Freetown, 19th February 2026 – Twelve of Sierra Leone’s registered political parties have formally endorsed Mr. Edmond Sylvester Alpha for appointment as Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone.
According to President Bio’s Press Secretary, Yusuf Keketoma Sandi, the endorsements came after consultations with State House, with 12 out of 14 parties conveying their approval between February 12 and 16, 2026.
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) expressed support in a letter signed by Secretary General Abdulaie Barrie on February 13. The Alliance Democratic Party (ADP) followed suit on February 12, with National Secretary General Foday Kamara authoring its endorsement. The National Grand Coalition (NGC) joined on February 16, through Alhaji Amadu M. Sheriff, National Secretary General.
The ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) confirmed its approval on February 13, signed by National Secretary General Paran Umar Tarawally. The United National People’s Party (UNPP) also endorsed Mr. Alpha on February 16, through Richard Kelly, National Secretary General.
Other parties lending support included the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), endorsed by Abu Bakarr Bangura, National Secretary General, on February 13; the Peace and Liberation Party (PLP), signed by Nabieu Musa Kamara, Chairman/Leader, on February 13; and the Citizens Democratic Party (CDP), endorsed by Ibrahim Sorie Sesay, National Secretary General, on February 12.
The Revolutionary United Front Party (RUFP) co-authored its endorsement on February 13, signed by Andrew Kambay, National Secretary General, and Foday Massaquoi, National Chairman. The People’s Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) followed on February 13, with National Chairman Tony Bob Hindolo Songa authoring its letter.
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) expressed its support on February 12, signed by Acting Chairman Halimatu Deen, while the Republic National Independent Party (RNIP) endorsed Mr. Alpha on the same day, authored by Acting Chairman and Leader Alhaji A.K. Sesay.
Meanwhile, the main opposition party, the All People’s Congress (APC), has rejected the proposed appointment of Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone.
In a formal response, the APC raised strong objections to the nomination, citing: Credibility concerns linked to Mr. Alpha’s role in the disputed 2023 elections, where he served as Commissioner for the Eastern Region.
Unresolved electoral reform recommendations, particularly recommendations 20 and 36 of the Tripartite Committee, which call for a parliamentary standing committee and a search and nominating committee before such appointments are made and issues of public trust, stressing that Alpha’s involvement in past electoral controversies undermines confidence in his suitability to oversee future elections.
