NEC delivers voter registration materials to Western Equatoria State

The National Elections Commission (NEC) has delivered the first consignment of voter registration materials to Western Equatoria State. The materials, which include 2,500 voter registration books, registration forms, training manuals, laminating machines, and reflective jackets, were transported to Yambio Airstrip on Friday. An NEC delegation from Juba, led by Nyilueth Malou Malek, Assistant Inspector for Voter Registration, oversaw the delivery. This shipment is part of preparations for the planned nationwide voter registration exercise.

According to Malou, approximately 1,000 registration books had already been transported to Yambio. Another aircraft is expected to deliver additional materials, as the available aircraft could not carry the entire consignment at once. The NEC official also mentioned that a two-day training programme for returning officers is expected to begin soon, possibly next week, to prepare election personnel for the registration process.

The voter registration exercise is set to begin simultaneously across the country, with the official starting date to be announced by the national NEC chairperson soon. Western Equatoria State is ready to begin preparations for voter registration, according to Simon Bakama, Chairperson of the Western Equatoria State High Elections Commission. The state has identified 229 registration centers, which have been confirmed by the NEC.

Bakama stated that the state has completed the recruitment of staff, and they are ready to transport the materials to the 229 registration centers. The materials will be distributed to the centers once necessary funds and arrangements are made. Selected registration officers will travel to Juba for training before returning to train other personnel who will work at registration centers across the state.

Bakama assured the people of Western Equatoria that the election process will be transparent and credible. The state is eager to move forward with the registration process. The NEC's delivery of voter registration materials is a significant step towards the general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026.

The general elections in South Sudan have faced years of delays in the country's political transition. The NEC's efforts to prepare for the elections are crucial in ensuring a smooth and fair process. The commission's work will help to build trust in the electoral process and ensure that citizens can exercise their right to vote.

The delivery of voter registration materials to Western Equatoria State marks a significant milestone in the electoral process. The NEC and the state high elections commission will continue to work together to ensure that the registration process is successful and that citizens are able to participate in the upcoming elections.

Key points

• The National Elections Commission has delivered voter registration materials to Western Equatoria State, marking a significant step towards the general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026.