Elections commission to embark on civic, voter education ahead of polls

JUBA – The Chairperson of South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC), Prof. Abednego Akok Kacuol said the commission will embark on massive civic and voter education ahead of the December general elections.

Addressing reporters on Monday during his reception ceremony, Prof. Abednego Akok said the commission will carry out a sensitization exercise for citizens to prepare them for polls.

“The commission and all stakeholders should embark on civic education and voter education right now to enlighten our public about holding elections in December 2024, each of us must play in these forthcoming elections,” Akok said.

He said the essence of civic education is to ensure that citizens become aware of their civil responsibilities during the poll.

“The public must be educated and get aware of their roles to play as sovereignty is theirs and cannot be achieved unless they register their names, followed by going to polling stations to cast their vote freely,” he said.

He reiterated the commission’s determination to conduct free, fair and credible elections that would be acceptable to stakeholders.

“What we want to do for South Sudan is to run free, fair and credible elections and if we do that then we have helped South Sudan. We have been watched by the world now on what is going on in South Sudan,” he said.

“The world is watching us, will we succeed or not? I have confidence and always, I know very that whatever I do, the Lord will bless it and I am sure this duty will be successful.”

Deputy Chairperson of the National Election Commission, Gabriel Gatluak called on political parties to refrain from interfering with the work of the commission.

“The second appeal as I said earlier is to political parties, again though you nominated us, we appeal to you not to interfere in our work, allow us to do our work and let the people of South Sudan be the judge,” said Gatluak.