1 Comment 
Prominent lawyer and activist Basita Michael has raised concerns over the congratulatory messages surrounding the recent appointment of Sierra Leone’s new Chief Electoral Commissioner, Edmond Alpha.
Michael emphasised that, under Section 32(3) of the Constitution, the appointment remains subject to parliamentary approval. She warned that until Parliament gives its formal consent, the appointment process is not yet complete.
“Congratulating the Chief Electoral Commissioner before parliamentary approval risks sending the wrong message,” Michael said. “It could suggest that the outcome is already predetermined, that Parliament’s role is purely ceremonial, and that constitutional safeguards are mere formalities rather than binding requirements.”
She further noted that in a climate where public trust in the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) is already fragile, projecting inevitability before constitutional completion could deepen public suspicion and undermine confidence in the electoral process.
Michael’s remarks serve as a reminder of the critical role Parliament plays in ensuring transparency and legitimacy in Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions.
Alpha’s appointment has received a rowdy welcome by 12 out of 14 political parties. However, the main opposition, All People’s Congress (APC) has refused to formally accept the appointment of Alpha. Some senior members of the party are citing that the new Chief Electoral Commissioner is compromised and could therefore not be fit to hold that critical role.
Bastia is the furthest thing from an activist. D baby na full fledged APC member and Sierra Loaded should call it as it is.