South Sudan’s Election Officials undergo training ahead of December’s Polls

South Sudan prepares for its upcoming elections scheduled for December, election officials are undergoing intensive training to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls. The training initiative, aimed at equipping officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to oversee the electoral process effectively, underscores the country’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections.

The training program, organized by the National Elections Commission (NEC) in collaboration with international partners, brings together election officials from across South Sudan to receive comprehensive training on various aspects of election management. Topics covered include voter registration, polling station procedures, ballot counting, and conflict resolution techniques.

Speaking at the launch of the training program, NEC Chairperson emphasized the importance of ensuring that election officials are adequately prepared to carry out their responsibilities impartially and efficiently. He highlighted the critical role of election officials in upholding the integrity of the electoral process and safeguarding the rights of voters.

“Successful elections will come when we are very concerned about civic and political education, in the first place, and then voter registration. If we do [complete] these two issues before June, we will be saved, we will have successful elections,” Abednego Akol Chol sais.

Despite the magnitude of the task ahead, the Chair of South Sudan’s electoral Commission believes free, fair, and credible elections can be held.

The initiative comes amidst heightened anticipation and scrutiny surrounding South Sudan’s upcoming elections, which are seen as a critical milestone in the country’s democratic transition. With the potential to shape the future trajectory of South Sudan, the elections are expected to be closely monitored by domestic and international observers to ensure transparency and fairness.

In addition to technical training, election officials are also receiving guidance on electoral laws, codes of conduct, and human rights principles to ensure compliance with international standards and best practices. Special emphasis is being placed on promoting gender equality and inclusivity in the electoral process, with efforts made to increase the participation of women and marginalized groups as both voters and candidates.

The training program has been welcomed by political parties, civil society organizations, and the international community as a positive step towards building confidence in South Sudan’s electoral process. However, concerns remain about the challenges posed by insecurity, logistical constraints, and political tensions, which could impact the credibility and legitimacy of the elections.

AMN | Anochie’s Report | Juba.