Commentary by Foday Moriba Conteh
As President Julius Maada Bio prepares to appoint the next Chief Electoral Commissioner and by extension other commissioners of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), it is vital that the process reflects not just constitutional procedures but also responds to the growing national and international calls for reform. The credibility and transparency of future elections and by extension, the health of our democracy depend significantly on the manner in which these appointments are made.
Following the 2023 General Elections, which were widely observed by both local and international missions, the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) issued a comprehensive report. It acknowledged Sierra Leoneans’ strong commitment to democracy but raised serious concerns about the transparency of the electoral process, especially during the tabulation of results. Voter trust, already fragile, was further eroded by statistical inconsistencies and the threats directed at independent observers.
In its report, the EU EOM specifically highlighted the appointment process of ECSL commissioners as one of the contributing factors undermining public confidence. The current system, which allows the President to appoint commissioners after consulting political party leaders and receiving parliamentary approval, is widely seen as insufficiently inclusive and lacking transparency. Opposition parties and Civil Society Organizations have long criticized it for compromising the independence of the ECSL.
Key Recommendations by the EU EOM:
- Recommendation 35: Amend the Public Elections Act to require professional qualifications in governance and public management for ECSL Commissioners.
- Recommendation 36: Establish a Search and Nominating Committee composed of independent stakeholders from the Bar Association, Civil Society, Labour Congress, Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, Women’s and Youth groups and the Inter-Religious Council to oversee the shortlisting process. This committee would submit a list of three qualified candidates per position to the President, who must appoint from this shortlist.
- Recommendation 37: Introduce rules to ensure regional commissioners are not posted in their regions of origin and reside where they serve mitigating bias and enhancing impartiality.
These recommendations are in full alignment with the findings and proposals of the Tripartite Committee established by the Government and the All People’s Congress (APC) under the National Unity Agreement. The committee, tasked with electoral and constitutional review, similarly proposed a more inclusive and merit-based process for appointing ECSL commissioners to restore trust in the institution.
The President’s forthcoming appointments present a critical opportunity to demonstrate leadership, transparency and democratic maturity. Implementing those recommendations especially those regarding the Search and Nominating Committee would mark a bold departure from politicized appointments and would send a strong message that Sierra Leone is committed to strengthening electoral integrity.
Furthermore, these reforms resonate with regional and international standards, including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, the ICCPR and the ECOWAS Protocol, all of which emphasize the need for independent and impartial electoral bodies.
If Sierra Leone is to deepen its democratic gains and prepare for future peaceful and credible elections, the President must take those recommendations seriously. The appointment of a new Chief Electoral Commissioner should not merely follow constitutional formalities but should be anchored in reform, inclusivity, merit and public trust.
By adopting the EU and Tripartite Committee’s proposals, President Bio has an opportunity to build a legacy of electoral reform and to lay the foundation for more credible, inclusive and peaceful elections in 2028 and beyond. The time for reform is now.
