President Salva Kiir shakes hands with National Elections Commission Chairperson Prof. Abednego Akok Kachuol following their meeting at the State House. – Photo: Office of the President.

President Salva Kiir has directed the National Elections Commission to expedite preparations for the December 22 elections.

Kiir issued the directive after meeting the chairperson of the National Elections Commission, Prof. Abednego Akok Kachuol.

Prof. Akok briefed the President on the commission’s activities and assessment missions conducted across the 10 states and three administrative areas.

He said voter registration is expected to begin soon ahead of the December 22 polls.

Prof. Akok also urged all eligible South Sudanese to register and participate in the electoral process.

The elections commission chairperson said voter registration would mark a critical step towards the long-awaited elections and give citizens an opportunity to take part in determining the country’s political future.

In a statement issued by his office, President Kiir challenged the electoral body to ensure that all necessary preparations are in place to conduct elections that meet the expectations of the people of South Sudan.

The National Elections Commission recently launched a voter and civic education campaign in Juba to sensitise the public and educate voters about the electoral process.

The campaign is expected to prepare citizens for voter registration and promote their participation in the December 22 elections.