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President Julius Maada Bio has presided over the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), Edmond Sylvester Alpha, following his approval by Parliament. The ceremony took place on Tuesday, 3 March 2026.
In his remarks, President Bio reaffirmed his commitment to constitutionalism and the independence of elections. He noted that, unlike previous instances he witnessed while in opposition, he fully adhered to the consultative requirements of the Constitution in making the appointment.
The President described the role of Chief Electoral Commissioner as a weighty national responsibility and emphasized his administration’s dedication to safeguarding the ECSL’s independence.
“This is not a mere appointment; it is a great responsibility,” President Bio said, urging the new Chairman and Commissioners to serve with humility, patriotism, and dedication to the democratic ideals of the nation.
President Bio also reflected on key democratic reforms undertaken by his administration, including the repeal of Part Five of the Public Order Act and the abolition of the death penalty. He reiterated his call for continuous national dialogue as the cornerstone of a thriving democracy.
