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Hon. Abdul Kargbo has outlined what he described as possible legal and ethical grounds for reversing the appointment of Edmond Sylvester Alpha at the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), citing concerns over credibility and alleging that the official was previously forced to resign.
Speaking on a recent media engagement, Kargbo emphasised that President Julius Maada Bio, who has led the country for eight years, now has two years remaining in his tenure to safeguard his legacy. He noted that the President’s final years in office will be judged on whether Sierra Leone maintains peace, stability, and national cohesion.
Kargbo argued that appointing an individual previously accused of altering election figures could undermine public confidence in the electoral process. According to him, entrusting such a figure with the responsibility of overseeing elections risks casting doubt on any decision taken, regardless of whether it is impartial or not.
“This means the 2028 elections may already be perceived as flawed,” he stated, adding that even accurate information released by Alpha could be misinterpreted due to past controversies.
Reflecting on the 2023 elections, Kargbo claimed that the opposition would not tolerate what he described as irregularities witnessed during that period, insisting that “such an occurrence will never happen again.”
He further stressed the importance of neutrality in electoral leadership, arguing that for the sake of national stability, the President should appoint individuals free from controversy or suspicion. “If a neutral person announces election results, it becomes difficult to contest. But where there is a history of doubt, trust is eroded,” he said.
Kargbo also referenced past instances involving senior state officials, including Abass Bundu, suggesting that individuals with security of tenure have previously been compelled to resign under pressure. He used these examples to argue that Alpha could consider stepping down in the interest of peace and national security.
“If I were in his position, I would resign for the peace and security of Sierra Leone,” Kargbo remarked.
He concluded by asserting that, in his view, Alpha ought to resign under the law, adding that the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) is calling for his departure based on alleged past actions during his tenure as a regional head. Kargbo claimed that results from an election conducted under Alpha’s supervision were never officially gazetted.
