Freetown, Sierra Leone — President Julius Maada Bio’s nomination of Edmond Sylvester Alpha to head the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone has triggered a formal call from the Lawyers’ Society for Parliament to withhold approval until new appointment rules are in force.
The presidency announced Alpha’s name on 20 February, invoking Section 32(3) of the 1991 Constitution, which requires parliamentary consent before the post becomes active.
A statement from State House said 12 of the 14 registered parties signalled support after consultation, but the main opposition All People’s Congress has withheld endorsement.
In a 21 February release, the Lawyers’ Society urged reversal of the nomination, arguing that pressing ahead “runs contrary to the principles of democratic governance” and sidesteps commitments made under the Tripartite reform process that followed the last general election.
The group asked “moral guarantors” of the Agreement for National Unity to press the presidency to restart the selection once updated procedures for choosing electoral chiefs are adopted. Private practitioner Basita Michael, writing on Facebook, reminded supporters that “until Parliament approves, the appointment process is incomplete,” adding that early congratulations risk signalling that lawmakers’ role “is ceremonial.
” The Sierra Leone Bar Association took a different line, congratulating the nominee while noting the same party-consultation figures cited by State House.
It encouraged Alpha to serve “without fear or favour” ahead of the 2028 polls and said it “remains seized of the matter. ” Parliament has yet to schedule a confirmation hearing.
Until lawmakers vote, Alpha cannot assume the chair that oversees voter registration, balloting and result certification.
Further details are expected.
