National Elections Commission Launches Nationwide Civic and Voter Education Campaign

Guya Scopas Bethuel 

The National Elections Commission (NEC) has officially launched its nationwide Civic and Voter Education Campaign with a colourful road show through the major streets of Juba, marking the beginning of a public awareness drive ahead of South Sudan’s anticipated elections.

The campaign commenced from the NEC headquarters at Midan Rainbow, where commissioners, NEC staff, media practitioners and supporters gathered before the convoy set off to engage the public on the importance of civic participation and voter education.

Addressing journalists and participants before the road show, the Secretary General of the National Elections Commission, Gabriel Bol Deng, described the occasion as a historic milestone in South Sudan’s democratic journey.

“Today is a historic day,” Deng said. “It is a day that we are marching to democracy.”

He urged South Sudanese, particularly young people, to embrace their civic responsibility by participating in the electoral process and helping build a democratic nation through peaceful elections.

“I want each one of you to do your democratic duty, your patriotic duty,” he said, emphasizing that every eligible citizen has a role to play in shaping the country’s future.

Deng reflected on South Sudan’s long struggle for self-determination and democracy, saying generations of South Sudanese had sacrificed for the right to govern themselves through democratic institutions.

He noted that the civic and voter education campaign coincides with the commemoration of Martyrs’ Week, paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom.

“The sacrifices of our martyrs will not be in vain,” he said. “Let us celebrate today and tomorrow by fulfilling our democratic duty.”

The NEC Secretary General reaffirmed the Commission’s constitutional mandate to organize credible elections and facilitate peaceful transfers of political power through the ballot box.

“We are the only institution mandated to ensure that power is regulated through votes, not through bullets,” Deng stated. “This is the journey that we have begun.”

The launch featured a road show that traversed the central streets of Juba, drawing public attention through music, public announcements and civic education messages encouraging citizens to participate in the electoral process.

The awareness campaign continues tomorrow morning, with the road show expected to cover the northern and western parts of Juba City before returning to Midan Rainbow, the NEC headquarters, where a major public gathering will be held.

The event is expected to bring together voters, political leaders, government officials, development partners and other stakeholders in support of civic and voter education ahead of the country’s elections. President Salva Kiir Mayardit is expected to attend the official gathering.

The nationwide campaign aims to educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities, promote peaceful participation in elections, and encourage informed decision-making at the ballot box as South Sudan prepares for one of the most significant democratic exercises in its history.

NEC officials say similar civic and voter education activities will be rolled out across the country to ensure citizens understand the electoral process and actively participate in building a peaceful and democratic South Sudan.