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After being sworn in as the new National Returning Officer, the Chief Electoral Commissioner (CEC) and Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), Mr Edmond Sylvester Alpha, pledged to restore and maintain public confidence in the country’s electoral process through constructive engagement, an open-door policy, and institutional reforms.
In a letter making the rounds on social media addressed to the leadership of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) and the Unity Parties respectively, dated 16th March 2026, the National Returning Officer, Edmond Sylvester Alpha, writes an open invitation to meet with the political leadership of the APC and Unity parties on a date and time convenient and chosen by the party from 23rd March to 10th April 2026.
ECSL sent similar letters to all registered political parties in the country, thanking them for their endorsements and requesting a courtesy visit to meet with their respective political leadership on a date and time of their choosing from 23rd March to 10th April 2026.
This laudable move by the Commissioner received positive feedback from the public, as it aligns with his commitment to restoring and maintaining public confidence in the electoral process through collaboration with key stakeholders. The CEC’s determination to ensure the Commission is “great again” as part of his institutional goal can never be overstated, especially with his experience as the longest-serving official at ECSL, where it is essential to ensure it operates with integrity, neutrality, and professionalism.
In the “unprecedented” letter, the Chief Electoral Commissioner informed the leadership of the opposition APC and other registered political parties of the enormity of responsibilities that have been placed on him to serve all registered political stakeholders and the people of Sierra Leone. He assured of his deep commitment to discharge that confidence by ensuring that the Commission remains a beacon of fairness and professionalism.
“In line with my commitment to inclusive electoral management,” the CEC emphasised, “I am embarking on a series of engagements with all registered political parties.” He went on to say that “the main objective of my engagement with your political party is to explain my vision for the Electoral Commission, provide an update on the Commission’s activities, and engage with you on the Commission’s strategic roadmap for the 2028 General Elections.”
Alhaji Yeila Koroma, a 56-year-old father of seen, described this clarion call and moves by the National Returning Officer Edmond Sylvester Alpha as historic, stressing that it has clearly indicated that the operational focus during his tenure will be focused on preparing for the 2028 General Elections. He said such moves will help the Commission uphold the principles of transparency, fairness, credibility, integrity, and accountability.
It will be recalled that after his appointment and swearing-in ceremony, the commissioner has been receiving commendatory messages from civil society and other rights groups, along with stakeholder engagement, which has been followed by endorsements to foster institutional partnerships.
Mabinty Tarawallie, a petty trader and mother of three, expressed optimism with high expectations that the opposition All People’s Congress and Unity parties will honour the invitation from the Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone. She said that, regardless of the discussions, they are eager for a positive and productive engagement that will benefit the country and its citizens.
