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NCRA Deepens Collaboration with Civil Society on Electoral Reform Implementation

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In a bid to accelerate the implementation of electoral reform recommendations, the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) on Friday, May 30, 2025, convened a high-level consultative meeting with leading civil society organizations (CSOs) at its headquarters in Freetown.

The engagement, spearheaded by NCRA Director General Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, focused on reinforcing collaboration and leveraging the outreach of civil society to improve identity management and civil registration across Sierra Leone—especially in light of the recommendations put forward by the Tripartite Committee following the contested 2023 general elections.

Addressing attendees, DG Massaquoi reaffirmed the Authority’s recognition of civil society as a vital pillar in national governance and development. “Civil Society Organizations have been instrumental in ensuring transparency and citizen participation since the beginning of the Bio administration in 2018. Your influence and reach into the communities remain unmatched,” he said.

He added that the meeting was intended to foster “open and frank discussions” on the role of the NCRA in implementing reforms arising from the Tripartite Committee’s report, which aims to address structural and credibility issues in Sierra Leone’s electoral processes.

Participants included prominent civil society leaders such as Valnora Edwin of the African Women Leaders Network, who praised the NCRA for initiating the dialogue but called for more inclusive and cross-sectoral engagement. Edwin specifically recommended the involvement of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice in future meetings to provide updates on legal and institutional actions taken in response to the electoral reform agenda.

Other contributors, including Alphonso Manley, emphasized the importance of expanding registration access and shared regional experiences where CSOs had played pivotal roles in supporting national identity systems. Speakers collectively stressed the need to involve institutions like the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) and the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) to ensure broader alignment and impact.

DG Massaquoi welcomed the suggestions and reaffirmed the NCRA’s commitment to a people-centered, accountable governance process. He urged civil society to remain both “critical and constructive,” noting that their engagement is essential to building trust and legitimacy in public institutions.

The meeting closed with a shared resolution to maintain regular consultations, improve communication among stakeholders, and keep electoral reform implementation firmly on the national agenda.

By Brima Foe

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