Lakes State Launches Voter Registration After Delayed Start

Lakes State in South Sudan has launched its voter registration exercise, a day after the nationwide process began. The launch in Rumbek was officiated by Professor Kot Kuocnin Kuer, chairperson of the State High Elections Committee, and Manyang Luk, the caretaker minister of local government and law enforcement agencies. The state received registration materials from the National Elections Commission in Juba, enabling the exercise to commence.

The voter registration process in Lakes State faced initial delays due to shortages of basic equipment, including chairs and tables. According to Kuer, the state was waiting for these essential items to be delivered to registration centres across the state. Lakes State has 277 registration centres and 1,939 personnel assigned to conduct the exercise across its eight counties.

The turnout at the Akon Buoi registration centre in Rumbek town was initially low, with inadequate public awareness and equipment shortages cited as challenges. Kuer urged registration officials to ensure transparency and accuracy in compiling the voters’ register. He also called on returning officers, traditional chiefs, politicians, and prospective candidates to mobilise eligible citizens to register.

Monica Anip Thuc, a voter from Rumbek Central County, registered at the Akon Buoi centre and encouraged others to do the same. She hopes to elect leaders capable of bringing positive change to South Sudan. Her sentiments reflect the aspirations of many citizens who are eager to participate in the electoral process.

Daniel Laat Kon, the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization coordinator in Lakes State, welcomed the launch but raised concerns about the protection and logistical support for registration officials. He urged the government to ensure their safety and prevent political interference, allowing them to work freely and impartially.

Caretaker minister Luk emphasized the importance of voter registration as a step towards elections, which have been discussed for years without tangible progress. The state government, under caretaker Governor Gen. Rin Tueny, is working to ensure that party primaries and voter registration are conducted safely. Nationwide voter registration began on November 14 and will close on November 28.

The voter registration exercise in Lakes State is part of preparations for general elections scheduled for February 11, 2027. The National Elections Commission set up 3,161 registration centres across the country’s 10 states and three administrative areas. The successful completion of this process is crucial for the country’s electoral history and the participation of all political parties.

Key points

• The Lakes State voter registration exercise was initially delayed due to equipment shortages.
• The state has 277 registration centres and 1,939 personnel assigned to conduct the exercise.
• The voter registration process will close on November 28, as part of preparations for general elections in February 2027.