed through the system.
Egbenda noted that participation and voting rights at the AGM are governed by the SLBA Memorandum and Articles of Association, which require members to be fully paid up and regulate the conduct of elections under Articles 31 to 36.
She expressed concern that the introduction of a new electronic registration requirement, without clear and publicly available Terms of Reference, could potentially be interpreted as a requirement for participation in the AGM and the election process.
Egbenda called on DSTI to provide the requested documents or clarify the basis of its involvement in the platform, stating that transparency is important in maintaining public confidence in digital systems developed or supported by the Directorate for professional and public institutions.
