One of the presidential aspirants for the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), Martina Baindu Egbenda, has raised concerns over administrative challenges affecting members’ ability to finalize their subscription payments ahead of the upcoming elections.
According to Egbenda, several members have reported difficulties in completing and regularizing their payments due to the alleged unavailability and inaccessibility of the Association’s Treasurer at a critical stage in the electoral process.
She noted that despite complying with required payment procedures, some members have been unable to finalize their payments, adding that repeated attempts to reach the Treasurer have reportedly yielded no response.
The SLBA presidential aspirant described the situation as “deeply troubling and entirely unacceptable,” particularly as the deadline for payment and regularization of subscription fees is set for 29 May 2026.
Egbenda further warned that any administrative lapses that hinder qualified members from voting raise serious concerns about fairness, transparency, and equal participation in the Association’s electoral process.
“Any action or inaction that has the effect of denying qualified members their right to vote is wrong, undemocratic, and wholly unacceptable,” she stated.
She called on the Association to provide an immediate public explanation regarding the Treasurer’s unavailability and to establish a transparent and accessible alternative mechanism to allow affected members to complete their payment verification without delay.
Additionally, she urged that any conduct or administrative practice that could frustrate members’ voting rights be halted immediately.
Egbenda also indicated that failure to resolve the matter could prompt legal and institutional action to safeguard the rights of affected members under the Association’s governing framework.
She further encouraged members of the Bar to remain united and continue making their subscription payments through designated bank channels while efforts are made to address the situation.
“The Bar Association exists to serve its members, not to frustrate their participation in its democratic processes,” she emphasized.
