Supreme Court Upholds Appointment of Chief Electoral Commissioner

In a landmark ruling today, the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone affirmed the legality of Mohamed Konneh’s appointment as Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (EC-SL).

The decision, delivered by Acting Chief Justice Hon. Justice Nicholas C. Browne-Marke, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing legal battle over the appointment.

Addressing the court, Acting Chief Justice Browne-Marke emphasized the importance of interpreting the Constitution holistically rather than selectively. He stated,

“The Constitution must be read as a whole, and not in bits, cherry-picking provisions which, on their own, may appear to support one view or the other. To do so, would result in absurdity.

“The panel overseeing the case comprised esteemed justices including Hon. Justice M. F. Deen-Tarawally, Hon. Justice Alusine S. Sesay, and Hon. Justice Ansumana Ivan Sesay, alongside Acting Chief Justice Browne-Marke.

They unanimously dismissed the case brought by the plaintiffs against Mohamed Konneh, the EC-SL, and the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.

This decision puts to rest months of legal uncertainty surrounding Konneh’s appointment, affirming its conformity with constitutional provisions. It underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the integrity of electoral processes in Sierra Leone.

Comment(s)

Disclaimer: Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Sierraloaded or any employee thereof.

Brima Santigie | 2024-07-18 13:01:03

Wild how he said you have to look at the constitution holistically. The constitution covers different aspects and certain provisions are only relevant to certain matters. When he starts saying the nonsense he did, he is only looking to justify his illegal ruling. May God help us. And to the author who said"It underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the integrity of electoral processes in Sierra Leone", that is complete nonsense. One thing the ruling does not do is uphold rule of law and ensure electoral integrity.
| 2024-07-18 06:34:52

Something funny with Sierra Leone governance during campaign while they are candidates to be voted for they come to the people and say go and exercise your right and vote. After voting and they gain powers no one will come again and say exercise your right. No voter has right anymore so what they want to do is what they are doing.
| 2024-07-17 21:21:26

This is the wost Curt in the world let us pray and stand for our country to be a better place for our children
| 2024-07-17 20:53:45

It's the same supreme court that validate the sacking of the elected vice president by Ernest Bai Koroma.
| 2024-07-17 18:21:23

The Supreme Court of Sierra Leone (SCSL) lost its credibility a long long time ago, since the 1970s. Regrettably, the President of Sierra Leone (POSL) is the law and everyone - the court, tribunals, institutions - does his bidding. Nothing new here. The provision that disqualifies one from serving as ECSL Commissioner - that is holding public office prior to - is clear and written in English, not Chinese, Greek, or Latin. After almost 6 years when this matter was presented to the court, we now have a unanimous verdict. The judiciary is rotten, full of vermin and needs cleaning,
| 2024-07-17 17:41:18

Is it not the same supreme court of Ernest Bai Koroma when he kicked out a democratically elected vice president? You people are quick to forget oh, anyway check your history well.
| 2024-07-17 17:33:38

We must follow the due process for the better future of land no distractions from unpatriotic political beggot
| 2024-07-17 17:19:36

Please tell us some thing new.... Nothing is going right.....
| 2024-07-17 16:56:04

The supreme court of Maada Bio. What do you expect? Please give us a break. Electoral Justice is all what we're asking for.