Unity State Trains Officers for Upcoming Elections

In preparation for South Sudan's anticipated December 2026 general elections, the State High Elections Committee (SHEC) in Unity State conducted a two-day training-of-trainers exercise for seven election returning officers. The training, which took place in Bentiu town, aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to train election registrars and other electoral personnel in their respective counties. The exercise covered ten sessions, including seven guiding principles intended to promote professionalism, transparency, and accountability in the conduct of electoral duties.

The training covered essential topics, including the use of 71 electoral forms, and participants were urged to review their manuals and presentation materials to strengthen their understanding and coordination. Gatluak Meat Kot, a member of the Unity State High Elections Committee, emphasized the importance of the training in ensuring that election officials carry out their responsibilities professionally, transparently, and accountably. The participants, selected from the state's seven counties, were drawn from various backgrounds and will play a crucial role in training election registrars and other electoral personnel.

Chidong Beliew Kai, who represented Leer County, commended the committee and facilitators for organizing the training, saying it had improved participants' understanding of their electoral responsibilities. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to acquire new skills and knowledge, which he believes will enable him to effectively train election registrars in his area. Kai urged his fellow participants to apply the knowledge acquired and work together to ensure the effective implementation of electoral activities.

The training exercise is a significant step towards preparing for South Sudan's first general elections since independence in 2011. The country is scheduled to hold general elections on December 22, 2026. However, preparations remain behind schedule, with the National Elections Commission (NEC) facing financial and administrative challenges. Despite these challenges, the NEC has begun distributing voter registration materials and equipment to state-level electoral committees.

The NEC has estimated that it needs about $250 million to conduct the elections, but only $27 million has so far been secured. With about a month left to the December elections, it is uncertain whether the NEC can complete the necessary arrangements in time for the polls. The financial constraints and logistical challenges pose significant risks to the successful conduct of the elections.

The training of election officers in Unity State is a critical component of the electoral process, as it ensures that electoral personnel are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections. The exercise demonstrates the commitment of the State High Elections Committee to promoting professionalism and accountability in the electoral process.

As the elections approach, the international community and local stakeholders will be closely monitoring the progress of preparations. The successful conduct of the elections will be crucial in determining the future of South Sudan and its democratic development. The training of election officers in Unity State is a positive step towards ensuring that the elections are conducted in a professional and transparent manner.

Key points

• The training covered ten sessions, including seven guiding principles intended to promote professionalism, transparency, and accountability in the conduct of electoral duties.
• The NEC has estimated that it needs about $250 million to conduct the elections, but only $27 million has so far been secured.
• The training of election officers in Unity State is a critical component of the electoral process, as it ensures that electoral personnel are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections.