Freetown– A sharp legal debate has erupted within the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) as the organisation prepares for its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and leadership elections, with one presidential candidate publicly questioning the validity of a newly introduced electronic registration process.
Martina Baindu Egbenda, an aspirant for the SLBA presidency, has called on the Executive and Board of Directors to immediately clarify the purpose and legal standing of the e-registration exercise, warning that it risks undermining the Association’s constitution and the transparency of the upcoming polls.
In a strongly worded public statement, Egbenda argued that the electronic registration imposes new conditions on members that are not supported by the SLBA’s governing documents.
She maintained that such requirements cannot lawfully restrict participation in the statutory AGM or the election of officers.
“The Executive may make administrative arrangements for the Annual Conference, but it has no power to introduce additional eligibility criteria for the AGM or elections unless explicitly authorised by the Memorandum and Articles of Association,” she said.
Egbenda pointed to the Companies Act 2009 (as amended) and the SLBA’s own Memorandum and Articles as the sole legal framework governing the Association. She specifically referenced Article 32, which states that fully paid-up members are entitled to attend and vote at the AGM, with no mention of electronic registration or unique codes as prerequisites.
She emphasised that an official receipt for membership dues already confirms a member’s standing, and no further administrative hurdles should be placed in their way.
The aspirant drew a clear distinction between the Annual Conference, an administrative event organised by the Executive, and the AGM itself, which serves as the Association’s highest decision-making forum for receiving reports, approving finances, and electing leaders.
She noted that the SLBA’s notice dated 13 May 2026 treated annual subscriptions and conference fees as separate matters, further underscoring that attendance at the conference and participation in the AGM are distinct rights.
Egbenda also raised serious concerns about the transparency and security of the electronic system.
She demanded answers on how unique registration codes are generated, who developed and manages the platform, what measures prevent duplicates or fraudulent codes, and how the Executive plans to verify legitimate registrations.
“These are fundamental questions that go to the heart of electoral integrity and public confidence in our Association,” she stated.
Citing Article 29(e) of the governing instruments, Egbenda reminded the leadership that any rules made by the Directors remain subject to review and approval by members at the AGM. She argued that the Executive cannot use administrative notices to create new qualifications for participation.
The presidential hopeful has urged the SLBA leadership to publicly confirm that the electronic registration applies only to the Annual Conference and is not a mandatory requirement for the AGM or voting. She also called for the immediate publication of a list of eligible members based strictly on the criteria in the Association’s constitution.
Until such clarification is provided, Egbenda advised members against participating in the electronic registration process.
“Preserving trust in the Sierra Leone Bar Association demands strict adherence to our governing instruments, transparent processes, and equal treatment for all members,” she concluded.
As of the time of this report, the SLBA Executive had not issued a public response to Egbenda’s concerns.
