Civil society launches voter education drive in Eastern Equatoria ahead of election

TORIT – A civil society organization in Eastern Equatoria State has commenced a civic awareness campaign on the upcoming election in Himodonge Payam of Torit County.

The Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Torit, with funding from the Norwegian Church Aid, launched the initiative on Wednesday to educate grassroots communities on the modalities of the planned election slated for December 2024.

Civil society activist Oreyma Emmanuel emphasized the importance of extending their mandate to grassroots communities to educate eligible voters in hard-to-reach areas so they can exercise their constitutional rights.

Oreyma addressed the Himodonge community, highlighting the significance of educating the grassroots to help rebuild South Sudan through the planned election.

“So I want to say this on behalf of the Peace and Justice Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Torit. They are very happy for the purpose we came here and with the support from Norwegian Church Aid that helped us come here. If there are further issues on the election, we shall come back for you people of Himodonge,” he said.

“There are many things we will still talk about. Once the National Election Commission announces the election calendar and registration details, we shall return to educate you on how to register and become eligible voters. It’s important to open the eyes of the citizens because educating the grassroots will rebuild South Sudan,” added Oreyma.

SPLM-IO Chief Whip Vitale Ofire Raphael in the state assembly praised the community grassroots sensitization on the forthcoming election and called on the national election commission to provide civic space for all peace actors to exercise their rights freely.

He also encouraged Himodonge communities to avoid electoral violence and fear of the unknown regarding the planned election and to await communication from the election board on whether there will be an election or any postponement.

“I would like to say that this awareness creation is very important for us. As you know, nowadays political and civic space is limited. If campaigns start now and the forces are still scattered, campaigns will not be possible. There will be intimidation among the parties, just like last time. During the general election, all parties should be able to travel and campaign freely without intimidation or threats,” Raphael said.

“Reporting to the NEC will cause security to intervene, which will delay the election process. The team here is clearing the ground as the debate about the election continues in Juba. We hope to hear an announcement soon. The top leadership will address the nation on whether we will have an election or a postponement. We shouldn’t worry about it, but it is important to gather information on the election,” added Raphael.

Torit County SPLM Chairperson Stephen Rufo Albert applauded the church through its Justice and Peace Mission for sensitizing the Payam communities on the election. He called on the Catholic Diocese of Torit’s Justice and Peace Mission to extend the initiative to all parts of Eastern Equatoria State, rather than limiting information to the state headquarters.

“I would like to hail you for being selected for this program. Such a program has not reached the grassroots like this before. I commend the Catholic Diocese of Torit for conducting this program and hope it is extended to the whole state. Creating awareness is crucial,” he said.

“Today we leave here satisfied. There was fear about whether the election would happen and if it would repeat the incidents of 2011. Now, we are informed and educated on election processes and what is required of us,” Albert added.

Himodonge Head Chief Basilio Molong expressed gratitude to the Catholic Diocese of Torit for their commitment to bringing election education to their Payam, helping to enlighten the Bomas community. Chief Basilio urged his subjects to always attend awareness sessions on social and relevant matters that affect them.

“It is very important for us to get information on the election because for a long time we didn’t know how the election process was progressing. Today we have learned a lot and are ready for the forthcoming election. We pray for continued peace until the election. If information comes, you have to come as you did today. God will direct us to choose the right leader. From here, I don’t have much more to say,” said Basilio.