All People’s Congress (APC) Member of Parliament representing Bombali District, Ibrahim Barrie, has made a compelling case for enhanced parliamentary oversight of the country’s electoral body, arguing that institutional independence must go hand in hand with accountability.

In a detailed public statement, Barrie addressed growing debate over the role of Parliament in supervising the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone, stressing that constitutional independence should not be interpreted as immunity from scrutiny.

He maintained that modern democratic systems require independent institutions to remain transparent and answerable to the public through lawful oversight mechanisms.

Barrie pointed to provisions within the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone that guarantee the autonomy of the electoral body, but argued that evolving democratic standards demand a more balanced approach-one that preserves independence while reinforcing public trust.

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Referencing Recommendation 20 from the Tripartite electoral reform process, the lawmaker noted that calls for strengthened oversight were driven by concerns over transparency, credibility, and confidence in Sierra Leone’s electoral system. According to him, the focus should not be on whether oversight exists, but on designing structures that respect institutional boundaries.

To support his argument, Barrie cited international examples where electoral bodies operate independently yet remain accountable to legislative institutions. He highlighted systems in Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, where parliamentary engagement plays a role in reviewing electoral preparedness, funding, and reforms.

As part of his proposal, Barrie called for the immediate establishment of a dedicated Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Matters, suggesting a member of the opposition chair it to ensure neutrality and inclusivity.

He argued that such a body would help strengthen electoral integrity, reduce disputes, and build confidence among political stakeholders and citizens ahead of future elections.

The MP also warned against selective implementation of recommendations arising from national dialogue processes, including the Agreement for National Unity and inputs from Moral Guarantors. He emphasized the importance of consistency and good faith in executing reforms aimed at stabilizing the country’s democratic environment.

Barrie concluded by urging the Speaker of Parliament to act swiftly, describing the proposed oversight mechanism as essential to safeguarding credible elections in 2028 and beyond.

His statement adds to ongoing national discourse on electoral reform, as Sierra Leone continues to grapple with strengthening democratic institutions and rebuilding public trust in governance systems.

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