APC Rejects Proposed ECSL Chair Appointment, Threatens Governance Boycott
By Daniel Julius Bangura
The opposition All People’s Congress (APC) has rejected the proposed appointment of Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), describing the move as a breach of on-going electoral reform commitments and warning it could withdraw from participation in governance structures nationwide.
In a press release dated February 24, 2026, the party’s National Advisory Council (NAC) said it had “unanimously expressed grave concern” following consultations with party leadership and elected representatives at all levels. The statement, signed by National Secretary-General Lansana Dumbuya, characterized the proposed appointment as “a dangerous circumvention of the binding Tripartite reform process” established after the disputed June 2023 general elections.
The APC party argued that proceeding with the appointment under the current constitutional framework would undermine confidence-building efforts aimed at restoring public trust in the electoral system. It maintained that the Tripartite Committee, formed to address post-election disputes and recommend reforms, was intended to guide changes to the country’s electoral architecture before key appointments are made.
Central to the party’s objection is Recommendation 36 of the Tripartite Committee, which calls for an amendment to Section 32(3) of the 1991 Constitution to create an independent Search and Nomination Committee responsible for vetting and recommending candidates for the position of Chief Electoral Commissioner.
While acknowledging that a Constitution Amendment Bill related to the recommendation has passed its First Reading in Parliament, the APC urged the government to complete the amendment process and secure the required two-thirds majority approval before proceeding with any appointment.
The party also questioned Alpha’s suitability, citing what it described as concerns over his post-election conduct and public posture toward election observers, as well as broader perceptions of continuity with a disputed electoral past.
The APC NAC called on the government to rescind the proposed appointment and demonstrate “good faith” by fully implementing the Tripartite recommendations and the Agreement for National Unity.
The release warned that if the appointment is not withdrawn within 48 hours of the notice, all APC elected officials would be instructed to withdraw their participation from Parliament, local councils, and other governance structures across the country.
According to the Secretary General, said the party reserves the right to pursue further lawful and democratic measures consistent with the Constitution, while reaffirming its commitment to peaceful and lawful action in defence of electoral integrity and constitutional governance.
