The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has paid a courtesy call on the Director General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, at the Authority’s headquarters in Freetown, reaffirming the strong institutional partnership between the two bodies as preparations gradually begin for the 2028 general elections.
The high-level delegation, led by the Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of ECSL, Edmond Alpha, held extensive discussions with the NCRA leadership on electoral management, institutional cooperation and the implementation of recommendations aimed at strengthening the country’s electoral framework through improved civil registration systems.
The visit highlighted the growing recognition of the critical role that national identity management plays in the conduct of credible elections. Both institutions acknowledged that an accurate and reliable voter register is closely linked to a robust civil registration and identity infrastructure, placing the NCRA at the heart of Sierra Leone’s democratic processes.
Speaking during the engagement, Chief Electoral Commissioner Edmond Alpha paid glowing tribute to Director General Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, describing him as a dependable public servant whose reputation for integrity, professionalism and credibility has remained consistent throughout his career.
According to the Commissioner, his relationship with the NCRA Director General spans more than two decades, a period during which he has observed Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi’s commitment to public service and national development.
He noted that the NCRA boss has earned the trust and respect of many through his dedication, honesty and ability to deliver on national assignments, qualities that continue to strengthen the Authority’s reputation.
On the issue of institutional collaboration, Edmond Alpha reaffirmed ECSL’s commitment to maintaining a strong working relationship with the NCRA in order to ensure that future elections accurately reflect the will of the Sierra Leonean people.
He emphasized that the partnership between the two institutions is essential for building a credible electoral system and implementing reforms that will enhance public confidence in elections.
In a symbolic description of the relationship, the Chief Electoral Commissioner likened the partnership between ECSL and NCRA to a marriage built not for separation but for growth, stressing that both institutions must continue to work together in the national interest.
Director General Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi welcomed the delegation and reiterated the NCRA’s commitment to supporting national development through efficient civil registration and identity management services.
Over the past eight years, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi has overseen significant reforms within the Authority, helping to transform the NCRA into a central institution responsible for managing Sierra Leone’s national identity ecosystem. Under his leadership, the Authority has expanded services across the country, strengthened its digital infrastructure and promoted the widespread use of the National Identification Number (NIN) across various sectors.
The NIN has increasingly become an important requirement for accessing public services, including healthcare, education, financial services and social welfare programmes, contributing to greater efficiency and accountability in governance.
Observers note that the collaboration between the ECSL and the NCRA is vital for ensuring the integrity of future elections. A reliable civil registration database provides the foundation for an accurate electoral roll, helping to eliminate duplication, enhance voter verification and strengthen public trust in the electoral process.
The courtesy visit therefore signals a shared commitment by both institutions to deepen cooperation and lay the groundwork for transparent, credible and inclusive elections in 2028, reinforcing confidence in Sierra Leone’s democratic governance framework.
