Thirty stakeholders, including representatives of civil society, youth groups, women and persons with disabilities, participated in a one-day civic education and electoral preparedness training in Yei River County on Wednesday as South Sudan gears up for elections scheduled for December.
The training, supported by the United Nations Integrated Electoral Assistance Team, sought to enhance public understanding of electoral processes and promote informed participation in the country’s anticipated polls.
Modi Arkangelo, chairperson of the Civil Society Forum and a co-facilitator of the training, said civic education plays a critical role in preparing citizens to participate meaningfully in democratic processes.
“One of the main objectives of this training is to strengthen communities’ understanding of civic responsibility and political participation,” Arkangelo said.
“Citizens need to understand their rights and how they can engage in the electoral process. They must recognize that electing leaders is their responsibility and that everyone should participate fully and inclusively.”
Participants welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely effort to equip citizens with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions ahead of the elections.
Loduwe Richard, one of the participants, said the training had enhanced his understanding of civic responsibility and the role of young people in shaping the country’s future.
“This training has helped us appreciate the importance of civic responsibility in the upcoming elections,” Richard said. “It empowers young people to take part in decision making and gives us a better understanding of the kind of leadership and governance we want for our country.”
Alice Siama, chairperson of the Women’s Association in Yei River County, said civic education enables citizens to understand and exercise their electoral rights effectively.
She welcomed the government’s commitment to hold elections this year, saying the process would provide citizens with an opportunity to choose leaders and hold them accountable for service delivery.
“Elections are important because they allow citizens to elect leaders of their choice and hold them accountable,” Siama said. “We encourage South Sudanese to uphold peace, unity and mutual respect throughout the electoral period.”
South Sudan’s transitional government has announced plans to hold elections in December this year.
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