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The Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone, Edmond Sylvester Alpha, has reaffirmed that the power to determine election outcomes lies solely with the people, not the Commission.
Speaking on preparations ahead of the 2028 general elections, Alpha stressed that the Commission’s mandate is to organize, supervise, and ensure the credibility of the electoral process, while voters remain the ultimate decision-makers in any democratic contest.
”The people decide elections, not ECSL,” Alpha stated, in what many observers see as a response to growing public debates and concerns over electoral transparency and institutional independence.
The ECSL Chairman also warned that preparations for the 2028 elections will follow a strict and demanding timeline, emphasizing the need for early planning, stakeholder engagement, and compliance with electoral procedures to ensure a smooth and credible process.
He noted that effective election management requires collaboration among political parties, civil society groups, the media, security institutions, and citizens, adding that delays or lack of preparedness from any stakeholder could undermine the overall process.
As Sierra Leone gradually shifts attention toward the next electoral cycle, Alpha’s remarks underscore the Commission’s position that democratic legitimacy is derived from the will of the electorate and not from any institution managing the process.
His statement comes amid increasing national discussions around electoral reforms, voter confidence, and the importance of strengthening democratic governance ahead of 2028.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/18UPuCqxtp/
