Financial constraints and logistical challenges are threatening to slow down election preparations in Lakes State, South Sudan. The state election commission is awaiting budget approval to deploy returning officers, distribute election materials, and facilitate further training ahead of voter registration. This development has raised concerns about the effective implementation of planned activities.
Prof. Khot Kuocnin Kuer, Chairperson of the Lakes State High Electoral Commission, highlighted the challenges posed by geographical distances between counties and the costs of transporting election personnel and materials. He emphasized that adequate funding is required to ensure the effective implementation of planned activities. The commission is awaiting approval of its operational budget before facilitating the deployment of returning officers.
The returning officers will be responsible for coordinating the collection and distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials, as well as mobilising local personnel ahead of voter registration. Prof. Khot expressed confidence in the newly trained officers, urging them to demonstrate professionalism, commitment, and cooperation in carrying out their responsibilities. He also instructed returning officers not to independently alter the lists of recruited enumerators.
John Tongdit Chawul, an Assistant Returning Officer from Cueibet County, welcomed the inclusion of persons with disabilities in election administration. He described his appointment as an important step towards promoting equal participation and representation of persons with disabilities in South Sudan’s electoral process. However, he identified mobility as a major challenge for election officials with disabilities.
Chawul called for additional support to enable persons with disabilities to perform their duties effectively. He urged election authorities to provide appropriate mobility support and ensure that registration centres and election offices are accessible to persons with disabilities. Chawul encouraged other persons with disabilities to apply for available opportunities and compete for professional and leadership positions.
The training for returning officers concluded on November 8, as the commission continued preparations for the planned voter registration exercise. During the closing remarks, November 11 or 12 was mentioned as a possible date for the launch of voter registration, subject to confirmation by the relevant authorities. The commission is working to ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place.
The Lakes State High Electoral Commission is working to ensure that the election preparations are completed on time. The commission’s efforts aim to promote equal participation and representation of all citizens, including persons with disabilities, in the electoral process. The successful implementation of the election preparations will depend on the timely approval of the operational budget.
Key points
- Financial constraints and logistical challenges threaten to slow down election preparations in Lakes State, South Sudan.
- The state election commission is awaiting budget approval to deploy returning officers and distribute election materials.
- The inclusion of persons with disabilities in election administration is seen as a step towards promoting equal participation and representation in South Sudan’s electoral process.
