Freetown 25th February 2026 – The All People’s Congress (APC) has strongly rejected the proposed appointment of Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone, warning that the move undermines ongoing electoral reforms and threatens national unity.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Advisory Council (NAC), the APC described the appointment as a “direct assault” on the Agreement for National Unity and a deliberate attempt to circumvent the binding Tripartite reform process. The party accused the government of trying to re‑entrench the electoral status quo that sparked widespread mistrust following the disputed 2023 General Elections.
The NAC recalled that APC elected officials resumed participation in governance—including Parliament and Local Councils—strictly on the basis of the Agreement for National Unity, which established the Tripartite Committee and adopted reform recommendations aimed at restoring democratic legitimacy and public confidence.
Proceeding with Alpha’s appointment, the party argued, risks undermining confidence in future elections. The APC cited concerns about his credibility, post‑election conduct, and public posture toward observers, warning that his selection signals an intention to “recycle contested electoral authority rather than rebuild institutional trust.”
The party further pointed to Recommendation 36 of the Tripartite Committee, which calls for amending Section 32(3) of the 1991 Constitution to establish an independent Search and Nomination Committee to vet candidates for the role of Chief Electoral Commissioner. The APC urged government to conclude the amendment process and enact the bill before any appointment is made.
Calling for the appointment to be rescinded, the NAC gave government 48 hours to withdraw the nomination. Failure to do so, the party warned, would trigger the withdrawal of all APC elected officials from Parliament, Local Councils, and other governance structures nationwide.
The APC emphasized that its actions would remain peaceful and lawful, but insisted it would defend constitutional governance, electoral integrity, and the sovereign will of the people.
