The Trust Deficit Between APC & ECSL
The opposition All People’s Congress (APC) continues to express a lack of confidence in the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), raising fresh questions about the country’s preparedness to rebuild public trust ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The dispute reflects unresolved grievances surrounding the 2023 elections and concerns over electoral transparency, the independence of election management institutions, and the implementation of reforms intended to prevent another post-election crisis.
In January 2026, APC flag-bearer aspirant, Dr Richard Conteh, publicly reiterated the party’s position that it did not have confidence in the ECSL as then constituted. He argued that the Commission lacked sufficient independence and called for its replacement. The APC’s concerns have also centered on the appointment of Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman.
The controversy cannot be separated from the 2023 elections, whose results and tabulation process triggered prolonged political disagreements. The European Union Election Observation Mission criticised the ECSL’s communication and transparency during the tabulation process, noting that inadequate explanations and limited access to critical stages of the process undermined confidence. The controversy subsequently became a major issue in discussions between the government and the opposition.
Research published by Afrobarometer in December 2025 also highlighted the scale of the trust deficit. Although 69 per cent of surveyed Sierra Leoneans considered the 2023 election completely free and fair, or free and fair with minor problems, the figure fell to just 41 per cent among APC supporters. The research further found that only about one-third of citizens trusted the electoral management body somewhat or a lot, representing a substantial decline from 2018.
These findings suggest that distrust of the ECSL is not merely a dispute between political leaders. It is part of a broader challenge facing democratic institutions. When citizens doubt the neutrality of an electoral commission, even technically correct decisions can become difficult to defend publicly.
However, political disagreement alone does not establish that the Commission has deliberately manipulated an election. Allegations of wrongdoing must be supported by verifiable evidence, and electoral disputes should be addressed through transparent investigations, dialogue, and lawful procedures.
The ECSL and its partners have announced steps to strengthen the electoral process. In June 2026, the Commission and the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion reaffirmed their commitment to electoral reforms and cooperation ahead of the 2028 elections. The ECSL has also engaged the National Public Procurement Authority on improving transparency and accountability in the procurement of election materials.
Nevertheless, meetings and public assurances will not be enough if citizens cannot see measurable progress. The Commission must communicate clearly, publish relevant information promptly, facilitate meaningful observation, and demonstrate that electoral procedures are applied consistently to all political parties.
The government, opposition parties, civil society, and international partners also have responsibilities. The government must ensure that electoral institutions are seen to operate independently, while the APC must continue presenting its concerns through evidence-based engagement and lawful channels.
With the 2028 elections approaching, Sierra Leone cannot afford another cycle of suspicion, political confrontation, and disputed results. Rebuilding confidence requires more than asking citizens to trust the ECSL; it requires transparent processes and credible evidence that justify that trust.
