Gento-Kamara Omitted from SLBA Voter List

Outgoing Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) President Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara's name has been left off the provisional voter list for the upcoming annual general meeting and leadership elections scheduled for Monday, October 26.

The provisional list of 429 eligible voters, published in a notice dated October 22 and signed by Caretaker Body Chairman Osman I. Kanu, also omits several key members of the outgoing executive, including former Public Relations Officer Alfred Kamanda, former Vice President Sidique Tommy, General Secretary Alfred Paul Juwah, Treasurer Sotto Kobba, and Assistant Treasurer Yoko Mahiteh Brewah.

The omissions follow months of fierce internal dispute over the association's governance. Under rules established by a High Court order issued on July 23 by Justice Mark Ngegba, members must have paid their subscription fees by May 29, 2026, and present an original bank slip to qualify for voting or candidacy.

Meanwhile, Martina Baindu Egbenda—the SLBA’s Administrator and Registrar-General—appears on the provisional list as a contender for the presidency. With other key executive members missing from the register, legal observers suggest Egbenda could run unopposed, though formal nominations will take place at the meeting.

The current leadership crisis stems from the May 2024 elections in Kenema, where Gento-Kamara's victory was challenged by rival candidates Wara Serry-Kamal and Augustine S. Marrah. Further chaos erupted in late July 2026 when police blocked access to the planned AGM venue, causing the meeting to collapse and prompting the eventual intervention of a government-backed caretaker committee on August 6.

Members have until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, to verify their details and contest omissions before the final voter register is locked. This list raises questions of administrative efficiency, disregard of rules by administrators whilst occupying positions and election challenges in seemingly all levels.

The elections will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Monday at the Freetown International Conference Centre, with judicial proceedings nationwide put on recess to allow legal professionals to participate.