By Shannon A. L. Scott
The newly appointed Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone, Edmond Sylvester Alpha, on Wednesday 1st April 2026 engaged registered political parties in a high-level meeting aimed at strengthening electoral integrity ahead of the 2028 general elections. The engagement, held at the Commission’s headquarters on OAU Drive, Tower Hill in Freetown, brought together representatives of various political parties to discuss reforms and promote dialogue within the country’s democratic space.
Addressing the gathering, Alpha underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and collective reform, urging political actors to embrace constructive engagement over confrontation. He reaffirmed the Commission’s neutrality, stating that it exists to serve all Sierra Leoneans equally and is not aligned with any political interest.
“The Electoral Commission is committed to facilitating a credible, transparent, and accountable process through which the will of the people is expressed,” he said. Alpha acknowledged concerns raised by stakeholders regarding recent electoral developments and invited political parties to actively participate in improving the electoral process. He highlighted key areas for reform, including legal and procedural clarity, results management, civic education, inclusion, and public communication.He further noted that recommendations emerging from national consultations, including the Tripartite engagement process, present an opportunity to strengthen not divide the electoral system.
With less than two years to the 2028 elections, Alpha emphasized the urgency of commencing preparatory activities such as census mapping, voter registration, electoral planning, and civic education. He proposed a collaborative roadmap that includes regular meetings of the Political Parties’ Liaison Committee, the establishment of joint technical working groups, and improved communication channels.
“Dialogue must never be seen as a concession. It is a responsibility,” Alpha stressed, calling for unity and shared ownership of the electoral process.
Chairman of the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), Emmanuel Koivaya Amara, commended political parties for their growing compliance with regulatory requirements and encouraged them to deepen internal democratic practices. He described the relationship between the Commission and political parties as a collaborative partnership aimed at promoting credible elections. Amara praised the high rate of compliance among parties, noting that nearly all have submitted audited financial statements in recent years an important step toward accountability and transparency. However, he disclosed that the Commission would soon begin verifying the physical presence of party offices nationwide, in line with legal provisions. He reiterated that all political parties have the right to operate freely across the country without restriction.
“There are no small or big political parties when it comes to democratic participation,” Amara said, urging parties to strengthen internal governance and adhere to their constitutions.
National Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Jimmy Batilo Songa, congratulated the new Chief Electoral Commissioner and pledged his party’s support for ongoing reforms.
Songa acknowledged the challenges facing the Commission and expressed optimism about the leadership of the Chief Electoral Commissioner. He called for unity among political stakeholders, stressing that national progress depends on collaboration across party lines. “A divided nation cannot move forward,” he stated, reaffirming the ruling party’s commitment to peace, stability, and inclusive governance. The engagement marks a significant step in preparations for Sierra Leone’s next electoral cycle, with both the ECSL and PPRC reaffirming their commitment to transparency, accountability, and democratic consolidation.
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