FREETOWN – The ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has rejected a proposal to establish a parliamentary standing committee to oversee the Electoral Commission, arguing the constitution guarantees the commission’s independence.
In a press statement issued on 21 April 2026, the SLPP responded to the findings of a joint assessment mission by international guarantors including ECOWAS, UNOWAS and the Commonwealth. The party expressed gratitude to former Gambian vice president Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang for her role in the process.
The SLPP said President Julius Maada Bio remains committed to implementing the Agreement for National Unity and the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee’s report.
On the question of parliamentary oversight, the party cited section 32(11) of Sierra Leone’s constitution, which states the Electoral Commission “shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority.” The SLPP argued that parliament cannot establish a standing committee to supervise the administrative operations of constitutionally independent institutions, drawing a comparison to the judiciary, the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Audit Service.
The party welcomed the expansion of the Tripartite Steering Committee to include other political parties and civil society. It also said it would continue to advocate for proportional representation regarding proposed changes to the electoral system.
On the ongoing population and housing census, the SLPP reaffirmed its commitment to working with all political parties, including the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC).
While welcoming the APC’s decision to end its boycott, the SLPP urged the opposition leadership to adopt more responsible approaches to governance, stating that persistent boycotts undermine section 35(1) of the constitution. The party reiterated its zero tolerance for hate speech and incitement.
The SLPP also expressed dissatisfaction with an APC statement dated 19 April 2026, calling part of it unhelpful and unnecessary.
“This is the position of the ruling party, not an independent assessment of facts,” the SLPP said in its statement.
