ILRAJ Urges Withdrawal of ECSL Chief Nomination Pending Reform

ILRAJ Urges Withdrawal of ECSL Chief Nomination Pending Reform

The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) has formally requested that the government reconsider the proposed appointment of Mr. Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL). This request follows the receipt of a letter from the Office of the President dated February 10, 2026, concerning the nomination.

While acknowledging the necessity of filling vacancies within critical state institutions, ILRAJ contends that this nomination, which is proceeding under Section 32(3) of the 1991 Constitution, presents significant legal, procedural, and democratic concerns. The organization cautions that ratifying this appointment prior to the enactment of constitutional reforms risks preempting and consequently undermining ongoing governance and electoral integrity initiatives.

Specifically, the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act 2025 Bill, currently under parliamentary consideration, includes a proposal to revise Section 32. This revision aims to establish a Search and Nomination Committee, ensuring a transparent, merit-based selection process for all ECSL appointments. ILRAJ asserts that formalizing a permanent appointment at this juncture would weaken the intended safeguards of these forthcoming reforms. Mr. Alpha is currently serving in an acting capacity, which guarantees institutional continuity, but a premature permanent appointment could inadvertently entrench outdated practices.

ILRAJ also drew attention to a discernible pattern of appointments perceived to favor the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), which raises legitimate concerns regarding the independence of vital oversight bodies. The group cited previous ECSL commissioner appointments during the 2023 elections and noted similar concerns regarding the leadership of the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), warning that partisan appointments erode essential public trust in democratic institutions.

Furthermore, the organization criticized the current consultation process mandated by Section 32(3), which requires the President to consult with the leaders of all registered political parties before seeking parliamentary approval. ILRAJ stated that the dispatch of a brief letter requesting feedback within a three-working-day period fails to constitute genuine consultation, effectively reducing multi-party engagement to a mere procedural formality.

ILRAJ has therefore called upon President Julius Maada Bio to withdraw the current nomination, undertake authentic consultations, and ensure alignment with both the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee and pending constitutional reforms. The group also urged Parliament to refrain from ratifying any appointment made under perceived duress or haste, emphasizing that transparency is paramount for reinforcing public confidence in Sierra Leone’s democratic framework.