Political leaders on Monday welcomed the launch of South Sudan’s nationwide civic and voter education campaign, describing it as a crucial step toward the country’s first general elections while calling for inclusive political dialogue, improved security and adequate funding to ensure a credible electoral process.
The reactions came after the National Elections Commission (NEC) officially launched civic and voter education in Juba as part of preparations for the Dec. 22 general elections.
Moro Genesio, leader of the South Sudan National Movement for Change (SSNMC), said the voter education programme was long overdue and should help citizens understand the electoral process ahead of polling day.
“This is a process that is overdue, and we applaud the efforts by the National Electoral Commission to ensure that this very vital component is undertaken as soon as possible,” he said, urging the commission to conduct the exercise effectively so people across the country understand the electoral process.
He said despite ongoing insecurity, displacement and humanitarian challenges, his party would participate in the elections because citizens deserve the opportunity to elect their leaders.
“We know there are a lot of conflicts still going on and also other natural disasters, but elections are a process,” he said. “We feel that we have to participate because when we have this, whether it is a good or bad election, then we will be able to work together to have the best election for everybody.”
“The most important thing is that as we embark on this election, the component of dialogue is very, very important. We need to continue to dialogue and bring those that still have an otherwise thought about the elections on board so that we move together,” Genesio added.
While acknowledging concerns over insecurity and limited funding, he said political parties should also play a role in educating their supporters rather than leaving the responsibility solely to the NEC.
“We should all be agents of change. We have to go to our various political parties and then reach out to our constituencies to tell them that there is a process,” he added.
Dr. Issa Muzamil Sebit Makilele, chairperson of the National Patriotic Movement (NPM), described the launch of civic and voter education as a historic moment for South Sudan.
“This is a very big step in the history of South Sudan. Since we got independence, such a thing has never happened,” he said, adding that although the exercise should have begun years earlier, “better late than never.”
Makelele urged South Sudanese to embrace the electoral process despite security challenges, saying elections remain a constitutional obligation of the government.
“Some parts of South Sudan are not secure or stable in terms of conflicts, but that does not rule out the chance of doing elections,” he said, while encouraging armed groups and political leaders with reservations about the polls to resolve their concerns through dialogue rather than disrupting the process.
He also appealed to the government to provide the National Elections Commission and the Political Parties Council with adequate funding to complete preparations before the December polls.
“My appeal to the current leaders in the government, including His Excellency the President, is that please leave a legacy which will be remembered by South Sudanese,” Makelele said. “Please make sure that the funding to the Electoral Commission as requested in their budget is given to them in time so that they can do a very fruitful and transparent electoral process.”
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