APC Rejects Edmond Alpha as ECSL Chief

By James Conteh

The All Peoples Congress (APC) has formally objected to the proposed appointment of Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL).

In a letter dated 13 February 2026 and signed by Acting Chairman Amb. Osman Foday Yansaneh, the APC acknowledged receipt of correspondence dated 10 February 2026 regarding the proposed appointment.

The party argued that key recommendations of the Tripartite Committee, specifically the establishment of a parliamentary standing committee and a search and nominating committee for Electoral Commission appointments, should first be implemented before any new appointment is made.

According to the APC, proceeding without fulfilling these recommendations would undermine ongoing electoral reform efforts.

The APC also raised concerns about Alpha’s role as a senior member of the Electoral Commission during the 2023 Presidential and General Elections, which the party and several observer groups criticized for alleged lack of transparency and statistical inconsistencies.

Furthermore, the APC expressed concern over what it described as public remarks attributed to the nominee regarding future elections, as well as his alleged posture toward election observers.

The party said these issues could affect public confidence in the neutrality and independence of the Commission.

Reaffirming its commitment to democracy and the rule of law, the APC stated that it would resist any attempt to repeat what it considers shortcomings of the 2023 elections.

The party urged the President to appoint another qualified Sierra Leonean who can inspire broad national confidence ahead of the 2028 elections.

The APC concluded by expressing readiness for constructive engagement aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring credible electoral reforms.