Parliament Confirms Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner

Parliament Confirms Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner

The Parliament has officially confirmed Edmond Sylvester Alpha as the substantive Chief Electoral Commissioner (CEC) for the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL). Mr. Alpha, who had been serving in an acting capacity, is now tasked with leading the preparations for the 2028 general elections.

His confirmation was preceded by mandatory consultations with political parties, resulting in endorsement from 12 of the 14 registered parties. The main opposition party, however, chose to boycott the process following the expiration of their 48-hour ultimatum for the government to withdraw the nomination and finalize constitutional amendments.

Mr. Alpha brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served the ECSL in various capacities throughout his career. His appointment as CEC is pivotal, as he assumes leadership of the commission during the crucial period leading up to the next national polls.

Parliamentary approval provides the ECSL with full institutional leadership authority, enabling it to comprehensively plan, organize, and execute the electoral calendar in strict compliance with the nation's legal framework.

Mr. Alpha has publicly affirmed his commitment to upholding professionalism, transparency, and international electoral best practices, with a specific pledge to reinforce the integrity of Sierra Leone’s electoral system.