Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Presidential Spokesman Alpha Kanu has publicly defended President Julius Maada Bio, stating that the President acted fully within the confines of the Constitution and has committed no wrongdoing in the appointment of Edmond Alpha Sylvester as Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL).
Speaking on Truth Media, Kanu emphasized that the President relied on constitutional provisions—specifically Section 32(3)-in making recent decisions, insisting that adherence to the law should not be misconstrued as misconduct.
”If someone has done nothing wrong, why blame him?” Kanu questioned, adding that deviating from the Constitution would have set a dangerous precedent. He argued that ignoring legal procedures would effectively portray the President as a leader acting outside the rule of law.
Kanu also addressed calls for the President to reverse the decision in question. He firmly stated that such a move is not possible under the Constitution.
”Reversing the decision would mean the President has to go against the Constitution-and that is not something he can do,” he said.
He further explained that constitutional provisions governing the removal of certain office holders, including those within the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), are clearly outlined under Section 32(8). According to him, removal is only permissible under strict conditions such as mental incapacity, physical inability to perform duties, or proven criminal misconduct.
Referencing ongoing discussions surrounding alleged discrepancies, including what he described as a ”transposition of numbers.’‘ Kanu suggested that if such claims amount to criminal conduct, they must be addressed through the appropriate legal and constitutional channels—not executive action.
”The President has the authority to appoint, but not to arbitrarily dismiss constitutional office holders once they have been duly approved by Parliament,” Kanu noted. ”Once that process is completed, the individual holds office under the protection of the Constitution.”
He concluded by reiterating that any attempt to remove such an official must strictly follow constitutional procedures, stressing that the rule of law remains paramount in Sierra Leone’s governance.
Alpha’s February appointment as Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) sparked major controversy, with the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) accusing the President of filling the ECSL with a partisan figure blamed for irregularities in the disputed 2023 general elections.
By late February 2026, the APC announced that its Members of Parliament, mayors, councillors, and other representatives would boycott parliamentary sessions and council activities in protest against Edmond Sylvester Alpha’s appointment as Chief Electoral Commissioner.
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