By Mohamed Kamara
The Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) has withdrawn its earlier congratulatory statement following the appointment of the Chief Electoral Commissioner, Edmond S. Alpha.
In a new statement issued on Sunday 22February 2026, the SLBA stressed the importance of the role but clarified that the appointment is not yet complete, as it awaits the constitutionally mandated approval by Parliament.
The retraction supersedes the initial message that was criticized for being premature.
The move comes after public backlash, including criticism from the SLBA’s former president, Basita Michael, who argued that the congratulatory message was issued before Parliament had fulfilled its legal role in confirming the appointment.
The SLBA also called on Parliament to adhere strictly to due process in the confirmation of the Chief Electoral Commissioner, reinforcing the principle that legal and constitutional procedures must guide such appointments.
