By Sabri Dibaco
Some of the political parties have called on the National Election Commission (NEC) and various stakeholders to ensure that there is transparency in the upcoming December elections.
The parties raised the concern during the launch of nationwide civic and voter education in Juba.
The United Sudan African Party (USAP) commended the National Elections Commission (NEC) for launching the Civic and Voter Education Campaign.
The party described the initiative as a crucial step in preparing South Sudanese citizens for the country’s first elections under the revitalised peace agreement.
Speaking during the launch, the acting deputy chairperson/the spokesperson of the United Sudan African Party (USAP), Phillip Jiben, thanked the National Elections Commission for providing citizens with the opportunity to understand the electoral process and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to participating in the elections.
“This is a very good day, and USAP remains committed to the democratic process,” Phillip Jiben said.
He said USAP, led by Professor Ajang Bior, supports elections as part of implementing the peace agreement and has already established party structures across the ten states and three administrative areas to mobilise citizens for voter registration and participation.
“We have already established our presence across the country, and after this launch, we will begin mobilising our members to participate in voter registration and the electoral process,” he said.
While welcoming the civic education campaign, the acting deputy chairperson of USAP urged the National Elections Commission to conduct the electoral process with impartiality and in strict accordance with the law to ensure public confidence in the outcome.
“We need the Elections Commission to be fair and to follow the law. We are ready for elections and hope for the best for the people of South Sudan,” he said.
He further called for the full participation of youth, women, and persons with disabilities, saying every citizen should have an equal opportunity to exercise their democratic rights.
“The youth, women, and persons with disabilities are all represented in our party, and we are ready to work with them and ensure they take part in the elections,” he noted.
The USAP official encouraged all South Sudanese to prepare for the elections and participate peacefully.
“I want to tell all the citizens of South Sudan that the time is coming. Wake up, exercise your democratic rights, and participate in the elections. We want elections that are free and fair,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, the secretary of the National Liberation Party (NLP), Mary Justino Ladu, praised the National Elections Commission for launching the civic and voter education campaign, saying it offers citizens an important opportunity to understand their democratic rights and responsibilities.
“This launch is very important, particularly for the young people of South Sudan. No matter what challenges we face, we are committed to supporting this process,” Mary Justino said.
Mary Justino urged South Sudanese youth to unite and participate peacefully in the elections, emphasising that democracy depends on the active involvement of citizens.
“My message to the youth of South Sudan is that we should come together as one people with one purpose so that we can achieve our rights through democratic means. We are one nation and one people. It is our responsibility to build our country with our own hands and through our votes,” Mary Justino said.
She also encouraged women to contest leadership positions, saying their participation would strengthen democracy and contribute to national development.
“It is very important for the women of South Sudan to become candidates in the coming elections because women have the ability to lead and bring positive change to our country,” Mary Justino said.
She further called on women across the country to support one another throughout the electoral process.
“We need to support our fellow women in South Sudan. When women stand together and participate in leadership, our nation will benefit,” Mary Justino added.
The launch of the National Elections Commission’s Civic and Voter Education Campaign brought together political parties, government officials, civil society organisations, and development partners.
Political parties expressed optimism that the campaign will help equip citizens with the knowledge needed to participate in peaceful, credible, and transparent elections while urging the commission to remain neutral and ensure a free and fair electoral process.