Dispute Erupts Over Sierra Leone Bar Association Election Registration

Dispute Erupts Over Sierra Leone Bar Association Election Registration

Controversy surrounds the ongoing registration for the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) elections as legal practitioners and leadership trade conflicting accounts regarding administrative efficiency and accessibility.

Nicky Spencer Coker, a member of the Bar since 2012, has spearheaded complaints against the verification process. Coker alleges significant hurdles in reaching the Association’s Treasurer to verify her eligibility despite possessing proof of payment for the upcoming Bar conference. She reported multiple failed attempts to complete her registration, citing unanswered communications and a lack of physical presence at designated office locations.

“I expect to be allowed to complete my registration,” Coker stated, emphasizing her long-standing attendance at Annual General Meetings.

While stopping short of alleging deliberate misconduct, she characterized the current system as inefficient, warning that such delays could disenfranchise members from participating in the upcoming vote.

In response, SLBA Treasurer Satto Kobba dismissed the claims of inaccessibility. Kobba maintained that her multi-faceted responsibilities often require her to move between various locations, making a constant presence at a single office unfeasible. A statement from her communications team further defended the process, noting that many members have successfully registered without incident.

The Treasurer's office further suggested that recent grievances are politically motivated or stem from members attempting to settle dues late. As the registration window narrows, the SLBA continues the process under increased scrutiny, balancing administrative logistical challenges against the demands for a transparent and accessible election.