The Caretaker Body of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) has announced strict eligibility and voting requirements for the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections scheduled for Monday, 26 October 2026.
In an official notice dated Sunday, 25 October, the Caretaker Body said only fully paid-up members who settled their subscriptions and conference fees on or before 29 May 2026 would be eligible to participate in the AGM and elections.
The rules, signed by Caretaker Body Chairman Osman Kanu Esq. and Secretary Menisa Sesay, require members to provide bank statements or bank payment slips as proof of payment. The notice states that no other form of verification will be accepted.
The Caretaker Body said the electoral process must comply strictly with the relevant court order, adding that only members whose eligibility has been verified in accordance with the order will be included on the final voters’ register.
Under the rules, every voter must appear on the verified register and present valid identification before voting. Admission to the AGM venue and participation in the proceedings will be restricted to members on the final eligible list, although invited guests and observers will also be allowed access.
The notice further states that voting will be conducted by secret ballot, with each eligible member entitled to cast one vote for each contested position. Proxy voting is prohibited.
The elections must be conducted in accordance with the SLBA Memorandum and Articles of Association. Ballots will be counted transparently under the supervision of authorised election officials, with accredited representatives of candidates permitted to observe the counting process.
The Caretaker Body said election results would be declared in accordance with the association’s governing documents and the court order. It also called on members to maintain order, respect election officials and refrain from interference or electoral misconduct.
Although the notice repeatedly emphasises compliance with the court order, it does not specify the order’s terms or provide details of the legal proceedings underpinning the election arrangements.
The Caretaker Body concluded by stressing that strict compliance with the court order is required, making the verification of membership eligibility and adherence to the prescribed voting procedures central to Monday’s AGM and elections.