The National Elections Commission (NEC) of South Sudan has delivered the first batch of voter registration materials to the Central Equatoria State High Elections Committee. This move is part of the preparations for the country's general elections scheduled for December 22. The materials include voter registration books, supplementary forms, laminating machines, and voter registration kits. NEC Chairperson Gabriel Bol Deng confirmed the delivery, highlighting its significance in the country's journey towards democratic governance.
According to NEC Chairperson Gabriel Bol Deng, the delivery of these materials marks an important step in enabling eligible citizens to participate in choosing the country's leadership. He emphasized the need for an inclusive and credible electoral process. Bol Deng also stressed that the NEC, political stakeholders, civil society organizations, and other relevant institutions have a responsibility to ensure that the electoral process is credible, peaceful, and accessible to all eligible South Sudanese citizens.
The voter registration materials delivered to Central Equatoria State include voter registration books, 29 supplementary forms, laminating machines, and voter registration kits. This delivery is the first phase of the distribution of voter registration materials to the state. Edmond Yakani, executive director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), observed the handover as part of his organization's domestic pre-election observation mission. Yakani urged the NEC to extend the exercise to other parts of the country.
The distribution of voter registration materials comes as South Sudan faces a tight deadline to prepare for the December 22 elections, with less than two months remaining before the scheduled polls. Voter registration had not officially begun by the end of October, although the NEC had indicated that the exercise was expected to start in early November. The commission has not yet stated when the voter registration will start.
The December elections are expected to be South Sudan's first general polls since independence in 2011, following repeated extensions of the transitional period. The elections are a significant milestone in the country's transition towards democratic governance. However, concerns have been raised about the readiness of the electoral process, including logistical arrangements, funding, and the publication of a comprehensive electoral timetable.
Edmond Yakani of CEPO expressed hope that the NEC will undertake the distribution of voter registration materials seriously and ensure that all materials are delivered to all states and three administrative areas. He also urged the commission to ensure that all materials are delivered to the registration centers. The NEC's delivery of voter registration materials to Central Equatoria State is a crucial step towards ensuring that eligible citizens can exercise their constitutional rights.
The NEC's efforts to prepare for the general elections are ongoing, with the commission working to address concerns about the electoral process. The delivery of voter registration materials to Central Equatoria State is part of these efforts. Key stakeholders, including civil society organizations and political parties, are monitoring the process to ensure that it is credible and inclusive.
Key points
- The National Elections Commission delivers voter registration materials to Central Equatoria State ahead of December 22 general elections.
- The delivery includes voter registration books, supplementary forms, laminating machines, and voter registration kits.
- The elections are expected to be South Sudan's first general polls since independence in 2011.
