By Ibrahim Sesay
The Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), Edmond Sylvester Alpha, on Monday, March 16, 2026, received a delegation from the Coalition of Civil Society and Human Rights Activists in Sierra Leone at the Commission’s Penthouse Headquarters in Tower Hill, Freetown. The delegation, led by its Chairman, Charles Mambu, paid a courtesy visit to formally congratulate and recognize Edmond Sylvester Alpha following his recent appointment to the country’s top electoral office.
The visit marked one of the first major engagements between the newly appointed Chief Electoral Commissioner and organized civil society groups since his swearing-in earlier this month. Members of the coalition described the meeting as a demonstration of their commitment to supporting democratic institutions and strengthening cooperation between Civil Society and the Electoral Commission.
Edmond Sylvester Alpha was appointed Chief Electoral Commissioner by His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio in February 2026, following consultations conducted in accordance with Section 32(3) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone. His appointment was subsequently approved by Parliament before he formally subscribed to the oath of office at State House on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
During the engagement at the ECSL headquarters, the Coalition of Civil Society and Human Rights Activists reiterated its earlier message of congratulations and expressed confidence in the ability of Edmond Sylvester Alpha to lead the Commission at a critical time in Sierra Leone’s democratic journey.
Reading the coalition’s official position statement, its Chairman, Charles Mambu, said the group had gathered at the Commission’s headquarters to “sincerely and faithfully congratulate and recognize the country’s new Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone.”
According to him, the coalition believes that Edmond Sylvester Alpha possesses the necessary spiritual, academic and professional qualities required for the demanding role.
“We are congratulating you because we are firmly convinced that you are spiritually, academically and professionally qualified for the position as Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone,” Charles Mambu stated.
He further noted that the appointment process and parliamentary vetting of Edmond Sylvester Alpha were conducted in line with the provisions of the 1991 Constitution, describing the process as a reflection of the country’s functioning democratic institutions.
Charles Mambu emphasized that sustaining democracy in Sierra Leone requires collective responsibility from all sectors of society. He observed that democracy carries what he described as a “heavy burden and price,” which must be borne jointly by citizens, Civil Society Organisations, public institutions and political actors.
“No democracy can thrive without a strengthened partnership and collaboration between democratic institutions and Civil Society Organisations,” he said, stressing that civil society has historically played a key role in protecting democratic values in Sierra Leone.
The coalition also reminded the Electoral Commission of the longstanding commitment of Civil Society Organisations to promoting democratic governance since the end of Sierra Leone’s civil war. According to the group, their activities over the years have focused on fostering national unity, encouraging peaceful participation in governance and promoting accountability in public institutions.
As part of its message, the coalition urged the Electoral Commission to continue implementing its mandate strictly within the provisions of the Constitution and relevant electoral regulations. The group also called on the Commission to maintain transparency and fairness in the administration of elections.
A key recommendation from the coalition was the adoption of an open-door policy that would encourage continuous dialogue between the Electoral Commission and all registered political parties. The coalition argued that such engagement is essential for strengthening multi-party democracy and ensuring that political stakeholders feel confident in the electoral process.
The group further called for an inclusive political culture in which all actors, political parties, Civil Society Organisations, Government institutions and citizens, work collaboratively to reinforce the country’s democratic foundations.
Responding to the coalition’s recognition and message of partnership, Chief Electoral Commissioner Edmond Sylvester Alpha expressed appreciation for the visit and acknowledged the important role played by Civil Society Organisations in Sierra Leone’s democratic landscape.
He described the recognition as meaningful, noting that Civil Society groups serve as critical watchdogs and defenders of democratic values.
“I am profoundly humbled by this recognition from the collective voice of our nation’s civil society, the very sentinels of our democracy,” Edmond Sylvester Alpha said.
He added that he accepted the recognition not as a personal honour but as an affirmation of the integrity and transparency of the processes that led to his appointment.
“My journey through the appointment process was a testament to the strength of our institutions and your presence here today lends immense credence to that success. For that, I am sincerely grateful,” he said.
Edmond Sylvester Alpha emphasized that the successful conduct of elections requires cooperation among multiple stakeholders, including political parties, Civil Society Organisations, the media and the security sector.
“To political parties, Civil Society, the media and the security forces, I offer a message of partnership for our democracy to be consolidated,” he stated. “We must all cultivate and manifest a deep understanding of forbearance, patience and trust in the process of administering elections.”
He also acknowledged the contributions of Civil Society Organisations in educating the public on electoral matters, noting that their efforts have helped reduce misinformation during previous election cycles.
Meanwhile, support for the newly appointed Chief Electoral Commissioner has also come from political parties. The People’s Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) recently congratulated Edmond Sylvester Alpha on his appointment in a letter dated March 12, 2026.
In the letter, the National Chairman of the PMDC, speaking on behalf of the party’s leadership and membership, described the office of Chief Electoral Commissioner as a “critical national office” that carries significant responsibility for safeguarding the integrity of Sierra Leone’s electoral system.
The PMDC expressed confidence that under Edmond Sylvester Alpha’s leadership, the Electoral Commission would continue to uphold the principles of independence, transparency, fairness and professionalism in the conduct of elections.
“We trust that under your leadership, the Commission will continue to uphold the highest standards of independence, transparency, fairness and professionalism in the conduct of elections,” the letter stated.
The party also reaffirmed its willingness to maintain constructive engagement with the Electoral Commission in promoting peaceful and credible elections.
“The PMDC remains committed to constructive engagement with the Commission in promoting credible, peaceful and democratic elections that reflect the will of our nation,” the statement added.
Edmond Sylvester Alpha’s appointment earlier this year received endorsement from 12 of the 14 registered political parties in Sierra Leone, reflecting broad support across the country’s political spectrum.
Since assuming office, the Chief Electoral Commissioner has repeatedly assured citizens and political stakeholders that the Commission will operate strictly within the legal and constitutional frameworks governing elections. He has also reiterated his commitment to dialogue, transparency and constructive engagement with all political parties and democratic stakeholders in the country.
