The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) has urged President Julius Maada Bio to rescind the nomination of Mr. Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), citing concerns over transparency and ongoing constitutional reform efforts.
In a statement issued in Freetown on Thursday, the advocacy group said the proposed appointment, reportedly communicated in a February 10, 2026 letter from the Office of the President, raises significant legal and procedural questions.
While acknowledging the importance of filling vacancies in key public institutions, ILRAJ maintained that the timing of the nomination could undermine reforms currently under parliamentary consideration.
The group pointed to the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act 2025 Bill, which seeks to revise Section 32 of the 1991 Constitution. Among other provisions, the Bill proposes the creation of a Search and Nomination Committee aimed at promoting merit-based and transparent appointments to the ECSL.
According to ILRAJ, proceeding with a substantive appointment before Parliament concludes debate on the amendment risks defeating the purpose of the proposed changes.
Mr. Alpha is currently serving in an acting capacity, a role the organization said ensures continuity pending legislative action.
ILRAJ also raised concerns about what it described as a pattern of appointing individuals perceived to have affiliations with the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party to institutions expected to operate independently. It noted that similar criticisms emerged following the 2023 general elections, contributing to public mistrust and political tension.
The organization further called for more robust consultations with political parties, arguing that the constitutional requirement for engagement should go beyond brief written correspondence.
ILRAJ appealed to Parliament to withhold ratification of the nomination until reforms are finalized, stressing the need to strengthen public confidence in electoral governance.
