AYV News, February 26, 2026
Sierra Leone’s main opposition political party, the All People’s Congress (APC), has escalated tensions over the proposed appointment of Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), issuing a 48-hour ultimatum for the nomination to be withdrawn.
In a strongly worded statement released by its National Advisory Council (NAC), the opposition party framed the move as a critical test of the country’s commitment to post-election reforms. The APC argued that proceeding with the appointment before completing agreed constitutional amendments would undermine the spirit and intent of the Agreement for National Unity.
The Party recalled that its elected officials resumed participation in Parliament and Local Councils based on commitments tied to the Tripartite reform process, which was designed to rebuild public confidence after the disputed 2023 general elections. According to the NAC, advancing the appointment without implementing key recommendations risks eroding fragile political trust.
Central to the APC’s argument is Recommendation 36 of the Tripartite Committee, which calls for amending Section 32(3) of the 1991 Constitution to create an independent Search and Nomination Committee responsible for vetting candidates for Chief Electoral Commissioner. The party insists that no appointment should proceed until that reform is enacted into law.
The statement also questioned Alpha’s suitability, citing concerns about credibility and post-election conduct, and warning that retaining what it termed “contested electoral authority” could deepen political divisions rather than promote reconciliation.
Should the government fail to rescind the nomination within the stipulated timeframe, the APC has threatened to withdraw its elected representatives from Parliament, Local Councils, and other governance platforms nationwide.
Despite the firm stance, the party emphasised that any action it takes will remain peaceful and within the law, maintaining that its objective is to safeguard electoral integrity, constitutional order, and national stability.
