![Dr. Abednego Akol Chol, Chair of the South Sudan National Elections Commission (NEC), addresses reporters at a press conference in his Juba office. The event followed the Commission's swearing-in ceremony at the presidency on Monday, January 8, 2024. [Photo by Sudans Post]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/80664f65-6952-46cf-a6de-f77a56d082fe.jpeg?resize=1515%2C757&quality=89&ssl=1)
Speaking to journalists after his official induction ceremony at the presidency, Akol underscored the importance of adhering to the peace agreement, which stipulates conducting elections at the transitional period’s conclusion.
“Everyone should read the [elections act]. The peace agreement clearly states that elections will be conducted two months before the transitional period ends,” Akol emphasized. “Therefore, elections will be held by December this year.”
He stressed the crucial role of government commitment and resource allocation in guaranteeing successful electoral processes like voter registration, public education, and the actual voting exercise.
Highlighting the three key stages – civic education, voter registration, and voting – Akol emphasized the government’s responsibility in providing the necessary resources for a smooth electoral transition.
“There are only three stages; first, civic education, second, voter registration, and finally, voting. As I mentioned earlier, if we are serious about this, the government must provide the necessary resources,” Akol declared.
“Our immediate priority is to embark on a nationwide civic education campaign to inform all South Sudanese citizens that elections are approaching,” he added.
Akol further clarified that all citizens aged 18 and above have the right to register and participate in the electoral process.
He concluded by urging the media to disseminate accurate and comprehensive information regarding the electoral procedures and encouraged active public engagement and awareness about the upcoming elections.
As stipulated in the revitalized peace agreement signed in December 2018, South Sudan was due to hold elections for its citizens to choose their leaders.
However, delays in implementing the agreement caused several deadline postponements.
The most recent postponement occurred in August 2022 when President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his first deputy, opposition leader Riek Machar, agreed to extend their terms by 24 months, rescheduling the elections for December 2024.
Despite the new date, discord persists between the two leaders. While Kiir emphasizes December 2024, Machar maintains that the country remains unprepared for elections due to unfulfilled provisions of the 2018 agreement.
The UN mission in South Sudan echoed Machar’s concerns in early December, stating that the country lacks the necessary readiness and political will for peaceful and transparent elections.
Dr. Abednigo Akol Kacuol this is not any more the Revitalized Peace Agreement that was signed in December 2018 which clearly states that elections should be held two months before the transition. This one now has a new name called The Road Map, and that is why it is being implemented selectively without following the laid down time table and even leaving other important clauses unimplemented. Secondly, if there is to be elections at all when are the refugees in the neighbouring countries going to be transported back home? There is also the issue of the Census and demarcation of the Constituencies. The Government and Elections Commission under your Chairmanship is also silent on the participation of those South Sudanese living in the Diaspora wether they are eligible to vote or not.