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South Sudan election commission receives funding ahead of December polls

Prof. Abednego Akok Kacuol, the chairman of the South Sudan Nation Elections Commission. (Screengrab)

By Bashir Mohammed | Wednesday, April 10, 2024

The United Nations reports that South Sudan will hold general elections in December 2024, signalling the conclusion of a transitional period that followed a bloody civil war.

The National Elections Commission (NEC) has received 22 billion South Sudanese pounds (Sh1,832, 235, 020) from the government to commence electoral activities ahead of the December 2024 nationwide polls.

South Sudan gained independence in 2011, and after a civil war ended in 2018, elections were initially planned for early 2023.

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However, the transitional government and opposition groups agreed to postpone the elections until December 2024 to ensure a successful transition and implementation of the peace agreement's provisions, including the formation of a unified army and the establishment of key institutions and legal frameworks.

According to George Lemi Stans Yata, the Spokesperson of the NEC, the funds were received on April 2 and will be used for pre-electoral activities, including addressing the status of the NEC headquarters in Juba, restructuring state offices, and procuring vehicles for electoral commissioners across the country.

Professor Abednego Akok, Chairperson of the NEC, announced that the commission had deployed officers nationwide and acquired vehicles to enhance mobility.

He also confirmed that the government has released funds to initiate the electoral process.

Additionally, the NEC has prepared a draft calendar, subject to stakeholder approval, that plans to commence voter registration in June.

“This is the second day of my declaration of civic education, which is our priority. We want to inform the public that the elections are a reality, and we are committed to conducting a free and fair process," Prof. Akok said.

Since its reconstitution in November 2023, the NEC has been the second electoral institution to receive government funding. Last week, the government also provided funding to the Political Parties Council, though they did not disclose the amount.

The United Nations reports that South Sudan will hold general elections in December 2024, signalling the conclusion of a transitional period that followed a bloody civil war.

The conflict began in 2013 due to a political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his then-deputy, Riek Machar, and has claimed approximately 400,000 lives.