By Yiep Joseph
The National Election Commission (NEC) has approved the voter registration form ahead of the December 22 general elections.
NEC Chairperson Gabriel Bol Deng announced the approval during a press briefing in Juba on Tuesday.
“The board approved the voter registration form, fulfilling a key legal and administrative requirement and confirming the commission’s readiness to conduct voter registration,” Deng said.
He said the decision allows the commission to prepare for the upcoming elections.
The NEC also approved new implementing regulations governing key aspects of the electoral process.
The approvals follow recent amendments to the National Elections Act, 2012, passed by Parliament.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit subsequently assented to the amended legislation, clearing the way for implementation.
The commission is now preparing for the voter registration exercise expected to precede the December polls.
The NEC previously said voter registration would be conducted manually, in person, and using paper forms. Information collected during registration will later be entered into the commission’s computer systems.
The original registration books will reportedly be preserved as official records for electoral verification; however, as of September 22, the NEC said voter registration had not yet officially started.
The commission warned against unofficial reports claiming that registration had already begun in some areas.
It said registration dates and locations would be announced through official NEC communication channels.
The commission has also been training officials responsible for managing voter registration across the country.
State High Elections Committees and Administrative Area representatives have received training on registration procedures.
The training also covered electoral laws and responsibilities during the registration exercise.
Meanwhile, the NEC has undergone a leadership transition ahead of the scheduled elections.
Bol Deng moved from secretary general to chairperson following his appointment to lead the commission.
Ahon Malou Lueth was appointed acting secretary general to maintain administrative and operational continuity.
Bol Deng said the leadership change would not disrupt preparations for the elections.
“Preparations are advancing, institutions are functioning, and the elections remain firmly on course,” he said.
The commission has promised regular media briefings to keep citizens informed about electoral preparations.
It has also urged political parties and civil society groups to support the electoral process.
Faith-based organisations, development partners, and citizens were similarly encouraged to participate constructively.
The December election is expected to be a major test for South Sudan’s political transition.
The country gained independence in 2011 but has yet to hold a general election since independence.
Previous elections have been repeatedly postponed during successive transitional arrangements and political negotiations.
The current transitional period has also faced delays in implementing several provisions of the peace agreement.
With December 22 approaching, voter registration remains a crucial stage in preparations for polling.
The NEC must also address logistics, voter education, staffing, and other operational requirements before election day.