SLPP Rejects ECSL Oversight, Citing Constitutional Independence

The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has officially declined proposals advocating for parliamentary oversight of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL). The party contends that such an arrangement would significantly compromise the Commission's constitutionally mandated independence.

In a formal press release dated April 21, 2026, the party addressed the findings of the Joint Assessment Mission conducted by the International Moral Guarantors, ECOWAS, UNOWAS, and the Commonwealth. This mission evaluated the advancement of electoral reforms and broader national dialogue initiatives.

The SLPP highlighted that Section 32(11) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone explicitly immunizes the ECSL from the direction or control of any external person or authority. The party cautioned that any attempts to subordinate the Commission to parliamentary standing committees would be legally untenable and inconsistent with constitutional provisions.

Citing the supreme law of the land, the party noted: “The Electoral Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority.”

The SLPP further posited that critical democratic institutions—including the ECSL, the Judiciary, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and Audit Service Sierra Leone—possess a unique status that precludes them from being governed by parliamentary committees in the manner of standard public agencies.

The party underscored that the preservation of institutional autonomy is a prerequisite for ensuring credible democratic governance and upholding the integrity of the electoral process.

Concurrently, the SLPP expressed its approval of the expanded Tripartite Steering Committee. The inclusion of additional political entities and civil society organizations is viewed by the party as a positive advancement toward a more comprehensive and inclusive dialogue regarding electoral reform.

The party reaffirmed its dedication to collaborative engagement with all political stakeholders, including the All People’s Congress (APC), particularly concerning national imperatives such as the population and housing census and ongoing electoral consultations.

However, the SLPP voiced concerns regarding certain adversarial rhetoric observed in opposition communications. The party suggested that such posturing is counterproductive and risks eroding the mutual trust necessary for collective national progress.

In conclusion, the SLPP reiterated its steadfast commitment to the reform of electoral systems, the fortification of state institutions, and the enhancement of democratic governance in Sierra Leone, while advocating for sustained, constructive dialogue among all reform stakeholders.