AYV News, January 27, 2026
A flagbearer aspirant of the All People’s Congress (APC) Party, Dr. Richard Conteh, has raised concerns about the independence of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), stating that his party lacks confidence in the Commission as currently constituted.
Speaking on AYV Television’s Wake Up Sierra Leoneprogramme, Dr. Conteh said the APC had taken what he described as a principled position against the Commission, arguing that it does not operate independently.
“The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone is not independent, and the APC did take a principled position that we do not, and still do not, have confidence in the Commission as currently constituted,” he said. He added that during the tripartite dialogue process, the Party reiterated its position and called for the replacement of the current Commission.
“Even in the tripartite arrangement, we made it clear that we do not have confidence in the current Commission and that it must be replaced,” Dr. Conteh stated.
Earlier, the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone has consistently maintained that it operates independently in accordance with the Constitution and electoral laws of the country. Commission officials have previously stated that ECSL conducts its work without political interference and is guided by principles of transparency, professionalism, and accountability.
Government officials have also defended the Commission, noting that its members are appointed through constitutional processes and are mandated to serve the interests of the state rather than any political party. They argue that undermining public confidence in electoral institutions could pose a risk to democratic stability.
A government spokesperson, reacting to criticisms of ECSL, said the administration remains committed to strengthening democratic institutions and supporting reforms through dialogue and legal frameworks where necessary.
Political analysts say the dispute reflects broader post-election tensions and ongoing debates over electoral reforms in Sierra Leone. While opposition parties continue to call for changes to restore confidence, others caution that reforms should be pursued through established constitutional and legal mechanisms to preserve institutional integrity.
As discussions on electoral governance continue, stakeholders have called for constructive engagement, transparency, and mutual respect to ensure public trust in the country’s democratic processes.
