Bar Association Withdraws Congrats on Electoral Commissioner Appointment

Bar Association Withdraws Congrats on Electoral Commissioner Appointment

The Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) has formally retracted its initial congratulatory statement regarding the appointment of the Chief Electoral Commissioner, issuing a superseding press release.

Dated 22nd February 2026, the new statement confirms that the SLBA has monitored the consultation process among political party leaders, which resulted in the endorsement by 12 of the 14 registered parties, followed by the appointment of the Chief Electoral Commissioner pursuant to Section 32(3) of the 1991 Constitution.

While acknowledging the significance of the appointment, the Association underscored that it now awaits the mandated parliamentary approval. The SLBA urged Parliament to ensure that the process adheres strictly to constitutional provisions and due process.

This latest release explicitly invalidates the earlier statement of 21st February 2026, in which the Association had offered congratulations to the appointee.

The withdrawal follows public scrutiny of the initial message, notably including comments from former SLBA President Basita Michael, who raised concerns about the appropriateness of congratulating the appointee prior to the completion of the parliamentary vetting process.

The SLBA concluded its statement by affirming its continued attention to the matter.