By Mackie M. Jalloh
The opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) has reaffirmed its withdrawal of elected officials from Parliament and Local Councils nationwide, citing ongoing concerns over the credibility and integrity of the country’s electoral system. The party insists that its participation will remain suspended until Edmond Sylvester Alpha vacates the position of Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL).
The announcement followed deliberations at a meeting convened by the National Peace and Cohesion Commission (NPCC) held at Brookfields Hotel in Freetown. The meeting brought together key government representatives, the Attorney General, ECOWAS officials, and international partners to review progress on implementing the Tripartite Committee Recommendations, a framework under the 2023 Agreement for National Unity aimed at strengthening democratic governance and electoral reforms.
During discussions, the APC accused the government of disregarding the agreed sequencing and stipulations of electoral reforms. Central to the party’s concerns is the appointment of Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner, which they describe as a breach of the spirit of prior agreements. According to APC officials, Alpha’s association with the controversial 2023 elections raises questions about impartiality and threatens the credibility of forthcoming polls, undermining public trust in the electoral system.
In a formal statement, signed by APC Secretary-General Lansana Dumbuya, the party emphasized that its position is principled rather than partisan. “Our stance is guided by a commitment to electoral integrity, constitutional governance, and democratic legitimacy,” the statement read, stressing that the boycott is a measure aimed at safeguarding public confidence in Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions.
The statement further clarified that the APC remains committed to constructive engagement once meaningful steps are taken to restore transparency, independence, and fairness to the electoral process. The party reiterated its dedication to peaceful, lawful, and democratic mechanisms in advancing its objectives, emphasizing that its actions are intended to protect the sovereign will of the people rather than advance narrow political interests.
Political analysts note that the APC’s firm position signals continued friction between the ruling government and opposition, highlighting the challenges of implementing reforms in a polarized political environment. While the Tripartite Committee framework provides a roadmap for restoring trust, the APC insists that confidence cannot be rebuilt without tangible reforms, particularly in the leadership of the Electoral Commission.
The unfolding stalemate underscores the delicate balance between political negotiation, institutional independence, and citizen trust in Sierra Leone’s democracy, raising questions about the timeline for resolving differences and ensuring inclusive governance.
