By Lodu William Odiya
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to holding the country’s general elections as scheduled in December.
According to the presidential press unit, the head of state insisted that the challenges facing the country should not stand in the way of citizens exercising their democratic right to choose their leaders.
President Kiir, while speaking during the swearing-in of three newly appointed members of the National Elections Commission, placed renewed focus on preparations for the long-awaited polls as the nation approaches the anticipated election period.
The newly sworn-in officials are Mary Ajith, the Chief Electoral Officer, and commissioners Karlo Arigo Wani and Mary Agol John.
“The financial constraints should not be used as a reason to deny the citizens the opportunity to elect their leaders through a democratic process,” Kiir said in the statement.
The President tasked the National Elections Commission with preparing the country for the elections, urging the newly appointed officials to work diligently to fulfill their responsibilities.
For the new officials, the task ahead would require coordination, planning and a commitment to delivering on the commission’s mandate.
They pledged to dedicate themselves to the responsibilities entrusted to them, expressing readiness to carry out their duties in a bid to meet the expectations of the people.
For the citizens, the elections represent an opportunity to participate in choosing the country’s leadership, making the commission’s work and the government’s next steps central to the path ahead.