By Baraka John
The Western Equatoria State High Election Committee on Tuesday held a one-day stakeholders’ engagement workshop to strengthen collaboration and advance the electoral process in South Sudan.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders to discuss civic and voter education, citizen engagement, and citizens’ rights and responsibilities during elections.
Participants also explored ways to institutionalize civic engagement forums to ensure sustained public participation in electoral activities.
Speaking during the opening session, the Western Equatoria State chairperson of the election commission, Simon Mande Bakama, said elections remain the only legitimate means for the country to transition to a system chosen by its citizens.
“This is the only way we can push our country to another level through the election, you are a part of the 2018 peace agreement, at the end of the transitional period, the country is to go for elections”. Bakama stated, “Since then extension has been taking place, and I am pleased to inform you that this time the government is committed to see that this country transit from the situation where we are now to a situation of peace and socio-economic development”.
The initiative aligns with the mandate of the South Sudan National Elections Commission to promote civic education under the provisions of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (RARCSS), which emphasizes public awareness and active citizen participation in democratic processes.
Legal frameworks such as the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan and the National Elections Act of South Sudan also underscore the importance of civic awareness and encourage citizens to take part in the electoral process.
The Western Equatoria State Deputy Governor, Justin Joseph Marona, described elections as a critical exercise for the country.
He said elections are a fundamental right of citizens and an essential element in stabilizing governance and addressing national challenges.
Marona explained that elections represent a social contract between citizens and leaders through the voluntary transfer of power by democratic means. However, he noted that many South Sudanese have yet to fully exercise their right to participate in elections.
“With these few months ahead of us, it is very important for the Election Commission for Western Equatoria to be supported by the government. Because the majority of the voters are going to be young people who do not anything about elections.” Marona lamented, “As a government, we will work tirelessly to ensure that security is being managed for the safety of our people to be ascertained”.
The deputy governor assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to supporting the commission in delivering credible elections.
He stressed the importance of reconciliation among communities ahead of the elections, saying peaceful relations are vital for a productive and credible electoral process.
A representative from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), human rights officer Opubo Melford Goodhead, said the mission will support the creation of a secure and enabling environment for elections.
He noted that UNMISS will monitor and report on political, security, and human rights developments related to the electoral process.
He said UNMISS, through the United Nations Integrated Electoral Assistance Team (IEAT), will provide technical support by organizing capacity-building activities for stakeholders and local communities, strengthening coordination with national authorities, and encouraging local ownership of the electoral process to ensure its success.