In a notable display of cross-party support amid preparations for Sierra Leone’s 2028 general elections, 12 out of 14 registered political parties have formally endorsed President Julius Maada Bio’s proposal to appoint Mr. Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner (CEC) and Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL).
The endorsements were communicated through letters to the Presidency following consultations initiated in early February 2026.
President Bio’s Secretary, Baba B. Fortune, sent formal requests to party leaders on or around February 10-11, 2026, seeking their views on the nomination within a tight three-working-day window, in line with Section 32(3) of the 1991 Constitution (as amended). This provision requires presidential consultation with registered political party leaders before appointing ECSL members, with the final appointment requiring parliamentary approval.
The endorsing parties include:
– National Democratic Alliance (NDA)
– Alliance Democratic Party (ADP)
– National Grand Coalition (NGC)
– Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP, the ruling party)
– United National People’s Party (UNPP)
– People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
– Peace and Liberation Party (PLP)
– Citizens Democratic Party (CDP)
– Revolutionary United Front Party (RUFP)
– People’s Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC)
– United Democratic Party (UDP, sometimes referred to as United Democratic Movement in reports)
– Republic National Independent Party (ReNIP)
This majority backing, spanning the ruling SLPP and various smaller parties, reflects broad confidence in Mr. Alpha’s experience, leadership, and commitment to electoral integrity. Supporters view the move as reinforcing democratic stability and ensuring credible, transparent elections in 2028.
Mr. Alpha brings significant prior experience to the role. He previously served as an Electoral Commissioner (including for the Eastern Region) and was appointed Acting Chief Electoral Commissioner on July 21, 2025, following the end of the previous tenure. This acting appointment was confirmed on July 29, 2025. His nomination seeks to elevate him to the substantive position ahead of future electoral cycles.
However, the proposal has sparked controversy. The main opposition All People’s Congress (APC), one of the two dominant parties alongside the SLPP, has strongly rejected the nomination. In a formal letter signed by Acting Chairman Amb. Osman Foday Yansaneh (dated around February 17, 2026), the APC cited Mr. Alpha’s role as a senior commissioner during the disputed 2023 presidential and general elections. Those polls faced widespread criticism from local observers, international missions, and experts for alleged lack of transparency, statistical inconsistencies in results, and other irregularities.
The APC argued that his involvement disqualifies him and could erode public trust, while also noting that the appointment conflicts with ongoing electoral reform recommendations from the Tripartite Committee established post-2023.
Civil society voices have echoed concerns. The Lawyers’ Society of Sierra Leone and groups like the Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) have criticized or urged caution on the appointment, calling for alignment with broader constitutional reviews and reforms to safeguard the ECSL’s independence and credibility. Some commentators, including for Anti-Corruption Commissioner, lawyer Ady Macauley, have warned that proceeding could undermine the commission’s perceived impartiality.
Sierra Leone currently has around 14-17 fully registered political parties (per Political Parties Regulation Commission records and ECSL references), though exact counts vary slightly in reports due to active participation levels. The APC’s non-endorsement (and likely that of at least one other party) highlights deep political divisions persisting from the 2023 elections.
The process now advances to parliamentary scrutiny, where lawmakers will review the nomination and decide on confirmation. The outcome will shape perceptions of electoral preparedness as the country approaches the 2028 polls.
