NEC delivers voter registration materials to Central Equatoria

South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) has handed over the first batch of voter registration materials to the Central Equatoria High Elections Committee ahead of the planned national elections.

The materials include voter registration forms, supplementary forms, laminating machines and reflective jackets.

The handover follows an announcement in October that voter registration for the upcoming elections is expected to begin in early November.

Speaking to journalists at the Central Equatoria High Elections Committee headquarters, NEC Chairperson Gabriel Bol Deng described the handover as an important step towards democratic governance and public participation in the electoral process.

“Today’s delivery of the first batch of registration books and forms by the National Election Commission to Central Equatorial State High Election Committee marks an important step in South Sudan’s journey toward democratic governance and the exercise of citizen constitutional rights,” Deng said.

He said voter registration would give eligible citizens an opportunity to participate in deciding the country’s leadership and future.

Meanwhile, Central Equatoria High Elections Committee Chairperson Alphayo Philip Lako urged eligible citizens, including women, youth, older people and persons with disabilities, to register once the exercise begins.

“I urge everyone, women, men, older adults, eligible youth, and persons with disabilities to participate in large numbers when voter registration opens. Big registration is indicating successful elections, so please don’t hesitate to register,” Lako said.

He added that voter registration was an important step towards holding the scheduled elections and enabling citizens to choose their leaders.

The National Elections Commission also announced that the distribution of voter registration materials to the remaining nine states and three administrative areas would begin soon.