By Andrew Chokpeleh
Freetown, 25th February 2026– Parliament’s Committee on Appointments and Public Service has interviewed Edmond Sylvester Alpha, the presidential nominee for Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), against the backdrop of a 48‑hour ultimatum issued by the opposition All People’s Congress (APC).
Committee Chairman Hon. Matthew Nyuma reminded members that Section 32(2) of the 1991 Constitution empowers the President to appoint ECSL commissioners in consultation with political parties, subject to parliamentary approval. He disclosed that 13 political parties endorsed Alpha’s nomination, while two rejected it and another two abstained from the consultation process.
During the session, Alpha defended his record, confirming the accuracy of his financial disclosures and stressing that he had never attempted to lobby or influence committee members. He noted that he has served the ECSL since 2005, including seven years as Acting Chairman, and overseen more than 12 elections nationwide, ranging from Paramount Chief polls to general elections.
Alpha pledged to uphold electoral integrity, promising that if confirmed, he would ensure general election results are announced within 72 hours. He emphasized confidence in the judiciary, pointing out that parties or citizens dissatisfied with electoral outcomes have constitutional avenues for redress. “I am guided by the laws of Sierra Leone, not by politicians,” he said, adding that he has witnessed governments transition into opposition and opposition parties rise to power during his tenure.
The interview comes amid mounting political tension. The APC has warned that Alpha’s appointment undermines the Tripartite reform process and violates the Agreement for National Unity, which was designed to restore trust after the disputed 2023 elections. In a strongly worded statement, the party cited Recommendation 36 of the Tripartite Committee, which calls for amending Section 32(3) of the Constitution to establish an independent Search and Nomination Committee to vet candidates for the role.
The APC has demanded that government rescind the nomination and conclude the constitutional amendment process before any appointment is made. Failure to comply within 48 hours, the party warned, would trigger the withdrawal of all APC elected officials from Parliament, Local Councils, and governance structures nationwide.
