Freetown, Sierra Leone – The tenure of Mohamed Kenewui Konneh as Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has officially come to an end, the government confirmed this week.
Konneh’s five-year mandate, which began on 28th July 2020, formally concluded on 27th July 2025.
In a letter dated 29th July 2025, Secretary to the President Barba B. Fortune acknowledged the conclusion of Konneh’s service and noted that President Julius Maada Bio has approved the appointment of Mr. Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Acting Chairman of the Commission.
Alpha, who currently serves as Electoral Commissioner for the Southern Region, assumed the acting role on 21st July 2025—prior to the end of Konneh’s term.
“This interim arrangement ensures uninterrupted leadership and operational continuity at the Electoral Commission while the formal process for appointing a new Chief Electoral Commissioner is underway,” the letter stated.
Mohamed Kenewui Konneh was appointed as Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) on 28th July 2020 by President Julius Maada Bio, following parliamentary approval. His five-year tenure, which officially ended on 27th July 2025, was marked by significant milestones, challenges, and reforms in the country’s electoral landscape.
One of the most defining moments of Konneh’s leadership was the conduct of the June 2023 general elections. These elections, which included both presidential and parliamentary contests, were highly anticipated and closely watched both locally and internationally.
Under his stewardship, the ECSL introduced a new Proportional Representation (PR) system for parliamentary elections, replacing the traditional first-past-the-post model. This change was part of broader electoral reforms aimed at improving representation and reducing political tension in the electoral process.
Despite notable achievements, Konneh’s tenure was not without controversy. The 2023 elections, in particular, drew criticism from opposition parties and some observer missions over allegations of limited transparency in result tabulation and concerns about voter access.
The ECSL, under Konneh, defended its processes and emphasized adherence to constitutional and legal frameworks, although calls for greater electoral openness remained a recurring theme during his tenure.
As Konneh exits the Commission, his legacy will be debated among political and civil actors, with some praising his commitment to reform and institutional growth, while others highlight the need for deeper accountability and transparency. His departure marks a pivotal moment for the ECSL as it prepares for new leadership and future electoral challenges.
The incoming acting chair, Mr. Alpha, is expected to steer the institution during this transitional phase until a substantive successor is appointed.
