AYV News, March 25, 2026
Presidential Spokesman Alpha Kanu has stated that President Julius Maada Bio does not currently have the authority to remove Edmond Sylvester Alpha from his position as Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), emphasising that any such action must strictly follow constitutional provisions.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with AYV, Kanuclarified that the removal of an Electoral Commissioner is governed by Section 32(8) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, which outlines specific grounds and procedures for dismissal. He stressed that the President cannot act outside this legal framework.
Kanu defended the actions of the President, noting that there has been no breach of constitutional duty in the appointment or retention of the ECSL Chairman. He further stated that while recommendations from the Tripartite Committee and the Agreement for National Unity may guide governance, they are not binding on the President.
“What has President Bio done wrong?” Kanuquestioned, adding that the President remains committed to national dialogue and the implementation of key recommendations aimed at strengthening democratic processes.
Addressing the conduct of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), Kanu criticised the party’s decision to withdraw from parliamentary proceedings during debates concerning the ECSL leadership. He argued that the opposition missed an opportunity to present its concerns formally.
“They should have stayed in Parliament and made their points known to the world. Walking out does not help the democratic process,” he said.
The appointment of Edmond Sylvester Alpha as ECSL Chairman has generated significant political debate, with the opposition raising concerns about transparency and confidence in the electoral system. The issue has further heightened tensions within the country’s political landscape, particularly as discussions around electoral reforms and governance continue.
Political analysts say the controversy underscores the importance of adherence to constitutional processes and sustained dialogue among stakeholders to maintain public trust in democratic institutions.
As debates continue, attention remains focused on how both the government and opposition navigate the issue within the bounds of the law while ensuring stability and confidence in Sierra Leone’s electoral system.
