Freetown, July 29, 2025 – President Dr. Julius Maada Bio officially administered the oath of office to Alex Pat Labib Saffa, who has been appointed as the Electoral Commissioner for Sierra Leone’s Eastern Region after receiving unanimous parliamentary approval.
The ceremony, held at State House in Freetown, fulfills the requirement under Section 32(6) of the 1991 Constitution, which mandates that Electoral Commissioners take and subscribe to an oath before the President before assuming their duties. Secretary to the President, Barba Brima Fortune, confirmed that Mr. Saffa had undergone full vetting and earned the support of Members of Parliament.
Commissioner Saffa pledged to uphold the Constitution with impartiality, transparency, and integrity. In his acceptance remarks, he thanked President Bio for the trust placed in him and described the appointment as a significant honour. He highlighted his commitment to fostering fair elections and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that the electoral process truly reflects the will of the people of Sierra Leone.
President Bio congratulated Commissioner Saffa, acknowledging the complexity of his new responsibilities. He urged the NEC and all commissioners to begin early preparations for the 2028 electoral cycle, emphasizing the need for readiness and unwavering dedication to delivering credible election outcomes. The President closed with a call for service motivated by national interest, public trust, and democratic integrity.