Civil Rights Activist Thomas Babadie Urges Government on Electoral Reform Action
The Executive Director of the Forum of Sierra Leonean Youth Network (FoSLYN), Thomas Pa Alie Babadie, has called for urgent implementation of the Tripartite Committee Recommendations, particularly Recommendation 20 under the Agreement for National Unity, warning that continued delays risk undermining public confidence in Sierra Leone’s democratic governance.
In a press release dated 13 February 2026, Babadie expressed deep concern over what he described as the slow pace of electoral and governance reforms. He noted that many young people across the country are increasingly anxious about the delay, viewing the tripartite process as essential to restoring trust, political stability and national cohesion.
Babadie emphasized that unresolved electoral issues are not only domestic concerns but also have international implications. He pointed out that uncertainty surrounding governance reforms could affect Sierra Leone’s engagement with key partners, including the proposed USD 480 million compact from the Millennium Challenge Corporation, as well as cooperation with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. According to him, such challenges ultimately limit opportunities for young Sierra Leoneans in education, employment and global mobility.
The FoSLYN Executive Director also referenced concerns raised in Parliament by Alpha Ben Mansaray during the recent State Opening Debate. Mansaray reportedly sought clarification from the Speaker regarding the status of Recommendation 20, which calls for the creation of a dedicated parliamentary oversight committee on electoral matters. The committee, to be chaired by a member of the opposition and comprising representatives of all political parties in Parliament, would review each electoral cycle, assess preparedness and guide legislative reforms, while ensuring annual debates on the Electoral Commission’s report as required under the 1991 Constitution.
Babadie stressed that the immediate constitution of this oversight committee is critical to rebuilding public trust and safeguarding democratic integrity. He warned that introducing electoral reforms at the last minute has historically led to tension, controversy and dissatisfaction among political stakeholders.
He therefore urged Parliament to take decisive steps upon reconvening to initiate the legislative process for implementing Recommendation 20. Babadie concluded by calling on government, opposition parties, civil society and international partners to collaborate in fully implementing the Tripartite Committee Recommendations to strengthen democracy and secure a stable political future for Sierra Leone’s youth.
For ease of reference, please see the FoSLYN Release….
FORUM OF SIERRA LEONEAN YOUTH NETWORK (FoSLYN)
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: 13th February, 2026
The Forum of Sierra Leonean Youth Network (FoSLYN) Raises Concerns over Delayed Implementation of Tripartite Committee Recommendations, with Particular Emphasis on Recommendation 20 of the Agreement for National Unity.
(FoSLYN) expresses deep concern over the slow pace of implementation of the Tripartite Committee Recommendations, particularly those provisions critical to restoring public confidence in Sierra Leone’s democratic governance and electoral processes.
FoSLYN notes that the continued delay in implementing these recommendations has heightened anxiety among young people across the country, who believe that the current national situation requires urgent political attention, goodwill, and constructive dialogue.
The implementation of the Tripartite Committee Recommendations is widely viewed as central to rebuilding confidence among citizens, development partners, and the international community. FoSLYN is particularly concerned that unresolved governance and electoral issues continue to undermine international cooperation efforts, including the proposed USD 480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, engagement with the IMF and World Bank, visa restrictions affecting Sierra Leoneans, and broader diplomatic relations. These challenges directly affect young people’s access to education, mobility, employment, and economic opportunity.
FoSLYN emphasizes that many citizens regard the tripartite process as a vital pathway toward political stability, democratic consolidation, and economic recovery. In this regard, FoSLYN calls on policymakers and parliamentary leadership—especially the opposition—to prioritize accountability, transparency, and sustained dialogue around the implementation of the Tripartite Recommendations. National unity and inclusive governance remain indispensable to meaningful progress.
FoSLYN takes note of the recent State Opening Debate of Parliament, during which Hon. Alpha Ben Mansaray, MP for Moyamba District, raised legitimate concerns regarding the status of the Agreement for
National Unity (ANU). We believe the present moment is particularly opportune, as registered political parties are currently preparing for their respective delegates’ conferences—an exercise that must be grounded in confidence in the electoral framework.
At the core of Sierra Leone’s multi-party democracy lies the imperative for comprehensive electoral reforms that address past shortcomings and chart a credible path forward. Hon. Alpha Ben Mansaray rightly sought guidance from the Speaker of Parliament on Recommendation 20 of the Tripartite Committee Report, which provides that:
“A dedicated oversight Committee in Parliament shall be established, comprising representatives of all political parties represented in Parliament, to serve as a Standing Committee on electoral matters. The Committee shall review each electoral cycle, inquire into electoral preparedness, and guide legislative reform. The Committee shall be chaired by a Member of Parliament from the opposition. Furthermore, Parliament shall hold annual debates on the Electoral Commission’s annual report, as required under Section 32(12) of the 1991 Constitution.”
FoSLYN strongly underscores the urgency and importance of these measures and the leadership required to bring them to fruition. We respectfully call for the immediate constitution of this Parliamentary Oversight Committee, noting that further delay is untenable as the country enters another electoral cycle already marked by suspicion, uncertainty, and declining public trust.
The timely establishment of this Committee will significantly contribute to safeguarding democratic integrity and rebuilding public confidence. FoSLYN further cautions that instituting electoral reforms at the last minute within an electoral cycle has historically led to serious challenges, internal dissent, and public controversy—both within and outside Parliament.
Experience has shown that registered political parties are consistently dissatisfied with late-stage amendments to electoral rules, which often fuel rancor, tension, and political grandstanding rather than consensus and stability.
FoSLYN therefore urges the leadership of Parliament to take decisive action and initiate the legislative process for implementing
Recommendation 20 by the first week of February 2026, following Parliament’s reconvening.
FoSLYN concludes by calling on all stakeholders—government, opposition parties, civil society, and international partners—to work collaboratively in implementing the Tripartite Recommendations in full, strengthening democratic institutions, and creating a stable political environment that delivers real opportunities for Sierra Leone’s youth.
Thomas Pa Alie Babadie
…………………………
Executive Director
Forum of Sierra Leonean Youth Network (FoSLYN)
Address: 2nd Floor, 37 Mends Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone
Contact: +232 77 595 421/ +232 79 699 400
PLEASE READ ABOUT FoSLYN
After it establishment in 2006 by group of University students to engage young minds in our different thematic areas, Forum of Sierra Leonean Youth Network here in after referred to FoSLYN request to have a partnership with your noble institution/organization which will be of mutual benefits like we did with others way back in 2007 upwards in the likes of United Nations Development Program (UNDP), British High Commission, ENCISS/Christian Aid and Outreach Section: Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone.
FoSLYN enjoyed partnership with these categories of partners especially working with young people in Secondary schools across the Country especially in building and reviving our Peer Education clubs on the environment, climate justice, gender mainstreaming, Human Rights and the Rule of Law.
FoSLYN works with young people on Health Education, WASH in Schools, Peace and the consolidation of Democracy, Human Rights and the Rule of Law. The aforementioned forms the core of our five (5) years Strategic Plan 2020-2025.
FoSLYN also engages and empowers young people and children between the ages 11-29 to enhance their contributions to development. We do this in partnership with young people, children, our partners, and like-minded donor agencies, government Department and Agencies and other key stakeholders.