KUAJOK, Warrap State, 21 July 2026 – The National Elections Commission has officially launched a civic and voter education campaign in Kuajok, Warrap State, to prepare citizens for the upcoming December general elections.
The campaign aims to educate voters on their rights, responsibilities, the importance of voting, and peaceful participation in the democratic process.
The launch was attended by the Deputy Governor of Warrap State, the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly, advisers, ministers, members of parliament, and chairpersons and members of independent commissions.
Speaking during the launch, the Chairperson of the Warrap State High Elections Committee, Jacob Anei, said elections give citizens the power to peacefully choose their leaders.
“Civic education is the foundation of democracy,” he said. “It reminds us that power belongs to the people, and elections are the only peaceful means to choose leaders and transfer power.”
He said the Transitional Constitution, the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan and the National Elections Act 2012 (Amendment) Act 2023 mandate the Commission to conduct free, fair and credible elections before the end of the transitional period. The Commission, he said, is an independent body with a clear structure running from its national leadership down to the State High Elections Committees.
Setting out the messages the campaign will carry, Anei told the gathering that a vote is a voice and a stake in the future, that the ballot is one person to one vote, and that voters should not sell their votes. Women have equal rights to vote, to lead and to participate fully in political life, he said, young people are important democratic actors, and persons with disabilities must not be left behind because elections must be accessible to all.
He also urged citizens not to spread rumours and to verify election information before passing it on, saying the public should rely on official announcements from the Commission, on accredited media and on lawful authorities.
Warrap State Cabinet Affairs Minister Hon. Philip Saferino Bazia praised the initiative, expressing confidence that the elections will be free, fair and credible.
Information Minister William Wol Mayom said voter awareness messages will also be aired daily on radio stations across Warrap State to ensure the public is well informed before the election date.
The ceremony also heard from representatives of the youth union, the women’s union and civil society, and from the secretariats of the political parties. Hon. Bair Bair spoke for the SPLM, Hon. Mark Anei for the SPLM-IO, Hon. Maper Mayom for National Agenda, Hon. Simon Yai for the Other Political Parties and Hon. Richard Kuot for the South Sudan Opposition Alliance. Representatives of the independent commissions and of the state ministers also addressed the gathering, as did the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly.
Closing remarks were delivered by the Acting Governor. The programme, which opened and closed with prayers led by faith representatives, was run by the State High Elections Committee with the state Ministry of Information.