A delegation from the National Election Commission (NEC) have concluded a one-week benchmarking tour and peer exchange forum with Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of Kenya as part of their preparations for elections scheduled for 22nd December 2024.
The forum was opened by Arthur Osiya, the Principal Administrative Secretary Kenya’s Office of the President. Mr. Osiya underlined that an election is a matter of life and death and therefore EMBs should know that in delivering their mandate, they carry peoples’ ambitions, careers and lives. It is important for NEC to undertake its mandate and make South Sudan better after elections.
“Election officials from South Sudan should stick together by unity of purpose and have commitment to their country and not candidates. The weight you carry on your shoulders is enormous. Be firm and fair to ensure continuity of South Sudan,” said Osiya
The IEBC’s Secretary/CEO Marjan H. Marjan, said that Kenya continued to receive delegations from across the world, which is an endorsement of Kenya’s free, fair and transparent election processes.
“This peer exchange is meant to promote learning between Kenya and South Sudan EMBs. By the end of the exercise, Kenya and South Sudan EMBs will carry plates full of lessons back to our offices for adoption and implementation,” said Marjan.
Mr. Marjan observed that every successful venture must start with a well thought out plan. Elections planning in young democracies, especially in Africa, is a logistical nightmare. He advised that NEC must plan. Invest in the planning process every step of the upcoming election.
NEC’s Chief Electoral Officer, Honorable Mac Maika Deng, expressed his gratitude to the IEBC, Kenya School of Government (KSG) and Government of Kenya for hosting the delegation.
“We do not take for granted the hospitality and agreement by IEBC to meet and train our team on conducting elections successfully. Our NEC team was reconstituted in November 2023 and took oath of office in January 2024. Training is our top priority,” said the Honorable CEO.
