The All People’s Congress (APC) has given the Government of Sierra Leone a 48-hour ultimatum to rescind the proposed appointment of Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), warning that its elected officials will withdraw from all levels of governance if the decision is not reversed.

In a press release dated Feb. 24, 2026, the party’s National Advisory Council (NAC) said it “unanimously expressed grave concern” over the appointment and described it as a “direct assault” on the Agreement for National Unity and a “deliberate circumvention” of the binding Tripartite reform process.

The statement, signed by APC National Secretary-General Lansana Dumbuya, said the proposed appointment risks undermining ongoing electoral reforms and confidence-building efforts following the disputed 2023 General Elections.

According to the NAC, proceeding with the appointment through what it described as the same process that contributed to current electoral mistrust would “undermine confidence in the credibility of future elections” and weaken efforts to rebuild institutional trust.

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The party said it had already raised concerns regarding Mr. Alpha’s credibility, post-election conduct, and public posture toward observers, as well as what it termed the “broader perception of continuity with a disputed electoral past.”

The APC recalled that opposition elected officials had resumed participation in Parliament and Local Councils in line with the Agreement for National Unity, which led to the establishment of the Tripartite Committee and the adoption of electoral reform recommendations aimed at restoring democratic legitimacy, political stability, and public confidence.

The party further referenced Recommendation 36 of the Tripartite Committee, which provides for the amendment of Section 32(3) of the 1991 Constitution to establish an independent Search and Nomination Committee to vet and recommend suitably qualified candidates for appointment as Chief Electoral Commissioner.

While noting that the Constitution Amendment Bill has undergone its First Reading in Parliament, the APC urged the government to ensure that the amendment process is concluded and that the clauses requiring a two-thirds majority vote are enacted into law before any appointment is made.

“Accordingly, the NAC calls on the Government of Sierra Leone to rescind the current appointment and demonstrate good faith through the full and faithful implementation of the Tripartite recommendations and the Agreement for National Unity,” the statement said.

The party warned that if the appointment is not withdrawn within 48 hours of the notice, “all APC elected officials are hereby instructed to withdraw their participation and services from Parliament, Local Councils, and all other structures of governance across the Republic of Sierra Leone.”

The APC said it reserves the right to pursue further lawful and democratic measures consistent with the Constitution if its demands are not met. It reiterated its commitment to “peaceful, lawful, and principled action in defence of constitutional governance, electoral integrity, and the sovereign will of the people of Sierra Leone.”

The government had not issued an immediate response to the APC’s statement at the time of publication.