Alfred Peter Conteh, a key figure in Sierra Leone’s political discourse, has responded to a letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police by a group calling themselves Concerned Sierra Leoneans.

The letter, reportedly written on November 30, 2024, requested security clearance for a peaceful protest to demand transparency in the electoral process.

Conteh, who has been vocal in challenging the integrity of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), seized this moment to reiterate his call for the release of detailed results from the country’s contentious June 24, 2023 elections. He emphasized that such transparency is critical to preserving Sierra Leone’s fragile peace and democratic process.

In a statement released yesterday, Conteh said:

“The peace and prosperity of Sierra Leone are in the hands of the ECSL Commissioner. Releasing the detailed results behind the elections announced on June 27, 2023, is essential to avoid unnecessary disturbances and restore public trust in the electoral system.”

This call aligns with growing public discontent and international scrutiny of Sierra Leone’s electoral process. Conteh highlighted the recent remarks by the U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, who noted the absence of publicly available detailed results—a point the ECSL has yet to counter.

Conteh further criticized alleged “behind-the-scenes agreements” between the ECSL and what he described as a “government-aided de facto APC executive,” asserting that such actions are unconstitutional and undermine the democratic will of Sierra Leoneans.

The June 2023 elections have been a flashpoint for controversy, with opposition parties and civil society groups questioning the lack of transparency in vote tallying. Conteh stressed that the constitutional mandate of the ECSL is to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.

“Presidents are elected, not negotiated. The demand to know how results were calculated is not a matter of party politics—it is a demand for the integrity of Sierra Leone’s democracy,” Conteh added.

The proposed protest by the Concerned Sierra Leoneans comes amidst heightened political tensions. The group’s request for police security underscores their commitment to a peaceful demonstration, though it also signals the possibility of escalating unrest if demands for transparency are not met.

As of now, the ECSL has not issued any official response to Conteh’s statements or the protest request. The unfolding developments place the commission under mounting pressure to address both local and international concerns over the handling of the 2023 elections..

See  attached  letter: