In a bold move during the ongoing parliamentary vetting process, the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Parliament, Honourable Abdul Kargbo, has unequivocally rejected the nomination of Alex Pat Labib Saffa as Electoral Commissioner for the Eastern Region under the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL).
Hon. Kargbo’s rejection is not merely political—it is grounded in a serious constitutional and ethical concern that exposes a potential breach of governance and public trust. According to the APC Opposition Leader, Mr. Saffa is currently a salaried employee of an institution funded directly by the Consolidated Revenue Fund, which directly contradicts the principles of neutrality and independence expected of an electoral commissioner.
The crux of Hon. Kargbo’s objection lies in the conflict of interest that arises when individuals receiving salaries from government institutions are simultaneously appointed to oversee democratic processes like elections—where neutrality is paramount. “You cannot be both a referee and a player,” Kargbo asserted. “If the ECSL is to be trusted as an impartial institution, then it must not be populated by individuals whose livelihoods are still tied to the executive arm of government.” While he did not name the exact institution publicly during the session, sources suggest that Mr. Saffa continues to receive monthly salary payments from a government-funded entity, which makes his appointment in direct violation of fair public service practices and the doctrine of separation between civil service and electoral oversight.
A Call for Vigilance
Hon. Abdul Kargbo’s intervention has opened a broader conversation around governance accountability, electoral transparency, and the integrity of key national appointments. In light of the controversial 2023 electoral outcomes, which were widely criticized by both domestic observers and international partners for a lack of transparency, this appointment raises fresh concerns among citizens, civil society groups, and opposition members. The APC is now calling on independent media, civil society organisations, and concerned citizens to closely scrutinize this appointment and rally around the core issue: Why is a man still on the government payroll being appointed to independently supervise elections?
This situation represents a classic case of institutional capture—where state institutions risk being politicized to serve partisan interests. The independence of the ECSL is not a partisan issue—it is a democratic one. If appointments continue to be made without proper checks, it could further erode public confidence in future elections and deepen the democratic deficit in Sierra Leone.
Civil Society Must Speak
Pro-democracy organisations, legal watchdogs, and governance activists are urged to take up this matter urgently. If public offices meant to be neutral are filled with politically compromised individuals, the credibility of elections—already under serious scrutiny—will sink even further.
Conclusion
The opposition’s objection to Mr. Saffa’s appointment is not merely a political maneuver—it is a clarion call for institutional integrity. Hon. Abdul Kargbo’s stand should ignite national attention, pressure parliamentary committees to re-evaluate the nomination, and awaken civil society to speak against this creeping politicization of independent offices. Sierra Leone’s democracy deserves better.
