By Joseph Momoh, Reporter (D.S)
The Presidential Spokesman, Alhaji Alpha Sahid Kanu, has said President Julius Maada Bio does not have the constitutional authority to remove Edmond Sylvester Alpha from his position as Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) without following the proper legal steps.
Speaking on AYV on Sunday, Kanu explained that although the President acted within the law when he appointed Edmond Alpha, any move to remove him must strictly comply with the procedures clearly stated in the Constitution. He stressed that presidential powers are not limitless and must be exercised in accordance with constitutional safeguards.
Kanu noted that the removal of the ECSL chairman is governed by constitutional provisions meant to protect the independence of the electoral body. He argued that these safeguards are essential to ensuring the credibility, transparency, and public confidence required for effective democratic governance.
The spokesman’s remarks come amid heightened political uncertainty, with the main opposition party, the All People’s Congress (APC), reportedly threatening protests over concerns regarding the leadership of the electoral commission. The development has renewed public debate on constitutionalism and the accountability of key state institutions.
Political analysts and civil society stakeholders have also called for strict adherence to legal processes, warning that any deviation from established constitutional mechanisms could undermine trust in democratic institutions.
Alpha Kanu concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to uphold the Constitution, stating that due process remains the legitimate route for addressing any issues linked to the ECSL leadership.
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