The National Elections Commission (NEC) of South Sudan has called for cooperation from religious leaders as the country prepares for general elections on December 22. NEC Chairperson Gabriel Bol Deng made the appeal during a meeting with Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, the Catholic Archbishop of Juba, on Saturday. The discussion focused on the Church's role in promoting peaceful participation in the electoral process.
Deng emphasized that the NEC cannot conduct the elections alone and requires the involvement of citizens, political parties, civil society, traditional leaders, and religious institutions. He stated that the Commission needs the counsel of religious leaders to ensure a peaceful, inclusive, transparent, and credible electoral process. The NEC Chairperson acknowledged the significant role that the Church and other stakeholders can play in supporting the elections.
Cardinal Ameyu reaffirmed the Catholic Church's support for democratic elections and encouraged the resolution of political differences through dialogue rather than violence. He stressed that the Church has always supported democratic elections and discouraged the use of guns to solve social problems. The Cardinal's remarks reflect the Church's commitment to promoting peaceful and responsible participation in the electoral process.
The NEC's engagement with church leaders comes amid concerns about the country's preparedness for the elections. In July, Catholic bishops warned of a possible transitional and constitutional crisis if the polls are not adequately prepared. They called for dialogue, mutual trust, legal clarity, and full implementation of the 2018 peace agreement. The bishops' concerns highlight the need for careful planning and cooperation among stakeholders.
Church leaders have also raised concerns about insecurity, political divisions, and gaps in the legal and electoral framework. They cited limited civic and voter education and inadequate electoral preparations as major challenges. The NEC has been working to address these concerns through civic and voter education programs. In August, representatives of the South Sudan Council of Churches and the South Sudan Islamic Council participated in a NEC workshop on voter education and peacebuilding.
The NEC is continuing preparations for the December polls, including work toward voter registration. The Commission's efforts aim to ensure that citizens are informed and engaged in the electoral process. By working with religious institutions and other stakeholders, the NEC seeks to promote a peaceful and credible electoral process. The cooperation between the NEC and church leaders is seen as crucial in supporting the success of the elections.
The engagement between the NEC and church leaders reflects a broader effort to promote peaceful and responsible participation in the electoral process. The Church's position emphasizes the importance of rejecting violence, hate speech, tribalism, and misinformation ahead of the elections. As the country prepares for the polls, the NEC and church leaders will continue to work together to promote a peaceful and inclusive electoral process.
Key points
- The National Elections Commission seeks church cooperation for peaceful and credible December 22 general elections in South Sudan.
- Church leaders have raised concerns about the country's preparedness for the elections, citing insecurity, political divisions, and gaps in the legal and electoral framework.
- The NEC is working with religious institutions and other stakeholders to promote civic and voter education and ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
