Sixteen election returning officers from across Western Equatoria State on Tuesday completed a two-day training-of-trainers exercise organized by the State High Elections Committee (SHEC) ahead of South Sudan’s anticipated December 2026 elections.
The training, held at the SHEC office in Yambio, aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to train election registrars and other electoral personnel across the state.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Simon Sarawasi, SHEC Spokesperson for Western Equatoria State, said the participants were selected from the state’s ten counties, representing eight national geographical constituencies.
“The training covered ten sessions, including seven guiding principles that will guide election officials in carrying out their responsibilities professionally, transparently and accountably,” he said.
He added that participants had also received training on 71 electoral forms and urged them to study their manuals and presentation materials, which would be shared through email and WhatsApp, to strengthen their understanding and improve coordination during electoral activities.
Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Justin Noah, who represented Mundri East and Mundri West, commended SHEC and the facilitators for organizing the workshop.
“The training has strengthened our understanding of our roles and responsibilities,” he stated. “We are now better prepared to pass on the knowledge gained when training election registrars in our respective areas.”
He encouraged fellow participants to apply the knowledge acquired and work together to ensure effective implementation of their electoral responsibilities.
Meanwhile, Mboriundo Margret, a female Returning Officer from Nzara County, thanked the selection committee for giving her and other participants the opportunity to attend the training.
“I appreciate the opportunity given to us to participate in this training. I also encourage civil society and community-based organizations to advocate for greater female representation in future electoral training programmes,” she said.
She also welcomed the provision of training manuals, saying the materials would help participants review the lessons, strengthen their knowledge and prepare for their assignments.
In his closing directives, Simon Bakama, Chairperson of SHEC in Western Equatoria State, instructed the 16 trained officials to return to their respective counties on Wednesday and organise further two-day training sessions for key personnel at voter registration centres.
Bakama said the training would target four key personnel at each center: The Centre Supervisor, Assistant Centre Supervisor, and two Voter Registration Officers.
He added that laminating officers and observers would also receive guidance on their respective responsibilities and emphasized the importance of completing electoral forms accurately and consistently in accordance with established procedures.
The 16 returning officers are expected to train election registrars and other relevant electoral personnel as preparations continue for South Sudan’s anticipated December 22, 2026 elections.
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