APC Rejects Proposed Appointment of Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner
By: James Kamara-Manneh
The opposition All People’s Congress (APC) has formally rejected the proposed appointment of Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner/Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), citing concerns over credibility, public confidence, and unresolved electoral reforms.
In a letter addressed to State House and dated February 11, 2026, the APC acknowledged receipt of correspondence regarding the proposed appointment but raised strong objections, arguing that key electoral reform recommendations remain unimplemented.
The party stated that Recommendations 20 and 36 of the Tripartite Committee established to review concerns arising from the 2023 elections must be fulfilled before any appointment of an Electoral Commissioner is made. These recommendations call for the creation of a parliamentary standing committee and a search and nominating committee for appointing members of the ECSL.
According to the APC, proceeding with the appointment without implementing these reforms undermines the purpose and spirit of the electoral reform process.
The APC argued that Alpha’s prior role as a senior member of the ECSL during the 2023 Presidential and General Elections disqualifies him from consideration. The party maintained that those elections were widely criticized for alleged statistical inconsistencies and lack of transparency.
The opposition reiterated its longstanding position that all electoral commissioners who served during the 2023 elections should be removed, asserting that their continued presence weakens trust in the Commission.
The APC further claimed that Alpha has made public statements suggesting that the 2028 elections would not differ from those conducted in 2023. The party described such remarks as troubling and said they risk undermining confidence in the neutrality and independence of the ECSL’s leadership.
Additionally, the APC referenced what it described as hostility toward election observers. The party cited an incident during a chieftaincy election in Port Loko District in which a representative of National Elections Watch (NEW) was reportedly asked to leave a polling station. The APC noted that no investigation was conducted into the matter, despite Alpha reportedly acting as head of the Commission at the time.
The party emphasized that credible elections require openness to domestic and international observation, constructive engagement with stakeholders, and leadership that inspires broad national confidence.
While reaffirming its commitment to democracy and the rule of law, the APC stated it is prepared to lawfully resist any attempt to replicate what it described as the shortcomings of the 2023 elections.
The party urged President Julius Maada Bio to appoint another qualified Sierra Leonean whose record and public posture would inspire national confidence and strengthen the credibility of the electoral reform process ahead of the 2028 elections.
The APC concluded by expressing readiness for constructive engagement aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and preserving peace, stability, and electoral integrity in Sierra Leone.
