AG Sesay Rules Out Advising President on ECSL Chief’s Removal, Cites Constitutional Limits
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has made it clear that he would not advise President Julius Maada Bio to remove Edmond Sylvester Alpha from his position as Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone.
Speaking in a recent interview on Truth Media, Sesay stressed that the President does not have the constitutional authority to unilaterally dismiss the ECSL boss, noting that any such move would be inconsistent with the country’s legal framework.
He explained that while the Constitution empowers the President to appoint the Chief Electoral Commissioner and other members of the Commission, that authority is not absolute. The process requires prior consultation with registered political parties, although the Constitution does not prescribe a specific format for such engagement.
According to Sesay, President Bio adopted a structured consultation approach during the appointment process by requesting written submissions from political parties. He disclosed that out of fourteen parties that responded, twelve endorsed the eventual appointment.
However, he clarified that consultation does not bind the President to accept the views presented, as the final decision ultimately rests with the Head of State after due process has been observed.
On the question of removal, the Attorney General underscored that the Constitution provides clear safeguards protecting the tenure of the Chief Electoral Commissioner. He noted that removal is only permissible under strict conditions, such as proven misconduct or incapacity, and must follow established legal procedures.
Sesay further emphasized that since the Commissioner has been duly confirmed by Parliament and sworn into office, any attempt to remove him outside these provisions would be unlawful. In that regard, he maintained that he would not support or advise any action that contravenes constitutional requirements.
He acknowledged that the matter has generated discussions, including among members of the All People’s Congress (APC), but reiterated that constitutional protections for independent institutions like the ECSL must be upheld.
His remarks come amid heightened public and political debate over the extent of presidential powers in relation to independent constitutional bodies in Sierra Leone.
