Sierra Leone’s political climate grew more tense on Tuesday as Parliament proceeded with the vetting of Edmond Alpha for the position of Chief Electoral Commissioner despite the absence of the main opposition, which has threatened to boycott governance within 48 hours if the appointment is confirmed.The controversial vetting took place before the Appointments Committee of Parliament, even as opposition lawmakers stayed away in protest, describing the process as lacking consensus and risking further erosion of trust in the country’s democratic institutions.At the center of the storm is the leadership of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), the constitutionally mandated body responsible for conducting and supervising public elections and referenda. Opposition figures argue that any appointment to head the Commission must be seen as independent, credible, and free from perceived political alignment.In an earlier statement, the opposition warned that confirmation of the nominee without broad consultation would trigger a withdrawal from governance processes, including parliamentary participation and engagement with key state functions. The 48-hour ultimatum, party officials say, is intended to “defend the integrity of the electoral system and the democratic will of the people.”Despite the boycott, parliamentary proceedings continued, signaling the government’s determination to advance the process in line with constitutional provisions. Under the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, the President appoints the Chief Electoral Commissioner subject to parliamentary approval.Political observers warn that the optics of vetting such a critical nominee without opposition participation could deepen polarization and cast a shadow over future electoral processes. They caution that while the legal threshold may be met, the broader issue of political legitimacy remains sensitive.Civil society groups have called for urgent dialogue to prevent escalation, urging both sides to prioritize stability and public confidence over confrontation. With the opposition’s deadline ticking, the country now faces a defining moment that could either reinforce institutional resilience or plunge the political landscape into a fresh cycle of uncertainty.