Freetown, 22nd April 2026- Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, has cautioned that the ongoing debate over the removal of Electoral Commissioner Edmond Alpha risks distracting from deeper systemic issues undermining Sierra Leone’s democracy.
Kargbo stressed that Alpha’s removal should not be seen as a victory or defeat for any political party. “If Edmond Alpha is replaced today, the opposition fully understands that his replacement could be even worse,” he said, warning that without a credible and independent search and nomination committee, the country could end up with a successor who poses even greater challenges.
Kargbo noted that both parties have pledged to amend the law by December 31 to establish such a committee, but insisted that promises must be backed by action. “Without implementation, it remains a declaration without meaningful safeguards,” he said.
The opposition leader underscored that election rigging is not confined to one individual but is a process that begins with the census, extends through civil and voter registration, and is reinforced by changes to electoral laws. He emphasized that focusing narrowly on Alpha overlooks these broader vulnerabilities.
Highlighting what he described as a key achievement, Kargbo pointed to the opposition’s success in securing inclusive participation across all stages of the electoral process. “That is where the real leverage lies,” he said. “If these processes are genuinely transparent and inclusive, the room for manipulation is significantly reduced, making election rigging far more difficult.”
