By Yang Ater Yang
The Lakes State High Elections Committee (SHEC), in collaboration with the National Elections Commission (NEC) and the state government, has officially launched a civic and voter education campaign in Rumbek.
The campaign was launched under the theme, “Empowering Citizens for Democratic Participation, Peaceful Coexistence, and Civil Duty.”
The launch brought together government officials, political parties, civil society organisations, women and youth representatives, and members of the public to promote peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections in South Sudan.
The Deputy Governor of Lakes State, Isaac Luka Munga, said the launch was an important milestone in the country’s democratic process.
He said civic and voter education is more than a ceremony, describing it as a national call for responsibility and a reminder that democracy does not begin on election day.
“It begins with informed citizens who understand their constitutional rights, respect the rule of law and participate peacefully to shape the future of the nation,” he said.
Munga said democracy should be measured not only by the number of people who vote but also by the knowledge, responsibility, and integrity of citizens exercising their rights.
He urged citizens, youth, the media, organised forces, and state authorities to become ambassadors of peace as the country prepares for elections.
“Let us reject violence and any thoughts of violence, tribalism, hate speech, and all forms of division,” he said.
He encouraged young people to use peaceful participation rather than violence to express their political choices.
The Chairperson of the State High Elections Committee, Professor Kot Kucnin Kuer, welcomed the state government and citizens to the campaign and highlighted the importance of civic and voter education in promoting peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections.
He called on all eligible citizens to prepare for voter registration and participation in the democratic process.
Kuer said the launch followed an assessment of electoral registration and voting centers across all eight counties of Lakes State.
He said the electoral process would be guided by the National Elections Act and principles of fairness, openness, credibility, and accountability.
James Marer Aluel, Assistant Secretary for Political Membership and Mobilisation of the SPLM in Lakes State, said voter education is important because democracy is not only about casting a ballot but also understanding the power of voters.
“Your vote decides the future of Lakes State and South Sudan,” he said.
Aluel urged eligible citizens to register and vote without intimidation, adding that young people, who make up a significant proportion of the state’s population, have a right to exercise their democratic rights.
He called for equal opportunities for eligible voters and peaceful participation in the electoral process.
Alek Malaak Atem, Secretary General of the SPLM-IO in Lakes State, said the party is ready to participate in democratic elections in South Sudan.
She urged citizens to register for the upcoming elections and called for unity among South Sudanese.
“We want peace and accept ourselves as South Sudanese, and let us leave discrimination between us,” she said.
Atem also urged voters to choose leaders based on their ability to deliver services rather than on family or tribal considerations.
Daniel Laat Kon, a civil society representative in Lakes State, said the campaign reminds citizens that South Sudan belongs to everyone and that all citizens have equal rights and dignity.
He said peace should mean more than the absence of war, adding that it should allow families to live safely, children to attend school, and communities to resolve disagreements without violence.
Laat Kon said voter registration allows citizens to participate equally in decisions about the country’s future.
“A vote is the one moment when a general and a farmer stand with equal weight: one person, one vote,” he said.
He urged youth and women to participate actively in the process and called for citizens in displacement camps and hard-to-reach areas to be included.
He also warned against intimidation, political manipulation, and the use of money to influence voters.
“Knowledge is powerful when you know your rights and when you know how voting works to choose wisely. Get ready to register,” he said.