Civil society activist Edmund Yakani has expressed concerns that poor information management could fuel misinformation during voter registration and undermine the credibility of South Sudan's planned December elections. Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), emphasized the need for accurate and verified information to avoid confusion among voters. He made these remarks in an interview with Eye Radio on Tuesday.
Yakani is calling on the National Elections Commission (NEC) to establish dedicated media centres to verify information and provide timely, accurate updates on the registration process. This, he believes, will enable voters to access authentic information and avoid misleading reports. With preparations for the December 22 elections underway, Yakani stressed that any misinformation associated with voter registration will have significant implications for the election's credibility.
Yakani urged all South Sudanese with a role in communicating voter registration information to ensure they share accurate and verified details. He also called on the National Elections Commission and state and administrative area high-level election committees to establish clear media platforms where the public can verify information and receive official updates. This, he believes, will help to prevent the spread of misinformation.
The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) Executive Director further urged election authorities to strengthen their response mechanisms to address false reports quickly before they cause confusion among voters. Yakani's remarks come as preparations for the December 22 elections gather pace, with the handover of the first batch of voter registration materials to the Central Equatoria State High Elections Committee taking place on Monday.
Yakani's concerns are shared by many who recognize the importance of accurate information in the electoral process. The National Elections Commission and other stakeholders must work together to ensure that voters have access to reliable information. This can be achieved through the establishment of dedicated media centres and clear communication channels.
The December 22 elections are a significant event in South Sudan's history, and it is crucial that they are conducted in a transparent and credible manner. Yakani's warnings serve as a reminder of the importance of effective communication and information management in the electoral process. The National Elections Commission must take these concerns seriously and take necessary steps to prevent the spread of misinformation.
In conclusion, Edmund Yakani's warnings highlight the need for improved information management ahead of South Sudan's December elections. The establishment of dedicated media centres, clear communication channels, and strengthened response mechanisms are essential in preventing the spread of misinformation and ensuring the credibility of the electoral process.
Key points
- Civil society activist Edmund Yakani warns that poor information management could fuel misinformation during voter registration and undermine the credibility of South Sudan's December elections.
