18/02/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ANB7mGdEs/
Dear Mr. Fortune,
RE: APPOINTMENT OF MR. EDMOND SYLVESTER ALPHA AS CHIEF ELECTORAL COMMISSIONER/CHAIRMAN
The All Peoples Congress acknowledges receipt of your letter dated 10th February 2026, referenced SF/BF 50/430/01, served on the Secretariat on the 11th February 2026, regarding the proposed appointment of Mr. Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner/Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL).
The APC notes that the fulfilment of recommendations 20 and 36 of the Tripartite Committee for the creation of a parliamentary standing committee; and the creation of the search and nominating committee for the appointment of all members of the Electoral Commission are very critical before the appointment of any Electoral Commissioner. Proceeding without the fulfillment of these two recommendations, goes to undermine the purpose and spirit of the much-needed electoral reforms.
The APC further notes that the Tripartite Committee, which was established to examine the concerns arising from the 2023 elections, emphasized that the leadership and composition of the Electoral Commission must command broad national confidence, and that the appointment of the Chief Electoral Commissioner should be approached as a confidence-building measure to strengthen the independence, neutrality, and credibility of the Commission ahead of future elections. The essence of these recommendations are to ensure that the Electoral Commission is led by individuals whose record and posture inspire trust across the political divide, and to prevent a recurrence of the shortcomings observed in the 2023 elections.
Having carefully considered the proposal, the APC wishes to state as follows:
1. Concerns on Credibility and Public Confidence
The proposed appointee, Mr. Edmond Sylvester Alpha, was a senior member of the Electoral Commission during the conduct of the 2023 Presidential and General Elections, which was widely described by local and international observers as lacking transparency, and as containing serious statistical inconsistencies which raised significant concerns on the credibility of the results announced.
The said election was condemned not only by the APC as the main opposition party, but also by reputable international election experts and observer missions. These condemnations present a necessary and sufficient condition to disqualify Mr. Edmond Sylvester Alpha for consideration and appointment as Chief Electoral Commissioner now and in the future. It has always been the demand of the APC that all electoral commissioners who were part of the 2023 elections should be removed.
2. Post-Election Conduct and Public Statements
The APC is further concerned that, notwithstanding the controversy surrounding the 2023 elections, which contributed to the APC’s decision not to immediately take up seats in Parliament and local councils, the proposed appointee has made remarks in public suggesting that the 2028 elections will not be different from the 2023 elections. Such statements, coming from a person proposed to lead the ECSL, are not only troubling but risk undermining confidence in the neutrality and independence of the Chairman of the ECSL, and to work against the proposed electoral reforms. This is another important disqualifying factor.
3. Hostility Toward Observers and Democratic Oversight
The APC also takes note of Mr. Alpha’s public posture and remarks which have been widely interpreted as hostile towards local and international election observers. An example of such hostility was recently observed when the National Elections Watch (NEW) representative was asked out of a polling station during a chieftaincy election in Port Loko District, and no investigation was done against such conduct even when the nominee has been acting as head of ECSL.
The APC believes that credible elections in a democratic state requires openness to legitimate electoral oversight, constructive engagement with observer missions, and a leadership that promotes trust and inclusivity. This noted hostility towards observers is another factor disqualifying the nominee for appointment.
4. Commitment to Protect Free and Fair Elections
The APC wishes to reaffirm that it remains fully committed to democracy and the rule of law. However, our party is equally prepared to lawfully resist any attempt to replicate the conditions and outcomes of the 2023 elections, particularly in relation to transparency, credibility, and public trust.
In light of the foregoing, the APC respectfully submits that the proposed appointment of Mr. Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner/Chairman of ECSL is not in the best interest of Sierra Leone, as it will significantly weaken public confidence in the Electoral Commission and jeopardize prospects for a credible electoral reform process leading to 2028.
Accordingly, the APC respectfully urges His Excellency the President to consider appointing another suitably qualified Sierra Leonean whose record, posture, and public standing can inspire national confidence and ensure that the shortcomings of the previous elections are not repeated.
The APC remains available for further constructive engagement in the interest of strengthening Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions and preserving peace, stability, and electoral integrity.
Please accept the assurances of our highest consideration.
Yours faithfully,
Amb. Osman Foday Yansaneh.
Ag. Chairman APC.
Friday 13th February 2026
