APC Stages Walkout in Parliament Over Reappointment of ECSL Southern Commissioner

The main opposition party in parliament, the All People’s Congress (APC), staged a walkout in protest against the reappointment and subsequent approval of Edmond Sylvester Alpha as the Southern Commissioner for the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL).

Despite the conspicuous absence of PC members, Parliament proceeded with the approval of Alpha and two other controversial appointees to key positions within the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Port Authority. The decision to greenlight Alpha’s appointment was particularly contentious, as it was vehemently opposed by APC representatives.

Daniel Koroma, acting Leader of the opposition, voiced the APC’s rejection, citing the party’s lack of consultation regarding Alpha’s arappointment. Koroma asserted that the APC, as a registered political entity, was not adequately informed to engaged in the decision-making process.

However, these claims were met with staunch opposition from the Leader of Government Business, Mathew Nyuma. Nyuma rebuffed Koroma’s assertions, contending that the APC had indeed been consulted, and even provided a response. He pointed out that out of seventeen political parties consulted, including the APC, only nine had responded.

In a bid to justify the contentious appointment, Nyuma emphasized the commitment of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) to upholding the rule of law. He reiterated the government’s adherence to the national constitution, emphasizing that all actions were conducted within its parameters. The unfolding of events in Parliament underscores the deep-seated political tensions in Sierra Leone, with opposition parties challenging the legitimacy of key governmental appointments.

As the controversy surrounding Alpha’s reappointment persists, the ramifications for the country’s political landscape remain uncertain.