Concerns Mount Over Sierra Leone's Election Preparations: Opposition Cites "Red Flags"
- Sarah Kallay
- Aug 12
- 2 min read

The All People's Congress (APC) publicity secretariat, represented by Abdulia Karim Kamara ESQ, has voiced significant concerns, alleging a series of "red flags" that threaten the integrity of the electoral process.
Kamara asserts that democracy in Sierra Leone should prioritize the will of the majority, and the APC is committed to defending this principle "with their sweat and blood."
Kamara highlighted several key issues he believes undermine the fairness and transparency of the upcoming elections.
He pointed out that among the most significant issues spotted so far are: Unlawful Census Deferment, Controversial Eastern Regional Commissioner Appointment, Lack of Consultation in Electoral Commissioner Appointments, and Exclusion from Electoral System Discussions.
The APC argues that the deferment of the national census to 2026 contravenes Recommendation 38 of the tripartite agreement, which stipulates that census data must be available two years before general elections.
With delimitation scheduled for December 2026, data would not be available until 2027, effectively defeating the two-year requirement.
Kamara emphasized the need for "credible data" over "flawed and inaccurate data," noting that the government had ample time within its five-year tenure to conduct the census.
He drew a parallel to former President Koroma's successful census in 2014, which, despite an Ebola-induced delay, still yielded credible data used today.
He further challenged the approval in parliament of the Eastern regional commissioner, deeming the appointment "unfortunate, baseless," and non-compliant with both international best practices and Sierra Leonean law.
He cited recommendation 36, which clearly mandates consultation with political parties when appointing electoral commissioners. However, Kamara stated that the APC was not consulted on recent appointments.
Furthermore, he noted strong objections from Members of Parliament regarding the appointment of an official receiving pay from consolidated funds, citing a legal prohibition against such appointments.
Despite being informed of discussions regarding the electoral system, the APC, as the main opposition party, asserts that its opinions and deliberations have never been sought to date.
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