By Sabri Dibaco
The National Elections Commission (NEC) has called for stronger cooperation with media practitioners to ensure citizens receive accurate and timely information about the electoral process ahead of South Sudan’s planned elections.
NEC Spokesperson George Lemi said the media has a critical role in informing and educating citizens, including encouraging them to register and participate in voting.
During a media engagement in Juba with journalists, George Lemi thanked journalists for their participation and commitment to strengthening the electoral process.
“The media is not merely a reporter of elections. You are a strong strategic partner in informing, educating, and connecting citizens with the electoral process,” Lemi said.
The Commission called for continuous collaboration with journalists before, during, and after the elections, stressing the importance of maintaining public access to reliable electoral information.
It is also committed to providing timely and accurate information, maintaining open communication, and facilitating journalists’ access to electoral processes and information.
In return, the Commission urged media practitioners to uphold accuracy, fairness, professionalism, and responsible reporting, particularly when covering sensitive electoral issues.
“In return, we encourage journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness, professionalism, and responsible reporting, particularly when dealing with sensitive electoral matters,” Lemi stated.
The Commission said the engagement should mark the beginning of a stronger partnership between the electoral body and the media, built on trust, transparency, and shared responsibility to the people of South Sudan.
The meeting comes as South Sudan prepares for its planned elections, making public awareness and access to credible information important for voter participation and confidence in the electoral process.
The Commission’s appeal highlights the media’s responsibility to help citizens understand electoral procedures and make informed decisions while ensuring that election-related reporting remains factual, balanced, and free from misinformation.
The date of the elections and other key electoral arrangements were not specified in the remarks provided.