New NEC chair pledges neutrality ahead of December elections

The newly appointed Chairperson of South Sudan’s National Elections Commission has pledged to maintain neutrality as the country prepares for its first general elections since gaining independence in 2011.

Gabriel Bol Deng says the electoral body will not favor any political party or tribe, but will instead prioritize the national interest and the will of the people ahead of the December 22 elections.

He spoke on Monday during his reception into office in Juba.

“I want to tell the people of South Sudan that, first of all, the NEC is a color-blind institution. It doesn’t see color, it doesn’t see tribe, and we don’t see the color of any political party. We only see the Republic of South Sudan, and we only believe in the interest of our citizens,”

Deng also pledged that the commission will conduct its work with impartiality and transparency.

He assured citizens that the NEC will uphold their electoral rights as they prepare to vote for the president, mayors and members of parliament on December 22.

Deng was sworn in on Monday as the second Chairperson of the National Elections Commission.

His appointment comes as the NEC intensifies preparations for the December polls.

Deng replaced Professor Abednego Akok Kacuol, who was removed as commission chairperson by President Salva Kiir on September 15.

The leadership change comes three months before the scheduled elections, amid concerns over funding and other logistical challenges facing the electoral process.

The commission has continued with voter and civic education activities as part of preparations for the December 22 polls.

Deng’s pledge of neutrality comes as political parties, civil society groups and voters look to the electoral body to ensure a credible and inclusive electoral process.