![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)
JUBA – South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) has trained 60 election officials in preparation for the upcoming 2026 general elections.
NEC Chairperson Abednego Akok Kacuol emphasized the importance of the training for ensuring that election committee members are equipped to carry out their duties effectively.
“This is our first time conducting elections in South Sudan, and we intend to prepare thoroughly while maintaining our integrity,” Kacuol said at the start of the four-day training in Juba.
Kacuol urged officials to take the training seriously and to remain impartial as the commission prepares for the first-ever election in the country.
He also provided insights into South Sudan’s electoral system, including information on constituencies, seat allocation, and the executive election process.
Darren Nance, a representative from the UN Mission in South Sudan, expressed the mission’s commitment to collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure the success of the electoral process.
“We place great importance on engaging actively with civil society organizations, political parties, and the media,” Nance said. “Their roles in outreach, civic participation, and voter education are crucial.”
Nance emphasized the need for cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure fairness, transparency, and public trust in the electoral system.
He also acknowledged the contributions of other stakeholders, such as observers, watchdogs, journalists, and facilitators of voter and civic outreach.
The parties to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement announced on September 13, 2024, they would extend the transitional period and postpone the elections, originally scheduled for December 2024, by 24 months.
