Chief Electoral Commissioner Rejects Notion of Manufactured Outcomes, Calls for Collective Urgency
FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE – 29 April 2026 – The Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has issued a firm clarification on a fundamental democratic principle: the Commission does not determine who wins elections – the people do.
Addressing the inaugural meeting of the Political Parties Liaison Committee (PPLC) today in Freetown, the Commissioner directly rejected any suggestion that the ECSL manufactures electoral outcomes.
“The Chairman of ECSL does not determine the winner of presidential elections, nor does the Commission manufacture electoral outcomes,” he stated. “It is the people of Sierra Leone, through their votes, who decide who governs them. The constitutional responsibility of ECSL is to transparently and professionally articulate the sovereign will of the people as expressed through the ballot box.”
Time Running Short for 2028
Alongside this reaffirmation of democratic principles, the Commissioner issued a stark warning: the time available to fully prepare for credible, peaceful, and inclusive multi‑tier elections in 2028 is limited.
He emphasised that electoral preparedness requires early planning, timely reforms, adequate financing, institutional cooperation, and sustained stakeholder engagement.
“ECSL cannot achieve these objectives alone,” he said.
Democratic Gains “Hard-Earned”
The Commissioner, who previously served as a Commissioner and staff officer of ECSL, noted that since the completion of major institutional reforms in 2005, Sierra Leone has successfully conducted four electoral cycles – in 2007, 2012, 2018, and 2023 – which have helped sustain constitutional order and democratic continuity despite challenges.
He cautioned that these gains must never be taken for granted, describing the nation’s peace and stability as “hard‑earned” and stressing a collective responsibility to safeguard democratic institutions and prevent any relapse into instability or conflict.
Call for Collective Action
The Commissioner called on political parties to promote peaceful participation and lawful conduct; the media to uphold factual and balanced reporting; civil society and religious leaders to encourage civic responsibility and national cohesion; and the security sector to maintain professionalism and neutrality.
Reaffirming his commitment to constructive engagement without fear or favour, he urged all stakeholders to recommit to peace, tolerance, responsible leadership, and constructive democratic engagement as the nation prepares for the 2028 electoral cycle.
His remarks come against the backdrop of recent engagements with international partners and the Moral Guarantors, during which electoral reforms, confidence‑building, and preparations toward the 2028 elections featured prominently.
“Let us work together to preserve the democratic gains of our nation, strengthen public confidence in our institutions, and build a stronger and more united Sierra Leone,” he concluded.
