OPPOSITION LEADER HEADS ELECTORAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
By Gibrilla Kamara
Parliament has established a Special Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs), appointing the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, as its Chairman in a move aimed at strengthening parliamentary oversight of Sierra Leone’s electoral institutions ahead of the 2028 General Elections.
The Deputy Chairman of the committee is the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew S. Nyuma. Their appointments are in line with Recommendation 20 of the Tripartite Committee Report, which provides that the oversight committee should be chaired by an opposition Member of Parliament to enhance public confidence in the electoral process.
Speaking in an interview on Thursday, 23 July 2026, Hon. Abdul Kargbo described the establishment of the committee as a significant milestone in Parliament’s efforts to promote transparency, accountability and credibility in the country’s electoral system.
He explained that the committee is intended to strengthen parliamentary oversight of election-related institutions while fully respecting their constitutional independence. According to him, the committee’s composition reflects the political makeup of Parliament, in line with Section 93(5) of the Constitution, ensuring broad and inclusive representation.
Hon. Kargbo said the committee will provide oversight of key Electoral Management Bodies, including the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), and the Sierra Leone Police on electoral matters where necessary.
He, however, emphasised that the committee’s mandate is not to interfere with the operational independence of these institutions. Rather, it will exercise Parliament’s oversight responsibility by scrutinising their work, requesting information and relevant documents where necessary, and promoting accountability in accordance with the law.
“The committee is designed to encourage constructive engagement rather than confrontation,” Hon. Kargbo said, adding that it will provide Parliament with an opportunity to identify emerging challenges early and work collaboratively with Electoral Management Bodies and other stakeholders to find practical solutions.
He further disclosed that the committee’s Terms of Reference (TOR) will be developed in consultation with the Department for National Initiatives and Follow-up on the Tripartite Recommendations (DENIFAT) before being finalised.
Hon. Kargbo concluded by calling for sustained collaboration among the Government, Parliament, Electoral Management Bodies, civil society organisations, political parties and development partners to strengthen Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions and enhance public confidence in future elections.