President Bio Accused of Breaching Tripartite Agreement over ECSL Appointment
By Kelvin Jay
The proposal by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio to appoint Edmond Sylvester Alpha as a Commissioner of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has drawn sharp criticism, with concerns raised that the move contravenes provisions of the Tripartite Agreement signed on 18th October 2023.
Critics argue that the proposed appointment undermines the agreed reform framework, particularly the recommendation for the establishment of a Search and Nomination Committee. According to the Tripartite Agreement, this Committee is to be tasked with recommending a shortlist of three qualified candidates for each vacant position, from which the President would make an appointment.
Despite repeated calls from the opposition and other stakeholders for the immediate establishment of the Electoral Search and Nomination Committee, concerns persist that the process has been delayed. Observers contend that proceeding with the proposed appointment without first constituting the Committee signals a disregard for the reform commitments outlined in both the Tripartite Agreement and the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) Report.
In seeking consultation with registered political parties under Section 32(3) of the 1991 Constitution, President Bio has relied on the existing constitutional framework governing the appointment of ECSL Commissioners. However, critics argue that this reliance appears to sidestep ongoing reform efforts aimed at amending that very section to enhance transparency and inclusivity in the appointment process.
In a press release dated 12th February 2026, the LAWYERS Society — described as a vibrant and outspoken legal advocacy group — strongly condemned the proposed appointment. The Society stated that the move undermines ongoing discussions surrounding the Constitutional Amendment Bill and disregards the will of the people as reflected in both the Constitutional Review Committee Report and the Agreement for National Unity (Tripartite) Report.
The Society referenced Recommendation 36 of the Tripartite Report and Recommendation 8.10 of the Constitutional Review Committee Report, both of which call for the establishment of a Search and Nomination Committee to provide nominees to the President for appointment to the ECSL and the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC).
It further warned that proceeding with Mr. Alpha’s appointment before implementing these recommendations could compromise the integrity of the reform process and create the perception of insufficient commitment to meaningful electoral reforms and good governance.
Additionally, concerns were raised regarding Recommendation 6 of the Tripartite Report, which calls for an external functional review of the ECSL. The Society cautioned that making key appointments before implementing such reforms may risk repeating transparency and accountability challenges observed during the 2023 elections, rather than strengthening institutional credibility.
In light of these concerns, the LAWYERS Society has urged the Government of Sierra Leone to reconsider the proposed appointment, conclude the constitutional review process, and fully implement the recommendations of the Tripartite Agreement — particularly those relating to the appointment procedures for members of the ECSL and PPRC.
