Post a comment 
Parliament of Sierra Leone on Friday, 27 February 2026, debated and approved the Sixth Report of the Committee on Appointments and Public Service, paving the way for the confirmation of the Chief Electoral Commissioner and seven other presidential nominees.
The report was presented by the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, who also chairs the Committee on Appointments and Public Service. He informed Members of Parliament (MPs) that all nominees were interviewed under oath and thoroughly vetted on their professional experience, track records, tax obligations, asset declarations, and vision for their respective offices.
Among those approved is Mr. Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL).
Other nominees approved by Parliament include:
Mr. Gerald Demby – Chairman, Board of Directors, National Water Resources Management Agency
Madam Isata Marah – Chairman, Board of Trustees, National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT)
Ms. Edwina Berewa Esq. – Member, Board of Directors, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB)
Ms. Lucretia Marian Shereef – Member, Board of Directors, Guma Valley Water Company
Mr. Yayah Bashiru Kargbo – Member, Board of Trustees, Sierra Leone Students Loan Scheme
Mr. Sheikh Rahman Kamara – Member, Board of Directors, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB)
Mr. Milton Augustine Koroma – Member, Board of Trustees, National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT)
Committee Assures Due Process
Presenting the report, Hon. Nyuma stated that the Committee adhered strictly to constitutional procedures, particularly in relation to the appointment of the Chief Electoral Commissioner. He noted that the vetting process examined not only competence and integrity but also compliance with statutory obligations.
He described Mr. Alpha as a diligent and experienced election administrator, adding that 13 out of 17 registered political parties approved his nomination.
Seconding the motion, the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, referenced Section 61 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, which empowers the President to appoint public officials subject to parliamentary approval. He emphasized that appointments only become effective after endorsement by Parliament and urged the nominees to focus on performance.
Hon. Silikie called on the new Chief Electoral Commissioner to conduct future elections with transparency and independence, free from political pressure. He also urged unity within the Commission and respect among staff members.
Opposition Backs Approval
Hon. Mohamed Bangura of Karene District, speaking on behalf of the opposition, commended President Julius Maada Bio for complying with constitutional provisions in making the nominations. He described the appointment of the Chief Electoral Commissioner as timely and pledged his full support for Mr. Alpha and the other nominees.
Hon. Bangura stressed the importance of patriotism and national development, urging both government and opposition to prioritize the country’s stability. He encouraged the opposition to engage constructively and focus on electoral strategies rather than political confrontation.
Calls for Transparency and National Interest
Hon. Neneh Lebbie, Deputy Whip 2 representing Bo District, described the nomination of the Chief Electoral Commissioner as significant and expressed confidence in his ability to advance the work of the ECSL. She also encouraged female nominees to serve with dedication and assured that the Female Parliamentary Caucus would monitor gender-related issues within institutions.
In his contribution, Deputy Speaker Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh cited Sections 89 and other relevant provisions of the Constitution, affirming the legality of the process. He urged the Chief Electoral Commissioner to ensure that electoral thresholds and observer standards are upheld in future elections.
Concluding the debate for the Government, Hon. Nyuma reiterated that Parliament is not a rubber stamp institution and remains committed to due process and accountability. He maintained that all nominees demonstrated the qualifications and competence required for their respective roles.
Speaker Urges Service Delivery
Following the approval, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, congratulated the appointees and encouraged them to serve diligently in the interest of the people of Sierra Leone.
The approvals mark a significant step in strengthening key public institutions, particularly the Electoral Commission, ahead of future electoral processes in the country.
